Mount Vernon Senior Programs and Commencement Communication 2020

Senior Students and Parents,

 

I want to thank you for your patience in the release of these event dates/times/guidelines.  Ohio has been turned upside down over the course of the last two months and the one thing that was important to the administration and staff was to not create events that would have to be changed or cancelled due to changing guidelines.  We have found that even over the course of the last week, several adjustments have been made by the state, and in turn, several schools have changed and modified plans.  We feel that we have put the appropriate emphasis on creating the most informed decisions in regards to student/parent safety in accordance with the guidelines established and have also put an emphasis on how we can appropriately recognize our students in the end of year events.

 

For those of you who responded to the commencement survey, thank you.  It was evident that the third choice (a hybrid conventional) would be preferred by students and parents.  What does that mean?  That means that we will be running a 2-session commencement ceremony at the football stadium parking lot on Saturday, May 23rd with the first session beginning at 1:00 for students with last names beginning with the letters A-K and the second session at 3:30 for students with last names beginning with the letters L-Z.  The rain date for commencement will be May 24th at the same venue with the same timeframe.  We will have many components of a traditional commencement with a drive-in type format for viewing and listening to commencement.  You will see your child walk the stage and receive their diploma which was very important to our students, as well as the ceremony being held on campus.  Please know that for this to happen, a plan had to be presented and approved with the Knox County Health Department with specific parameters in place that addresses the safety guidelines the state and health department required.  As I’m sure you are aware, the Governor, the Ohio Department of Education, and the Ohio Department of Health have been strongly recommending a ‘Virtual Graduation’.  We wanted to provide an alternative commencement for the Class of 2020 that goes above and beyond providing our students the recognition they deserve.  We will be putting together a video next Friday that will show all participants how the flow of the ceremony will go in terms of parking, student placement, viewing your student walking across the stage.  A letter will also be mailed home next Friday with the specific guidelines which will include a numbered card and letter that will be required for entry into commencement.  I will be meeting with senior class officers to share the specifics of what will be shared with their class at the end of next week.  Here are the important dates for the coming weeks.  They will be posted on the school website as well as emailed to students and parents through school email accounts and Parent Portal.

May 18th, 4 PM (Senior Motorcade on MVHS Campus) this is for seniors only, one senior per vehicle.  If a senior cannot drive, one parent may drive with that senior in the motorcade.  This is not a parade and there cannot be a gathering of parents and community members to take part in this event according to ODH guidelines.  It will strictly be for senior students and staff with proper social distancing in place.  Law enforcement will be present to make sure these parameters are followed.

May 19th, 7 PM (Academic Booster Recognition) We will recognize students through a Virtual ceremony.  A link will go live on the District Website at 7 PM on that date.

May 21st, 6:30 PM (Senior Awards Night) We will recognize seniors through a Virtual ceremony.  A link will go live on the District Website at 6:30 PM on that date.

 

May 23rd (Rain date May 24th) (Commencement) Hybrid conventional ceremony.  Parents and senior students only.  Football parking lot with first session (A-K beginning at 1:00 PM and second session (L-Z) Beginning at 3:30 PM.  Specific guidelines will be mailed to seniors/parents. (Commencement will be aired live on WNZR)

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move forward with these programs.

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Will