Dear Class of 2021 seniors and parents/guardians,
In January, we communicated our preliminary plan regarding the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021. On April 12, the New York State Department of Health released updated guidance for “End of Academic Year Celebrations during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.” As a result, the district has made updates and changes to its preliminary plan to reflect the new regulations released by the NYSDOH.
Ceremony
The 75th Annual Commencement Ceremony, in celebration of the Schuylerville Class of 2021, will be held on Friday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m. in Black Horse Athletic Stadium, with a rain date of Saturday, June 26 at 9:00 a.m. Hosting the event on campus allows the district to meet social distancing requirements, maintain family participation, and still have a memorable capstone event for seniors. Please note that all graduates must have an approved cap and gown in order to participate in the ceremony. If a student has not yet ordered a cap and gown, please do so immediately by contacting Matt Oberkrieser at Jostens, 518-581-1468 or matt.oberkrieser@jostens.com.
The seating for graduation will require families to remain within their pods to maintain social distancing . Each student of the Class of 2021 will be provided with four graduation tickets assigned to a specific pod on the field. These will be for the four seats reserved for each family to attend the ceremony. There will be no additional seats available; under the new guidance our capacity for the event is limited to the pod section of seating. The visitor side of the bleachers will not be open for additional seating. All participants and guests at graduation will be required to wear an appropriate face covering at all times.
Testing & vaccinations
Additionally, the district is required to collect contact tracing information for each individual sitting within the reserved pod, and all guests in the pod will be required to show either:
- Proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test (within 72 hrs)
or
- Proof of being fully vaccinated by June 11, 2021
*Please note: students will not be required to get tested or be vaccinated to participate.
Testing
The district is providing two dates for COVID-19 testing of guests. The testing will occur on campus at the high school:
- Wednesday, June 23, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, June 24, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Testing will be conducted by Adirondack Health & Wellness; please utilize the links below to sign up for an appointment in advance.
June 23: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6z7p0e2q/?&e_id=3289
June 24: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6z7p0e2q/?&e_id=3291
For individuals who are attending graduation as guests and are fully vaccinated, please send proof of your vaccination to Principal Ducharme at the high school or ducharmej@schuylerville.org by June 11.
Rehearsal
Graduation rehearsal will be held on campus on Wednesday, June 23 at 8:45 a.m. The rehearsal is mandatory for all graduates who plan to participate in the ceremony. Students who do not attend the rehearsal will not be allowed to take part in graduation; separate arrangements will be made for the delivery of their diplomas. The rehearsal will begin promptly at 8:45a.m. and will last until 11:00 a.m. Students are advised to adjust their work schedules to accommodate the rehearsal. No student will be allowed to leave rehearsal early.
We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in making this year’s commencement ceremony a safe, successful and memorable event for the Class of 2021. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
James Ducharme, Principal
Schuylerville High School