Burrillville High letter says graduation plans are twofold

Call Staff

BURRILLVILLE — The high school has issued its plans for honoring its Class of 2020 in keeping with state guidelines that include a preliminary pre-recorded graduation on June 12 and a live event it hopes to offer next fall.

The plan was announced in a letter to the Class of 2020 and their families from the school’s graduation committee.

“We hope this message finds you and your family doing well and in continued good health. We are in the midst of unprecedented times that have caused us to change the way we live and work,” the letter states.

“With the continuing health crisis and the guidance provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health and Governor Raimondo, we will be unable to hold many of the events that make school, and especially senior year, so special. We know that this has caused a profound sense of sadness for the members of the class of 2020 and their families. The entire Burrillville School District and Burrillville community share your sadness and disappointment that we will not be able to move forward with the traditions of senior spring,” the committee offered.

“We have been working hard these last few weeks to gather information and feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff to provide the best possible memorable experiences for our seniors while staying within the boundaries of the Executive Orders of the Governor. Our survey about graduation generated over 180 responses and the feedback has been invaluable in our planning for end of the year events. The graduation committee thanks all parents and students for their thoughtful feedback and input,” it said.

The committee has settled on a two-fold plan for this year’s end of the year events “within the limits of the guidance,” that also plans for a commemorating event when large groups are again allowed.

“We are hopeful that this may occur by the fall. Our attention is focused on graduation but we are committed to that later event as we know our students want the opportunity to be together and celebrate each other and the class,” the committee said.

“Burrillville High School is committed to honoring every tradition possible during our upcoming graduation ceremony, including speeches and recognitions. A pre-recorded graduation will air on June 12 at 7 p.m. on a number of platforms,” the letter noted.

“We are working with a professional videographer to ensure that this extremely important experience is produced in a high quality fashion,” the committee said.