Seattle Public Schools to Stay Open on Seahawks Parade Day, No Excused Absences
No excuses, Seattle kids, stay in school. The city is abuzz with excitement as the Seattle Seahawks, champions of Super Bowl LX, prepare to celebrate their victory with a parade on Wednesday, February 11th. But here's the twist: Seattle Public Schools have announced that schools will remain open, and parade attendance will not be considered an excused absence.
In a statement, the district's chief operating officer, Fred Podesta, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, safety, and continuity for students. He noted that the early-release schedule will proceed as usual, with schools releasing students at 1:10 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
This decision comes in contrast to other years when multiple schools and districts closed on Super Bowl parade days for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks' victory over the New England Patriots, 29-13, on Sunday in Santa Clara, California, marked their second Super Bowl win, with running back Kenneth Walker III named the Super Bowl MVP.
The Seahawks World Champions Parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. PT on Wednesday, starting with a trophy celebration at Lumen Field, followed by a parade along 4th Ave. in downtown Seattle at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and free, but tickets are required.
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson expressed her enthusiasm, stating, 'This year's Seahawks team brought all of Seattle together with the strongest, loudest, and most united spirit I've ever seen. And they delivered in historic fashion, bringing a second Lombardi Trophy home to Seattle. Now it's time to celebrate. I encourage everyone to come out and join the celebration responsibly, together, and with pride.'
While some may view this decision as controversial, Podesta's emphasis on stability and continuity for students is a valid concern. The question remains: How will this impact student attendance and engagement during the parade? It's a thought-provoking topic that invites discussion and encourages readers to share their opinions in the comments.
