OCPS Class of 2020 parents and students, this past Saturday, the Governor announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the academic year. Due to the impact of COVID-19, it is with great disappointment that I share with you the plans for our graduation ceremonies. (1/10)

We cannot let this graduation season pass without publicly acknowledging the accomplishments of our 13,000 seniors, and the contributions of their families and teachers. Unfortunately, no single solution will satisfy everyone. (2/10)

After hearing from my Student Advisory Council and from high school principals with input from their student government representatives and parents, we are planning to celebrate our graduates in two ceremonies. (3/10)

1st) We will plan 20 virtual graduation ceremonies, one for each high school, the first week in June.
2nd) If public health restrictions are lifted, and we are allowed to do so, we plan to hold a traditional graduation ceremony in late July at each of our 20 high schools. (4/10)

This allows closure for many of our seniors who will pursue other activities this summer but keeps the door open for many who hope for an in-person ceremony. (5/10)

I want to be clear: current information makes the likelihood of an in-person ceremony unlikely, but we will be prepared for the possibility. (6/10)

The High School Office has been working with every principal on details that will involve special moments for our seniors in the weeks ahead. (7/10)

In early May, you will receive detailed plans from your principal for students to come to school to turn in their digital device, retrieve personal items & pick-up a graduation package. This will be done over several days in order to follow for social distancing. (8/10)

While this isn’t the end of the school year we were expecting, we are going to make the best of it. I believe our students are resilient and will grow to do great things in spite of, and, in some cases, because of, this experience. (9/10)

To the Class of 2020 and their parents and guardians, thank you for your support and patience in these challenging times. (10/10)