GRADUATION GOES DIGITAL
School officials propose online-only ceremony for Woonsocket High grads
WOONSOCKET – School Superintendent Patrick McGee will be asking the school committee to approve a virtual graduation ceremony plan for the high school’s Class of 2020 when the panel meets virtually itself on Wednesday.
McGee said he will be recommending a safe plan for graduation in the coronavirus pandemic that offers social distancing through a professionally produced online ceremony that’s is being prepared with the help of school officials, High School Principal Carnell Henderson, and high school’s class officers and advisors. Woonsocket High School is expected to have over 300 members in its Class of 2020 when the current school year, on distance learning since the state shutdown over coronavirus concerns, ends in June.
“We had a meeting just about an hour ago with a couple members of the school committee and Carnell Henderson and his team and some central office folks to talk about what our plans are,” McGee said on Monday.
“It will be a virtual graduation. It’s not going to be a drive-thru or driveup or anything like that. It will be done virtually and we’re looking to try to maintain some of the traditions that we have during a traditional graduation year,” McGee said.
McGee plans to present his recommendation to the school committee during his superintendent’s report and
the meeting’s agenda also includes consideration of the hiring of a company to produce virtual ceremony under purchases.
“So we are looking to have
it approved,” McGee said.
McGee said his office has been working with the high school and Mr. Henderson and his staff also consulted with the student leadership and parents, via a survey, on options for the proposed ceremony.
“The final decision will
be made by the school committee on Wednesday but it appears that the direction we are going to be going in, is a virtual ceremony,” McGee said.
Although some districts have changed their date for graduation due to their plans, McGee said Woonsocket
High School’s ceremony will still be held on June 5 at 4 p.m. even as a virtual production.
“There will be more information on Wednesday, but I anticipate they are going to approve it because the plan is a good plan in light of the circumstances,” McGee said.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s where we are right now and we have to do the best we can to honor and celebrate our graduates in the best way that we can,” McGee said.