June can feel like a whirlwind, with milestone moments like graduation and the end of school.
It’s an emotional time — complicated with many logistics!
Here are some tips to ensure that June is as sunny as the moments that mark it:
Rye High School Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Nugent Stadium. Parents start to arrive about an hour early to get a decent seat on the bleachers (some parents arrive five hours early, leave towels on seats, and come back later). Those bleachers are made of cement, so bring a seat cushion. You might also bring a small umbrella. And maybe some tissues.
How to dress: Male graduates wear an odd combination of comfy clothes and polo shirts under their robes mixed with white socks and dress shoes, slides, or whatever they want. Most girls wear dresses and comfortable chunky sandals. For you? Definitely wear comfortable shoes and remember you’ll be sitting on cement bleachers! Keep the graduates’ colors in mind (black robes with a red sash) when picking your outfit.
It can get very hot, but there’s good news! At recent high school graduations, cold water bottles were available for families while large fans blew cool breezes on the attendees.
The Middle School Moving Up Ceremony is in the Rye High School gym at 9:30 a.m. on June 24. The gym is typically very hot so bring water. And again, don’t forget the tissues. When I went, I got choked up when a student sang the Natasha Bedingfield song “Unwritten.” The emotion caught me off guard!
How to dress: Many girls wear white dresses, boys don polos and khakis. For you: Keep in mind the heat and wear light clothing.
For the younger kids? The same advice applies — arrive early, dress comfortably, and bring tissues. Pomp and Circumstance is enough to get tears flowing.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate
For high school grads, opt for lunch before the ceremony — local spots like Ruby’s, Aurora, and Rye Grill & Bar book up fast, so make a reservation ASAP. Some families wait and host a brunch or backyard celebration the next day. Others wait a week or two to avoid overlapping parties with their kids’ friends.
Younger grads often head to lunch after their ceremonies — think outdoor dining at a beach club, Barley Beach House, or a low-key party with friends at home.
Gifts for Kids’ Friends
Consider a personalized sign from hometownlove (hometownlove10580@gmail.com), owned by two Rye moms, Therese Karl and Dawn Pineault. They specialize in hand-painted wood signs, which are perfect for a high schooler going off to college.
You can also find lots of Rye gear at Rye Beach Pharmacy, The Rye Historical Society, and all the shops on Purchase Street.
What about the parents?
If you’re about to send a child off to college, you are not alone. Rye is full of parents wondering, “What now?” Some of these ideas might help:
Make plans with friends who’ve been through it: Walking, talking, or even maybe laughing about how clean the house is can be helpful. And don’t worry, they’ll come home a lot and mess things up again.
Buy yourself a pair of sunglasses: They make you look chic and hide a tear if one comes on suddenly.
Explore a new grocery store: When my oldest left for college, I’d get sad at the grocery store when I’d go to pick up his favorite food and realize he was gone. A new store kept me inspired by offering different products. If you’re a Whole Foods regular, try Wegman’s or Trader Joe’s. There are lots of choices.
Host a Separation Celebration: In the fall, invite the parents of your child’s classmates for a celebration of the new circumstances you’re living. Whether you gather for dinner or breakfast, there’s strength in community.
Schedule a FaceTime. FaceTime with your freshman and you might be surprised that your kid misses you too.
