Conestoga Valley School District issued the following announcement.
Class of 2020 and families – I have received numerous emails from parents of seniors regarding graduation plans for this year’s graduating class. I can tell you that we are all on the same page – we all want to recognize these amazing young men and women; and we all want to do it in a manner that is safe for all involved, both for the graduates and their families, and for the faculty and staff of CV. Believe me when I say that I hear, understand and appreciate your concerns (and your support)! Rather than email a reply to each of you individually, please accept this correspondence between the class officers and myself as my response. (I added the bold to parts of my response; it was not bolded in the original response to the class leaders.)
I have asked for, and we are practicing, patience, grace, flexibility, and understanding. I am confident that we will implement a recognition for our graduates that will be memorable! Details will be forthcoming! Thank you for supporting the Class of 2020! - Dr Z
From: JAMIE GLICK (STUDENT)
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 8:08 AM
Subject: Commencement Concerns
Dear Dr. Zuilkoski and Board members,
We are aware there will be decisions made soon regarding graduation and other school related issues. On behalf of the senior class, we as the senior class officers want to inform you all of our concerns for the May festivities, but most importantly our willingness to communicate and work together to find a solution.
The class’s biggest concern is about commencement. We are willing to do whatever is necessary to put together a commencement ceremony later in the year, if the state permits it. We don’t see an issue in holding a different type of graduation at a later date, keeping our social distance. We understand not every student may participate, but it is better than our last resort of doing it virtual.
We want to help however we can, just please let us know. Thank you for your consideration and time.
We also have created a Class of 2020 Instagram page to help bring up morale, and find a way to unite the class during these tough times.
Your 2020 Class Officers,
Simonne Legette - President
Jamie Glick - Vice President
Nina Kramer - Secretary
Mary Lefever - Treasurer
From: Dave Zuilkoski
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 12:14 PM
Subject: RE: Commencement Concerns
Jamie, Nina, Mary and Simonne - Thanks for reaching out to me. I appreciate the impact that this pandemic is having on everyone, and also realize the impact it is having on the Class of 2020. This is definitely not what we were planning back in August! Like you, I am watching the news wondering when this will end. We have kept our reservation at the church on the 29th in the unlikely case that life returns to normal by then. If we are not able to hold graduation in the church, they have been developing an alternative way to celebrate the Class of 2020. We are working on combining virtual and in-person components of a graduation ceremony, as health guidelines will support, and are also looking at a Class of 2020 Celebration to be held later in the summer (?) after health restrictions are lifted.
This is unchartered waters for all of us. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to keep everyone safe. Much of what we can, or can’t do, will depend on the situation at the time. Here’s where I’ll need your help. Please spread the word that (1) we’re working to get you graduating on time - May 29; (2) graduation will more than likely look different; (3) completely virtual is not an option we are considering; (4) we will do everything we can to preserve as many of the traditions as we can; and (5) along with the input of the Class of 2020 officers, will be looking to plan a Class of 2020 Celebration later in the summer (?) after health restrictions are lifted.
Thanks for being awesome! - Dr Z
Original source can be found here.
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