04/03/2020
High School Graduation? Yes or No & When?
Due to COVID-19, High School Seniors this year are being stripped of some of the most memorable, stepping stone, moments in their lives.
These rituals are cherished and valued within our culture and each hold a unique significance. Commencement is not merely a pricey soiree, but a celebration of the time, effort, and dedication each graduating senior has bore into their education and an important symbol of crossing a threshold into a new phase of life. To deny an entire graduating class the opportunity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime moment of commencement is nothing short of a travesty.
YES! we understand this is not an illness to mess around - in fact this is a VERY serious time for the World, our Nation and the State of Michigan. . . but there really is no reason that RAPID 5 MINUTE TESTING not be available, frankly its unacceptable.
May 1st Leslie students should be allowed to return to school, or be given the option to opt out if the family chooses. Students and Staff should be tested for the virus as they arrive to school or prior to attending at the very least to finish school by extending the normal school year to mid-July giving students time to finish their school year, have a prom, take exams and graduate.
The New School year could begin the first week in August
Graduation ceremonies and prom are talked about and built up over our entire twelve years in grade school. Many have sat back and watched older siblings and friends graduate, excited for “their time”. Some students may even be the first to graduate in their family or have pushed past extreme circumstances to receive that diploma, so they deserve to be celebrated. Not a cancellation but a postponement of the 2020 Commencement Ceremony.
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You could put the 2020 Senior class onto the football stadium bleachers, asking that only immediate family attend the graduation ceremony and then spread out the seating arrangement on the football field for family to attend and celebrate with our Senior class.
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COVID-19 Response Plan regarding 2020 Senior Class
High School Graduation/Michigan Merit Curriculum:
Districts must develop a plan/process to give grades to seniors, award credits needed for graduation, certify transcripts, and confer diplomas.
Important Notes:
• If the school district’s plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student has access to an appropriate device with an ability to connect to the internet.
• Students and families should not be penalized for an inability to fully participate in the plan.
• Districts may partner with each other or with external organizations/vendors in order to implement the plan.
• All content/curriculum decisions are decisions made locally.
Stay Home and Stay Safe!
