A letter to the Class of 2020

May 7, 2020
 
Dear Class of 2020,
 
I know this is a stressful, uncertain, and a challenging time for everyone.  Nobody feels more saddened and frustrated than all of the adults who care so much about the Class of 2020.  We recognize your hard work over the last 13 years deserves proper celebration and honoring, all of which we are working diligently to provide.
 
Our administration at Baker High School is working hard to plan, prepare, and create multiple options for student celebration events based on guidance from the New York State Governor's Office, New York State Health Department, Onondaga County Executive's Office, and the Onondaga County Health Department.  Additionally, Mr. Denton's team is collaborating with other area school districts since we all face the same unknown and are required to follow the same guidance. Superintendents will also be meeting with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon next week to work together on regional plans.
 
While it may seem like final decisions have been made, please know they have not.
 
Administrators at Baker High School have shared some plans that include a variety of celebrations.  Our hope is that many options based on feedback from students, families, and others will occur.  We certainly want an in-person event for you and your classmates; but also recognize other celebrations may require video/media recording to allow for more access to family members and friends, all of whom attend such an event.  We have 410 seniors graduating this year. Our celebrations at the SRC arena include up to 6,500 people (parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.).  Working to accommodate that number of supporters (those that want to celebrate your successes) is not easy given large gathering restrictions, social distancing and safety parameters.  Even without this COVID-19 pandemic, space and availability options are limited in our region for large events.  School districts are at the mercy of venues and their schedules.  I share this information with you to provide more context regarding the challenges we face as a school district.
 
We certainly recognize nothing can and will be able to ever replace a traditional event.
 
There are numerous celebrations in the works to recognize the Class of 2020, and you will be receiving more information about them, but here are a few dates to remember:
 

• On May 15^th, seniors will be invited on campus to pick up lawn signs, caps and gowns and possibly yearbooks. More information to come.
• Light the Night will take place on Friday, May 15^th from 8:20 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. when the lights of Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium will be lit up to honor the Class of 2020. The Baldwinsville community is also asked to decorate and light up their homes.
• On May 22^nd, Moving-Up-Day will be celebrated. More information will be shared in Baker’s Virtual Times on Friday.

There are numerous other events in the works, including a way to celebrate the Senior Ball on June 13^th.
 
All I can ask of the Class of 2020 is to trust in the people, including your administrators, teachers, and other school personnel, who have helped lead, support, and guide your learning, growth, and development over the last 13 years.  They are doing their best and will continue to do so.  Please be patient and know we will persevere through this obstacle together.
 
#BeeStrong  #BeePride
 
Be well,
 
Joseph M. DeBarbieri
Acting Superintendent of Schools