Class of 2020 Graduation Plans
Principal: Sabin Loveland Assistant Principal: Charles Rowland Dear Families of the Class of 2020, I would like to thank you for all your feedback and support over the past few weeks. The amount of ideas I have received from students, parents, staff and community members has been extremely helpful in our planning. I also am grateful for all the assistance we have received from local community based partners in their effort to assist in making the 2020 Commencement Ceremony as special as possible. In particular, I would like to thank the PTO, Safe Grad Committee, Litchfield Hills Photography, All Star Transportation, and the Goshen Fairgrounds for all their support. As part of our Class of 2020 Commencement Exercises, we will be producing a virtual ceremony. This virtual graduation ceremony will be a professionally produced movie which we will air through a link on our website on June 15, time to be determined. This movie will be yours to keep. Families may download the movie onto their devices, thumb drives or DVD. The movie will consist of all the components of our traditional ceremony as detailed below:
There will be more information shared on Friday, May 22 about the details of an in-person ceremony which will occur on June 15 after the release of the virtual ceremony. In order to make all of this happen, we will need to capture some student video footage and photography, which will be challenging due to social distancing guidelines. However, we have developed a plan that will allow for this to be accomplished. On Friday, May 29, we will ask every senior to come to Wamogo. In order to be in compliance with social distancing guidelines, we have a schedule of time slots when students will be scheduled to arrive. Students will be accompanied by a staff member in groups of no more than 4 to complete 4 stations. The 4 stations are outlined below: Station 1: Students will report to the auditorium lobby where they will receive directions on the filming that will happen in Station 2. This will ensure the filming goes smoothly and we stay on schedule. Station 2: Students will individually be recorded walking down the aisle of the auditorium, which is what we will use for the processional. Next, they will walk across the stage and receive their diploma cover from me, Superintendent Leone and Board Chair Heather Connor. Students will then have a close up video taken of them turning their tassel which will be used when diplomas are conferred. Station 3: Students will report to the small gym to have their picture taken by Litchfield Hills Photography. This picture will be used in the in-person part of the graduation ceremony. Station 4: Students will finish by meeting with Mrs. Rodger to hand in any textbook, device or other obligation that they no longer need. They may still need such supplies so there will be another opportunity for them to do this on June 15 when they receive their actual diplomas. They may also pick up any personal belongings they have at Wamogo should they have the need to do so. We ask that students wear masks during these stations, except for station 2 when they are being filmed. We also ask that students not use this as an opportunity to socialize. While it may be tempting to say hello to friends and staff, we need to be sure to abide by all social distancing guidelines in order to ensure the safety of all involved. Students should wear the cap and gown for all stations and dress appropriately based on how they would want to appear for their graduation ceremony (i.e. dress shirt and tie, dress, heels, etc.). Students are encouraged to pick up their cap and gown tomorrow or Friday in order to ensure that it is wrinkle free. Please be careful with the methods used to remove wrinkles from the gowns, as the fabric is very light and sensitive to extreme heat. It is expected that most students will only be at Wamogo for about 45 minutes to complete these stations. I will send out a detailed schedule of when each student needs to appear on Friday, May 22. However, students should reserve time on Friday, May 29 to ensure they will be able to attend for filming as there will not be another opportunity to do so. Since I have received some questions about graduation requirements with regards to community service, I wanted to address this topic with everyone. In light of the social distancing restrictions, we will be waiving the requirement for community service hours. However, I commend students that were able to complete all their service hours. I have also received questions about yearbooks. Yearbooks for seniors will be handed out at the in-person ceremony. Without question, the most special moment of the year is celebrating the success of our graduates and we will not rest until that mission is complete. Please be safe and healthy. Sincerely, Sabin Loveland |
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