Class of 2020 Graduation Plans announced

Dear Students, Parents, Friends, and Staff of the Class of 2020,
 
After careful review of the recommendations and guidance offered by the Onondaga County Executive and the Onondaga County Health Department, it is clear that we have limited options for our graduation ceremony at this time. We have considered and some parents and students have suggested larger outdoor venues for our graduation, using social distancing protocols. Due to the Governor's Executive Order, which requires postponement, cancellation, or restriction on size of all non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, through at least June 27th, 2020, we are clearly restricted from hosting the traditional ceremony that we all want to have for the Class of 2020, regardless of the venue.
 
The County gave guidance last week which recommended postponement, virtual only, or drive-through ceremonies. On Friday, it was determined by the District, Building Administration, and Senior Council of the Class of 2020 to survey students and parents regarding our graduation ceremony. We have been diligent in exploring options and patient in making decisions because we want to do the very best we can for the Class of 2020.
 
We are required to follow directives of the Governor’s Executive Order and we must also remain committed to considering recommendations from the County Health Department, as our most important priority is the health and safety of our students and families. While we do not currently have any indication that we will be able to have any type of large gathering this summer, we will remain hopeful and be prepared in case we receive positive news, as our students have asked us to do. Therefore, with so many unknowns to consider, we are moving forward with the following plans to celebrate the Class of 2020 and their achievements:
           

1. Our Virtual (video) recognition of the Class of 2020 will be aired on Cnycentral-CW6 at 6pm on Sunday, June 21st.
2. We will be conducting a drive through event beginning at 11AM on Sunday, June 21st, allowing students to walk a stage in front of the school, receive their diploma, and have professional photos taken. Procedures are described below and additional details and the student arrival schedule will follow prior to the event.
3. If by Wednesday, June 17th, the District is permitted to hold a modified (students only or students and immediate family only) in-person ceremony at Pelcher-Arcaro stadium on Sunday, June 21st beginning at 1:00 PM, with live feed video of the event, we will communicate updated plans to do so.
4. If additional guidance from NYS permits, we will still hold a traditional gathering recognizing the Class of 2020. We will reserve the following date and will provide updates regularly as we have further directives regarding the Governor’s Phases of reopening.

 
We cannot express how thankful and proud we are of the Class of 2020 and our great community for their unwavering resilience and support during this challenging time! We also want to thank area principals, superintendents, our Board of Education, and the Senior Council for their thoughtful guidance and collaboration.We will continue to provide information and updates and sincerely look forward to honoring the achievements of the GREATEST CLASS OF ALL TIME!
 
Gratefully,
 
Kris H. Denton                             Matthew J. McDonald
Principal                                       Superintendent of Schools
 
 
Outdoor Drive-Through Stage-walking Ceremony:
Procedures for Baldwinsville On-Campus Graduation -
June 21, 2020 - Beginning at 11AM
Students and immediate family members (who are staying together at home) will be invited to accompany their graduating senior to the ceremony. Only one car per family is allowed on campus during the graduation ceremony. (If circumstances require immediate family to attend in more than one vehicle that is acceptable.)

• All speeches and ceremony elements, including music will be broadcast on the C.W. Baker High School student radio station WBXL, 90.5FM.
• A live feed will be available for extended family to view the ceremony from home on the District website.
• All parents and students will enter the campus at the direction of an assigned Security Team and local law enforcement. Students will follow a predetermined route around campus, eventually pulling up to the front of the building. There will be signage and cones to designate the driving route for cars.
• Students and families will arrive at the graduation stage. Students will be able to step out of the vehicle and proceed across the outdoor stage area in front of the school. Students must wear a mask when exiting the vehicle and crossing the stage. There will be no person-to-person contact during the ceremony.
• Once students have crossed the stage, they will have a photo taken by a professional photographer. Only one student at a time can have a photo taken and group photos are not allowed. During the photo the student may remove their mask. Once the photo is taken the student will put the mask back on and return to their car.
• After the photo, families will be directed off campus.
• All graduates and staff will wear masks and follow social distancing protocols.
• Staff will be permitted to line the roadway around campus, following all social distancing protocols, to cheer on students and their families.
• Restrooms will not be available for this event.

Please note: Photos will be taken of students walking the stage, but any other gathering for photos on campus will not be permitted. A one-way flow of pedestrian and auto traffic that ensures social distancing guidelines will be maintained and facilitated by staff. Graduates will have specific arrival times broken down into smaller groups.