Calling it a “once in a lifetime event,” Burien’s Kennedy Catholic High School announced Monday that it has canceled school this Wednesday (Feb. 5) so students can celebrate the Seattle Seahawks at their Super Bowl parade in downtown Seattle.
Here’s the full text of an email sent out by school President Mike Prato:
“Wednesday, Feb 5 will be a day to celebrate the role of the 12th MAN and our Seahawks victory. Kennedy Catholic will not be in session to allow parents, students and staff to attend the celebration parade in downtown Seattle. This is an opportunity for the Kennedy Catholic community to create lasting memories for this once in a lifetime event.
During lunches today, we will be capturing our student body and staff in Seahawks gear, which will be posted on Facebook and sent to our close friends at Seahawks headquarters.
Mr. Prato
President”
In contrast, both the Highline and Seattle School Districts will NOT be closing Wednesday.
Here’s a statement from Dr. Susan Enfield:
“Highline will celebrate the Seattle Seahawks and their victory at Super Bowl XLVIII on Wednesday.
Superintendent Susan Enfield named February 5 Blue Wednesday across the district.
‘Super Bowl Sunday was a great day for all of us who live in the area and support our Seahawks,’ said Enfield. ‘I know many of you would love to be cheering for them on their parade route Wednesday, but since it is a school day let’s show our spirit and pride right here in Highline.’”
And here’s a statement released by Seattle Schools Superintendent José Banda:
“We have received questions about the parade on Wednesday, which starts at 11 a.m. Seattle Public Schools will not close or dismiss school early because of the parade. Parents who wish to take their students out of school can, but per state regulation, it will be treated as an unexcused absence. While we support the team, academics must come first and it’s important not to lose a day in the classroom.
We know this is a historical event for our community and we also know that for many of our students, their school community is a place where they will celebrate and come together to talk about pride, sportsmanship and teamwork. We encourage our students and staff to wear blue on Wednesday in honor of the Seahawks.”