“The Class of 2020 is among the groups of heroes deserving celebration for sacrifices made during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban.
High school seniors have had to endure many disappointments while navigating the many twists and turns of their senior year. The Board of Education and FCPS staff recognize the seniors’ patience, cooperation, selflessness and willingness to help others during this unprecedented time.
The Maryland State Superintendent stated in Governor Hogan’s Wednesday, May 6 press conference that all graduation ceremonies must comply with the Governor's Executive Orders. Right now, that means FCPS cannot support a gathering of more than 10 people, even outdoors.
Even as Maryland moves into Phase 1 of the Governor's Road to Recovery plan, and though the Governor has eased some of the restrictions, it remains uncertain whether FCPS would be able to gather in group sizes large enough to have a celebration this summer similar to our traditional graduations. This uncertainty has affected the school system’s ability to finalize a plan that would allow students, families and community members to join together in celebration of 2020 graduates.
Under these circumstances, FCPS has decided to plan for virtual graduation ceremonies to occur during the week of June 8-13. Staff is working diligently to make the virtual graduation ceremonies special and memorable for 2020 seniors and their families. FCPS is committed to ensuring a future opportunity to give the Class of 2020 a chance to be recognized as a group and to safely say farewell to staff and friends at their school.
In addition to virtual graduation ceremonies for each of the 10 high schools, they will also take place for Rock Creek School and SUCCESS Program students. The ceremonies will be streamed via YouTube, Twitter and Facebook and scheduled to air over FCPS TV (Comcast channel 18) so that graduates, families and the community can share in the celebration.