Looks like the Senior Class of 2020 will get their graduation after all! Vancouver Public Schools has announced a plan to have REAL LIFE graduation ceremonies in August. Better late than never, right?
The following is a letter from Superintendent Dr. Steven Webb.
“Dear high school seniors and families:
Vancouver Public Schools is committed to honoring the class of 2020 with commencement events. A recent survey of our high school seniors ranked in-person graduations as their first preference. Consistent with Washington state’s four-phase reopening plan, however, these events must be held later this summer when it is deemed safe to hold large gatherings.
Formal graduation events are scheduled for mid-August as follows:
August 13:
Hudson’s Bay H.S., 5 p.m. at Kiggins Bowl
Fort Vancouver H.S., 8 p.m. at Kiggins Bowl
Vancouver Flex Academy, 5 p.m. at Columbia River High School stadium
Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, 8 p.m. at Columbia River High School stadium
August 14:
Vancouver iTech Preparatory, 5 p.m. at Kiggins Bowl
Skyview H.S., 8 p.m. at Kiggins Bowl
Columbia River H.S., 8 p.m. at Columbia River High School stadium
VPS will live stream commencement ceremonies from the two locations. Graduates will be able to participate in the rite of passage of walking across a stage. Social distancing protocol will be required for the graduates and staff. If the state’s reopening plan doesn’t allow large gatherings on those dates, the backup dates will be the week of August 31 through September 4.
In the meantime, we will celebrate our seniors with activities that follow state requirements to maintain a safe environment for all.
● Video celebrations for each school posted on social media and school websites
● Virtual awards and recognition events for seniors June 8-9
Your school’s principal soon will send detailed information about the following:
● Seniors’ last day
● Cap and gown pickup
● Yearbook pickup
● Diplomas
● Fines and fees
● ASB refunds
● Chromebook return
● Senior prom/social in the fall
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate the difficult circumstances of the state’s closure and reopening plan. We look forward to providing graduation activities that honor our seniors. We are proud of what they have accomplished throughout their school experience and want to ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve.
Sincerely,
Steven T. Webb, Ed. D.
Superintendent”
