Schools

Senior Tunnel Tradition Will Continue at Swampscott High

The opening day tunnel raised concerns last year after accusations of inappropriate behavior by seniors. The superintendent said on Wednesday that a plan is being developed to make sure students are safe.

 

The principal has decided to continue the senior tunnel tradition, the superintendent told School Committee members on Wednesday.

The tunnel is two lines of seniors who "welcome" to school on the first day underclassmen who choose to walk between the lines.

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In the past the welcome has included chanting, yelling, blowing noise makers and spraying silly string.

And some people said last year's ceremonial entrance included inappropriate touching and the presence of a paddle.  

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The superintendent said at the time that an investigation only turned up evidence that someone had a paddle.

On Wednesday, Superintendent Lynne Celli said that the tradition will continue but a plan will be in place to make sure nothing inappropriate takes place. 

But committee member Jaren Landen wanted to know why it was going to continue.

The superintendent said that High School Principal Layne Millington had met with school administrators and others and they recommended that the the tunnel was a tradition worthy of continuing with the appropriate safeguards in place.

Patch will report the contents of the plan when they are made available.

 


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