Superintendent Linda Goewey on Graduation Planning

Hudson Falls Central School District Community:

This school year has been an incredibly challenging year for many reasons. The 2020 Senior Class have not been able to experience many of the traditional rites of passage and celebrations that are associated with their
Senior year. As a school community, our hearts are heavy for these young adults as we know we will not be able to replace these capstone events before they enter into the world.

There have been questions surrounding graduation for the Class of 2020. As we approach the end of the school year the Senior Class Advisors have been working with Mr. Bennefield to plan different celebrations that highlight the accomplishments of this distinguished group of students. These plans take into consideration current recommendations from the Department of Health and Executive Orders from Governor Cuomo. We are working diligently to come up with a proper commencement ceremony that honors these students while keeping them safe.

We are hopeful that Governor Cuomo will provide additional guidance to school districts on graduation. Just this week, the Governors of New Jersey and Massachusetts have provided guidance for outdoor graduation ceremonies utilizing social distancing. If the Governor provides this guidance, our preference is to have an in-person graduation ceremony that utilizes social distancing to celebrate and honor these students. In the meantime, in coordination with the Senior Class Advisors, we are developing a virtual graduation ceremony that can be produced if an in-person ceremony is prohibited. However, please note that if a virtual ceremony is necessary, we are developing plans that would still allow us to physically award diplomas to our graduating seniors.

As a District, we will be closely monitoring the changing guidance from government officials on this topic and advocating our elected officials. Please know that we will not make a final decision on the type of ceremony until shortly before the scheduled date, June 27 or when updated guidance is provided from the Governor’s office. Please be assured that we are working tirelessly to ensure that our Senior Class receives the recognition that they deserve and we can celebrate and honor our students as they deserve to be.

Sincerely,
Linda J. Goewey
Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Linda Goewey Letter on Graduation Planning by Brandon Adamczyk on Scribd