Dear #CCSDfam,

It’s been awhile since we could say we’re bringing you good news, but I hope many of you will see this message as such.
 
Working with our graduation host, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, we are excited to announce a plan that will allow us to accommodate up to two guests per Class of 2020 graduating senior for our in-person ceremonies, as scheduled (https://bit.ly/CCSD2020), later this month.  Graduating seniors will receive an email in their CCSD account from their Principal later this month with instructions on ticketing for guests and arrival.
 
Upon learning some of our graduates were so disappointed that they themselves might not attend, we committed ourselves to resolving this issue. We are extremely grateful that the Church, as always, displayed a  “we are here to serve” attitude as we worked together to improve this year’s graduation for our students while continuing to meet health and safety guidelines.
 
Allowing up to two guests per graduating senior will require specific additional safety measures.  We know we can count on your cooperation if you plan to attend your child’s commencement ceremony.
 

• SEATING AND SOCIAL DISTANCING: Students will be seated in a specific area and social distanced.  All guests will be seated by ushers and social distanced; guests will not select where they sit.  As is standard, guests will not be permitted to stand in aisles or come to the stage to take photos; we will, as we do every year, have a professional photographer stationed by the stage taking photos of each student. Additionally, there will be specific signage posted about use of restrooms that everyone needs to follow.  Finally, guests will not be allowed to congregate in the church lobby, hallways or parking lot before or after the ceremony – we need everyone to social distance there as well. 

• FACE COVERINGS/MASKS: CCSD staff will be required to wear face coverings/masks. We encourage, and may ultimately require, all graduates and their guests to wear face coverings/masks for the entirety of the event.  Graduates and their guests should acquire a mask between now and then that you feel comfortable wearing, as this may be required for entry.

 
The School Board is supportive of this plan and joins me in thanking First Baptist Woodstock for working with us to accommodate two guests per graduate.
 
Similar to the required changes we have experienced in organizing these graduations, we have many challenges ahead of us with the reopening of school. Most likely, there will be disagreements about how to best educate our children and operate schools while limiting the spread of COVID-19, but we will continue to strive to make the best decisions possible as it relates to student health and safety.  I firmly believe we can succeed when we work together.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dr. Brian V. Hightower
Superintendent of Schools