Graduation Update from GHS Principal Matt Durst

 

Our Granville High School students have made the most out of a unique situation this spring in the midst of a global pandemic and online learning. This is especially true for our seniors as they saw traditional spring events and celebrations being cancelled, postponed, or modified. We understand the disappointment for our seniors and their families. In recent weeks, both GHS staff and senior parents have been creative in developing new ways to celebrate our seniors, including seniors signs and adopt a senior. These creative efforts will continue through the end of the month. 

 

Last month, we asked our seniors and a group of senior parents for their thoughts and opinions regarding graduation. The seniors expressed their desire for an in-person graduation experience with their classmates, and parents shared the same as well as an opportunity to see their student "walk across the graduation stage." The graduation plans detailed below have taken these wishes into consideration to the greatest extent that we are able given the large group gathering and social distancing orders.

 

Last week, Governor DeWine addressed graduation ceremonies that are set to be held across the state of Ohio in the coming weeks. Following his comments, additional guidance was released in a joint effort between the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). That guidance can be found here on the ODE website. The ODH order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people can be found here. As a school district, we have reviewed this information to best understand the options presented for a graduation ceremony. Additionally, we have consulted with local health department and law enforcement leadership. We have determined that a virtual graduation ceremony remains the safest option for our students, staff, and community.

 

Our plans for the 2020 Granville High School Graduation Ceremony are as follows:

-          We are working with a video production company to develop a virtual ceremony that combines elements from Senior Awards Night and our traditional graduation ceremony. We will post a link that families can use to view the virtual ceremony, and we are encouraging all GHS seniors and their families to watch the ceremony on May 24 at 2 PM.

-          Following the conclusion of the virtual ceremony on May 24, GHS staff members will personally deliver diplomas (and other year-end awards) to each and every graduating senior. In the case of split-family situations, the diploma will be delivered to the Granville residential address.

-         Families wishing to watch their graduate walk across our theater stage will have the opportunity to do so by appointment May 26-28. The graduate and a maximum of 4 family members may attend. This opportunity is optional for families out of respect for those who do not care to participate. Large-group and social distancing guidelines will be adhered to during these appointments.

-         We will work with Senior Class Officers to organize a gathering of the class of 2020. We cannot project a timeline for this gathering due to the changing nature of the pandemic, but we are firmly committed to it. 

Please see below for additional information for senior families:

-         May 15 will be the final academic day for seniors. Seniors with all work completed by this date will officially be done with high school.

-          Our Balfour representative has communicated that caps and gowns will be delivered to him on May 15. The following week, we will arrange pick-up windows during which seniors should also return their Chromebooks and other course materials. 

-         Please remind your seniors to complete the Senior Survey posted in their English course in Schoology. The school counselors need this information. Additionally, we are unable to complete the senior slideshow for the virtual graduation ceremony without this information.

I am deeply regretful that a traditional commencement ceremony is not possible for our seniors. They are a deserving group of students. As a school, we have been fortunate to work with them for the last four years, and they will always have place to come back to at GHS! 

 

Matt Durst

 

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 740.587.8153

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