The dog ate my homework. The printer ran out of ink. The folder was forgotten at home. The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade is today.
Excuses are plentiful in schools, but most of them never work. For the students of Seattle Public Schools District, not even a Super Bowl parade will be enough to get an excused absence. The district announced on Feb. 9 that class would still be in session on Feb. 11 – the day that Seattle celebrates the second Super Bowl win in Seahawks’ franchise history.
‘As the city plans celebrations, including a victory parade planned for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., we want families to know that Seattle Public Schools will remain open with the normal early-release Wednesday schedule,’ Fred Podesta, chief operations officer, said in a statement.
‘Keeping schools open is an important part of maintaining stability, safety, and continuity for our students. For many families, schools provide not only learning, but also meals, transportation, specialized services, and trusted routines. Remaining open allows us to support students’ academic progress while ensuring essential services continue for those who rely on them.’
Podesta noted in the release that absences would not be excused for the parade, but families are encouraged to do what works best for them.
The district’s early release schedule ranges from 1:10 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time, according to the bell schedule. Seattle Public Schools District includes elementary, K-8, middle schools and high schools.
Even with the early release, students and staff will miss all the festivities in downtown Seattle, which will begin with a trophy celebration at Lumen Field at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) before the parade gets started at 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET).
Neighboring school districts, Tacoma Public Schools and Lake Washington School District, followed the Seattle’s lead, announcing that they would operate on a normal schedule, according to NBC King 5.
Seattle estimates that between 750,000 and one million people will attend the event.
The Seahawks announced on Feb. 9 that the team’s Super Bowl parade would be on Feb. 11, just three days after they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, 29-13.