Days after a Change.org petition for a contactless high school commencement received over 1,200 signatures, Port Washington School District Superintendent Michael Hynes issued a statement on the status of Schreiber High School’s 2020 graduation.
While not directly referring to the petition, Hynes did reference ideas being shared for what to do about the commencement.
“We would like to say thank you to those of you who have shared your creative ideas and brought to our attention the many different virtual and drive-by celebratory concepts being implemented throughout the country,” Hynes wrote.
The superintendent said the board of education, central administration and high school administrators were “in the process of organizing logistics,” which are subject to change by state and local directives, “to preserve the Class of 2020’s celebrations to the greatest extent possible.”
“It is important to note that we must adhere to the Governor’s executive orders regarding social distancing and regional and county guidelines for re-opening New York,” Hynes wrote. “Right now, large gatherings, even with social distancing measures, are not legally permitted, and it is for this reason the district cannot pursue an in-person graduation ceremony this year. Should the state lift its restrictions, we will revisit our plans.”
The petition, organized by resident Ben Johnson, called for a contactless graduation in which students would sit with people with whom they had quarantined, rise when their names were called rather than walk across a stage, and have their diplomas sent home.
Hynes added that the district was attempting to “[finalize] logistics on plans to honor the Class of 2020’s graduation, and will share that information with [Port residents] as soon as possible.”
“These are certainly complicated times, with COVID-19 having an ever-changing and unprecedented impact on our communities, our families and our loved ones,” Hynes wrote. “What is not complicated is the care and compassion we have for our students and our deep, abiding respect for the Port Washington community. We are committed to working with our parents and students to find a creative way of celebrating our 2020 graduating seniors as they conclude one milestone and look forward to beginning the next exciting stage of their lives.”
