To all of our graduating seniors and parents of the Class of 2020,
Thank you for your patience over these last few weeks. We know you are anxious to find out about our plan for graduation. Because commencement is such an important milestone for students and families, we have taken great care in deciding how best to create a memorable experience for the Class of 2020.
High school principals and district staff have been working closely to create a plan that would include results from the senior survey and develop a backup plan in the event the virus continues to be a threat to public health. This graduating class has lost out on several key senior events and we cannot match the disappointment of missing spring sports, prom and Grad Bash but we hope to do everything we can to send you off with our congratulations and well wishes for a happy and healthy future.
So here is what we have in store for our graduates.
Instead of the usual senior stroll, on May 15th at 8:30 PM, each high school will conduct a drive through senior “roll”. Each principal has chosen a route through the neighborhood surrounding the school. This will be a great opportunity for parents, friends, staff and members of our community to wave and offer their congratulations as grads drive by. Check your school website for the map and don’t forget to add it to your calendar!
Senior Clearance will begin in late May and, at that time, each graduate will be provided with a professionally designed yard sign to display their academic accomplishment, proudly. Seniors should also be prepared to have a professional photo taken in their cap and gown at senior clearance. This photo will be used in a virtual graduation if we must deploy that option. Each high school has determined a date and a system for clearance.
However, we are pleased to share that we have decided to defer our traditional commencement ceremony to later in the summer. The results of the survey indicate that seniors, their families and our staff parents overwhelmingly prefer a traditional ceremony. We will move forward with plans to do so keeping in mind that we have the virtual contingency option if needed.
Be on the lookout for additional ways we will celebrate the Class of 2020. For all of those who have walked with them on their journey to graduation, this unprecedented end of school year will not erase the joy and the pride we share in their academic achievement.
Congratulations to all of our 1,500 graduates and I look forward to shaking your hand later this summer!
NEW High School Graduation Dates:
Nature Coast Technical High School:
Wednesday, July 29th at 8:00 PM (rain date July 30th, 9 AM) at NCTH
F.W. Springstead High School:
Thursday July 30th at 8:00 PM (rain date July 31st, 9 AM) at SHS
Central High School:
Friday, July 31st at 7:30 PM at Grace World Church
Weeki Wachee High School:
Saturday, August 1st at 3:00 PM at Grace World Church
Hernando High School:
Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 PM 10:00 AM at Grace World Church
