June 8, 2020
Dear Members of the Class of 2020, and Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you remaining healthy and well during these challenging times. I am reaching out with some updates on our plans for graduation, as well as reminders related to our upcoming events for seniors.
Last Thursday, all school districts received regulatory guidance from the Governor and the New York State Department of Health related to graduation celebrations. This guidance indicates that Drive-In and Drive-Through graduations are permitted. Additionally, over the weekend, the Governor announced that in-person ceremonies of no more than 150 people may be held. Specifically, this means that if we were to have our graduation on the football field, we could not have any more than 150 people, including students and adults, present at any given time. In order to bring our class all together, in one place and at one time, we will continue with our plan to host a virtual ceremony at the Jericho Drive-In on June 27th.
In keeping with the guidance provided from the Governor’s Office, and to ensure the safety of everyone, we have needed to make the following adjustments:
- Instead of distributing diplomas at the Jericho event, we will conduct a curb-side pick-up of diplomas for students from 9 am to 1pm on Thursday, June 25th and Friday, June 26th. Our Board of Education President, Superintendent of Schools, and I will be present to greet and congratulate students as they come and receive their diplomas.
- At the Jericho event on June 27th, we will only be able to accommodate one vehicle per student. The new regulations state that this vehicle should only contain the immediate family members who live in the same household as the graduate. Other relatives, family and friends will be able to view the virtual ceremony remotely via a live link, which will be provided ahead of time. Per the Governor’s regulations, students and their families should expect to remain in their vehicles. Please note that restroom access at the Jericho will be limited, and no refreshments will be provided.
All other facets of our graduation event will remain the same as originally planned. Gates will open at 8pm, as we play a special selection of music. All students will receive a large keepsake lawn sign featuring their senior portrait and a congratulatory message. Our video premiere will begin at approximately 9pm, highlighting all of the typical components of a traditional graduation, as well as the personalized slides submitted by each student. After the video production, we will show our annual Senior Class Video for the Class of 2020. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show over the Drive-In.
There are still a number of students who have not yet uploaded content for their slide to be included in this virtual event. Please be sure to check your school email for a message from Marching Order, and follow the included directions. Please note that emails are not being sent to parents; they are being sent to students. This week, our office staff will be personally calling, and offering assistance to, all seniors who have not yet uploaded content. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the High School Office at 674-7002. If you are a student, or family, who has issues with transportation to this event for any reason, please also be sure to reach out and let us know.
The past several months have unquestionably been some of the most challenging and unique we have ever experienced, but this class has persevered and risen in every way imaginable. I am very much looking forward to celebrating our Seniors at our Senior Adoption Event on June 11th, our Senior Parade on June 15th, our Diploma Pick-Up on June 25th and June 26th, and our Virtual Graduation event at the Jericho Drive-In on June 27th. My many thanks to you all for your ongoing positivity, kindness, and compassion for others throughout this all.
Stay strong, and GO WARRIORS!
Sincerely yours,
Heath C. Quiles
Principal
Averill Park High School