UPDATE: To see comments from BCPS Board members regarding the online graduation decision, click here.
Original story below…
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NOTTINGHAM, MD—Most local students will be graduating online this year.
Baltimore County Public Schools announced on Tuesday night that graduation for the Class of 2020 would be held virtually.
“We will explore face-to-face celebrations when it is safe to do so in accordance with the Governor’s orders,” BCPS officials said.
Additional details will revealed at a later date.
“The last day of school for seniors will be Friday, May 29, instead of Friday, May 22,“ said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “These five extra school days will provide additional time for seniors to complete all necessary work and staff to input all grades prior to graduation.”
Soon thereafter, BCPS will host online graduations.
“We have heard loud and clear from our high school seniors that what they want are the traditional in-person graduations that their siblings and parents and grandparents had,” said Williams. “ As the parent of a graduating high school senior and a graduating college senior, I understand what they are feeling, . . . that they worked for years and that part of the expected reward was to be able to walk across the stage and be cheered on by friends and family. I also was looking forward to attending all the graduations. It was going to be a culminating moment in my first year as superintendent.
“I can assure all seniors and their parents that we will explore potential face-to-face celebrations when it is safe to do so in accordance with the Governor’s orders. In the meantime, this virtual graduation offers many of the same elements of a traditional one, and we are pleased to be able to offer it to our approximately 7,000 graduates this year. This pandemic requires all of us to adapt and persevere.”
Once finalized, the revised graduation schedule will be posted online.
