Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Staff:
As you know the health and safety of our entire Clara Barton High School family is at the forefront of all decisions. We have received several inquiries pertaining to the weekend announcement by Governor Andrew Cuomo. A Saturday June 6, 2020 announcement stated that schools have an opportunity to plan an outdoor graduation ceremony for up to 150 people after June 26th, 2020 providing that the number of Covid-19 cases continue to decrease.
Clara Barton High School’s class of June 2020 has approximately 275 candidates for graduation. Factoring in parents, guardians, extended relatives and staff the approximate numbers would exceed 1000 individuals. Our June 2019 graduation held at Queens College consisted of 1500 individuals.
For this reason, the viability of an outdoor graduation is currently unattainable.
Presently we are discussing a way to distribute our yearbook to our seniors outdoors in a safe manner where social distancing can be realized. The distribution to 275 students could take 4-5 days.
Students would report at a designated time. This is in the talking stage at this time since there has been no Clara Barton staff employed at our building since March 19, 2020.
We share the disappointment felt by our students and families. This is usually a season filled with honoring our student's accomplishments. Although they cannot replace the community of in-person celebration, we have the following events planned through the upcoming weeks:
Virtual Prom Friday June 12, 2020 Time: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
Honor’s Awards Night Wednesday June 17, 2020 Time: 5:30 PM
Mayor’s Citywide Graduation Monday June 22, 2020 Time TBA
Health Career Pinning Tuesday June 23, 2020 Time: 4:00 PM
Gateway Honors Wednesday June 24, 2020 Time: 4:00 PM
Virtual Graduation Friday June 26, 2020 Time: 10:00 AM
Thank-you in advance for your support and understanding during this unprecedented and challenging time.
Respectfully,
Dr. Richard A. Forman
Principal