May 20, 2020
Espanõl: haga clic AQUI (Este documento fue traducido usando Google translate. Perdone cualquier tergiversación de palabras.)
Class of 2020 Students and Families,
On May 19 the district shared a letter (linked HERE) which outlines the plans for the Class of 2020 graduates. We have received feedback, both positive and negative, regarding a change that does not allow parents and guardians to accompany their child during the videography/photography sessions. These sessions are to prepare for the Class of 2020 graduation video. This is called “B-roll” and is used for the purpose to collect the footage needed to put together a comprehensive Class of 2020 video which will be shared with families, including an individual photo of each graduate. The video will also be published broadly in the school district and community.
Please know that we feel your pain. We know your frustration and we understand your perspective. We too want things to be “normal” and to be able to allow our students and families to gather. As a public school district, we must adhere to the guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health - click HERE to review the guidelines. While we had hoped to be further along in the phases that allow for more flexibility, as a state and a nation, we are not there yet.
COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s lives at a different level but we must not let it define us or define our graduates. We are proud of our graduates, as you are, and they should be proud of their accomplishments. Know that we will continue to monitor the Department of Health guidelines closely and as we move into phases that allow for people to come together in larger groups, the high schools may be able to provide opportunities later in the summer for the students to celebrate their accomplishments together.
Although a graduation video is not the same as an in-person graduation ceremony, we are confident that the Life and Light virtual ceremony will showcase the Class of 2020 in a celebratory and special way. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we all navigate these difficult times together. You are welcome to submit questions, comments, suggestions, compliments, or complaints using Let’s Talk - Graduation - where a staff member will respond.
In partnership,
Jason Thompson Lori Knudson
Superintendent Executive Director of K - 12 Schools
Rod Merrell
Director of Secondary Schools
Richard Zimmerman Christine Bromley
MGHS Principal MPHS Principal
Kelli Miller Ray Houser
Heritage Principal Legacy Principal