Commencement 2021 FAQ
Bridgton Academy Commencement Exercises FAQ
May 8th, 2021
Ellis Fisher Field, Bridgton Academy
11:00 a.m.
Bridgton Academy’s Commencement Exercises will be a private, ticketed event. We invite any non-ticketed guests to tune in to our ceremony by clicking here.
Where will Commencement be held?
The Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2021 will be held on Ellis Fisher Field on upper campus at Bridgton Academy. This event is outdoors; please be prepared for spring weather in Maine, which can range from warm and sunny to chilly and wet. Bring a rain jacket and umbrella in case of a passing shower.
What about inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather significant enough to impact the functioning of our audio/visual equipment and/or disrupt the experience of our families, we will postpone the event until later in the day.
Can a student have guests at the ceremony?
Each student will be given two tickets to allow guests to view Commencement in-person. Additional guests are not permitted on campus. Please note that the two individuals selected to attend Commencement will also be the same individuals helping to move the student out after the ceremony.
How will you identify who gets tickets?
Students have provided names and contact information for each identified guest. Those individuals indicated on his form will be emailed an invitation that they will need to have with them the morning of Commencement (either printed or in digital format.)
Will there be extra tickets available?
No. Two tickets per student is what we can allow to maintain a safe event for our guests, as well as our students, faculty and staff.
If I am fully vaccinated, can I get extra tickets?
The two guest limit is applicable regardless of vaccination status.
Can a young child attend without a ticket?
No. A young child who is not a part of your son’s two guest limit cannot attend without use of a ticket.
Where should I park?
All cars will park on upper campus and should plan to arrive at Hancock Drive entrance (which is the entrance to the athletic fields and Memorial Gymnasium). We will have further details on parking as we get closer to the event, as well as ample personnel to help facilitate parking on the day of the event.
Will there be parking and/or seating for those who may have challenges with mobility?
Yes, we will have designated parking and a viewing area for those who need it. Please let us know in advance if that is the case for someone in your party of two.
Can more than two of us come to campus?
For the health and safety of all guests, we ask that no more than two guests come to campus. We also ask that guests refrain from bringing pets to campus unless you are accompanied by a service dog.
How will my student move out?
At the completion of Commencement, students will return to their dorms and move out of their rooms. Only students will be allowed in the dorm, family and caregivers will be asked to stay in their cars except for helping to load the vehicle.
Where do I check-in for Commencement and how will I know where to sit?
The registration area for Commencement will be located adjacent to the Goldsmith Dining Hall. On the day of Commencement, we will begin registering and seating families at 10:15 AM. If you arrive prior to 10:15, we ask that you please remain in your vehicle until the check-in area is open. Once you have checked in, staff will usher you to your designated seating area.
What about livestreaming for families unable to attend?
Family members who are unable to attend the event in person will be able to livestream it. The livestream is available here.
Can I take pictures by the stage?
Guests of the event need to remain in their seats. Bridgton Academy has hired a professional photographer for this event who will take a variety of shots including a photo of each student with his diploma. Bridgton Academy will provide access to all commencement photos following the event.
Can I arrive early to pack up my student?
Given the very tight schedule on the morning of commencement, as well as for the health and safety of the community, we ask that families proceed directly to the location of the ceremony prior to commencement. Dorms will not be accessible prior to the event.
What restrooms on campus will be available?
We will have restrooms available for guests in the Chalmers Ice Arena, located adjacent to Ellis Fisher Field. Per Maine CDC guidelines, restrooms will be designated based on the cohort you are seated with. Staff will be available to direct you to restroom facilities.
Will the school store be open?
The school store will have a shopping space set up near all the festivities.
What time does the campus close for move out?
Campus officially closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8th.
What if we need to make a change to the registered guest?
If your son needs to make a change to his registered guests, please ask him to contact Mrs. Cross at (207) 647-3322, ext. 1229 or by emailing mcross@bridgtonacademy.org.
Are masks required on campus since we are outside?
All students, guests, and faculty are required to be masked at Commencement.
What are the current travel restrictions for the State of Maine?
To view the current travel guidelines for those visiting Maine from out of state, please click here: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/keepmainehealthy/faqs.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are gathered. By visiting Bridgton Academy, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
If you have additional questions in regards to Commencement or the move out process, please contact Lee Jatkevicius at (207) 647-3322, ext. 1289.
