Senior Update - Senior Countdown
May 14, 2020
Senior Requirements and Check-out Information
I know this is certainly not the way we planned the school year to unfold for the Class of 2020. Instead of looking towards our class trip, Honors Banquet, and Graduation Ceremony, we have to grapple with many questions and uncertainty for the future. Having said that, I have appreciated your patience and understanding as our district leadership tries to come to grips with what the remainder of the school year looks like, not only for our seniors but all of our students.
Senior Countdown - Graduation Requirements and Check-Out - Our seniors’ last day of the school year will be on May 21 (May 22 is a Professional Development Day with No School). In order to participate in the Graduation Celebration on June 6 and receive their diploma, seniors will need to -
Have all credit requirements complete - 26.5 credits, including required credits
If students are behind, they do have up through June 5, at 3:30, to complete credits and be recognized at our Graduation Celebration on June 6.
Have turned in their senior essay for English and completed their senior presentation - may be presented or recorded. Seniors must document how they present and share their presentation using this Google Form - Senior Presentation Turn-In Form
Seniors who want to receive Standard Grades instead of P/F Grades need to fill out this form.
Seniors, please complete the Senior Survey. This survey provides staff and administration with important feedback regarding your school experience.
Check-Out - Please stop by the MS/HS office to turn in your iPad and return books. Fines will also need to be paid at this time. Many fines are getting forgiven, unless they are due to technology that has not been turned in or school property that needs to be returned. Please Check-Out on May 19, 20, or May 26, 27 - If you need another time or have technology you need to complete credits past these dates, please contact Mr. Becker.
Seniors do NOT have to fulfill our volunteer requirement. The Board of Education waived this requirement at the April School Board Meeting.
Honor Ceremonies and Graduation
I believe we have our spring ceremonies lined up and scheduled as best we can. Our goal is to honor students’ achievements and recognize their milestones in a way that is meaningful.
Spring Ceremonies
Our Honors’ Banquet will be split into two award presentations.
Academic Awards Night - May 13 - 7pm Premiere - Youtube Link
Scholarship Awards Night - May 20 - 7pm Premiere - Youtube Link
Graduation is a little more tricky. Here is our current plan -
NHS Graduation Celebration - June 6 - 10am - Celebration would include speeches in honor of the Class of 2020 from faculty and administration airing on Facebook Live beginning at 10am, with diplomas being awarded/delivered to each senior by administration, observing social distancing guidelines. Graduation Celebration Plan
NHS Graduation Ceremony - August 1st - 10am - This is our formal graduation ceremony. We are hoping that we will be at a point by August 1st to hold large group ceremonies at school.
Certainly, this is not ideal, but under the circumstances, we are trying our best for the Class of 2020 to show our appreciation for their efforts and inspiration.
Other Notes regarding Seniors
Additionally, there are a few other important points I need to share about important topics that have come up:
Senior Signs - The senior class were delivered to families last week. One sign was delivered to families, and the other is displayed in honor of our seniors at school. Seniors will receive this sign also. Please let me know if you do not want your senior’s sign posted at school.
Class Dues - Class dues are not reimbursable. Though seniors were not able to attend their senior trip, there are other things that the class uses their funds for, including Prom, graduation expenses, reunion expenses, etc. The Class of 2020 is choosing to donate much of their fund balance to worthwhile community causes, based on feedback that the officers are receiving from their classmates. Please contact Mr. Becker if you have any questions about this topic.
If you have any questions, please make sure to contact me in one of the following ways:
Email - mbecker@necedahschools.org
School Phone - 608-5652256 x102
School Cell - 608-548-8071
Again, I thank you for your patience and continued focus on the positive. Seniors, know that you can contact me at any time with questions regarding this information, or any other questions you may have. As new information is put out, we will be in communication with you. Thank you, stay well, and hopefully, we see you soon!
Sincerely,
Mark Becker
Necedah MS/HS Principal
N-Gage Academy Principal