May 29, 2020
Dear Voorhees Class of 2020 and Parents/Guardians:
We recognize that this has been an emotional time for the Class of 2020 and we sincerely thank you for being patient and bearing with us as we continue to review the ever-changing guidance and restrictions on graduation ceremonies. We want to provide you with an update on where things stand at this point in time and how we will honor the Class of 2020.
As you heard on Tuesday, May 26th, Governor Murphy announced that in-person graduation ceremonies would be allowed on or after July 6, 2020. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) then posted further guidance late on Wednesday, May 27th that put limitations on that announcement.
We were disappointed to read the NJDOE’s guidance that in-person ceremonies are subject to the restriction on social gathering size in place at the time of the ceremony. Right now, outside gatherings can be no more than 25 people. Though that will most likely change by July 6th, it is unlikely that the social gathering size will be increased to 300 people in order for us to hold a ceremony with all graduates in attendance, without including parents. Therefore, multiple ceremonies would have to be planned. To clarify, at this time only virtual ceremonies and drive-in or drive-thru ceremonies can be planned prior to July 6th.
You can review the NJDOE’s guidance on graduation ceremonies here: https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/boardops/commencement.shtml. Plans for an in-person ceremony must be submitted and approved by the NJDOE.
We have received feedback from numerous seniors, parents and have reviewed the responses from the graduation survey, which were split almost equally among the three options provided. We also engaged in discussions with multiple stakeholders. In consideration of all of the above, we have decided to honor the Class of 2020 as follows (these plans are subject to change if new guidance is received).
- During the week of June 1st, administration and teachers will personally deliver to each senior’s home their cap and gown, diploma covers, Class of 2020 t-shirt, lawn sign, and any honors and awards. Delivery schedule is coming soon.
- On June 8th, Seniors will be given the opportunity to return any of their school items (textbooks, chromebooks, etc.) and clear-out their lockers. Specific guidance will be forthcoming.
- On June 12th, to mark what was the official day of graduation and so that we can honor every graduate in the Class of 2020 all together as one, we will air a virtual ceremony online at noon. The virtual ceremony will mirror the traditional ceremony with speeches from the administration, top students in the class, and the reading of each graduate’s name with his/her photo displayed.
- We will plan an on-site ceremony on or after July 6th. If the entire Class of 2020 cannot be accommodated in one ceremony per social gathering restrictions, we will plan multiple ceremonies at the high school. Dates, times, size limits and format of the ceremony to be determined. Diplomas will be given at the on-site ceremony.
- Due to the closure of the factories that make the yearbooks, our yearbooks will most likely be available for pick-up in early August. Once we have more information about a specific date, we will share that with you.
We recognize that our decision will not please everyone, but please know that our goal since day one has been to recognize and celebrate the Class of 2020 to the best extent possible following the restrictions in place. We do not want June 12th to pass without some recognition of the Class of 2020. We look forward to planning on-site ceremonies in July to gather our graduates together one last time.
Again, we appreciate your patience as we work to solidify graduation plans among the ever-changing guidance from the state. If any of the above plans change, we will let you know.
Sincerely,
Ron Peterson
Principal
Voorhees High School
