AHS Newsletter
Home of the Cougars
A Word from our Principal
AHS Parents of Senior Class of 2020!
AHS Seniors and Families,
As we prepare to enter our final weeks of the 2019-2020 school year, we wanted to take a few moments to talk about some of the planning that has taken place this week, especially around plans to honor and celebrate our senior class during the month of May. Unfortunately, some of our traditional senior class activities will not happen as originally planned due to social/physical distancing restrictions caused by COVID-19. We know this week's announcements will cause some disappointment, but please know that we are doing everything within our power to continue supporting our students during this new, but perhaps temporary, norm.
Today's newsletter is full of details, so please be sure to read it carefully!
Last Day of School for Seniors
May will continue to be a flurry of activity. Remember, learning must also continue through the last day of the 2019-2020 school calendar. For seniors, that’s Wednesday, May 13 (and Friday, May 29 for all other students). Parents, please remind your child that in order to obtain credit for classes/courses, they must continue to complete the online learning lessons and assignments.
Schools Planning End-of-Year Activities
Our schools are getting creative in finding ways to support, thank, and honor our dedicated teachers and rising students during this time of emergency closures. Planning is ongoing for ways to honor our students transitioning to new schools, our teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation Week, and, of course, our Class of 2020. We will be putting together a video celebration of our Seniors to be shared this month! By Friday, May 15, please send a favorite photo of your Senior to communications@afftonschools.net.
Class of 2020 Drive-Thru Event
On Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19, Affton High School will be welcoming members of the Class of 2020 on campus as part of a special "drive-thru" event to drop off their Chromebooks, textbooks, uniforms and anything else they need to turn in, as well as pick up their graduation caps and gowns. Our staff will still follow all social/physical distancing requirements during scheduled times for seniors to drive their car through the high school campus. Staff will be waiting in masks/gloves to receive items to be dropped off and to give out graduation items to each senior. Be watching for a schedule and additional information soon.
Virtual Baccalaureate
Although the in-person Interfaith Baccalaureate Service will not be possible, Mrs. MacArthur is planning a Virtual Baccalaureate for the Class of 2020. Here is more information:
Hello all! My name is Jen MacArthur, parent of Maggie, and I'd like to invite you to participate in a virtual Baccalaureate Service for the Class of 2020.
What's Baccalaureate? It's very simply a sending forth blessing for the graduates. Knowing that many faith traditions and belief systems are represented in the class, we'd like this event to reflect the diversity of our sons and daughters. Given that we are unable to gather in person, I'd invite you to submit your wishes, hopes, prayers, and sending blessings for this incredible group of students. Submit in word or video to mamajenmac@gmail.com by Monday, May 11th. Many thanks!!
Graduation Plans
Unfortunately, due to the indefinite Stay At Home Order mandated by St. Louis City and County, our original plans for graduation on Thursday, May 21 at Powell Hall are canceled. However, we have a new date scheduled with Powell Hall on Friday, July 31.
Please know that we are committed to seeing our Seniors walk across a stage to receive their diplomas! Based on your feedback, we have worked to come up with alternative plans to host the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony, depending on social/physical distancing restrictions and are working through many details. Graduation may look a little different than in the past, but you can bet we are going to celebrate our seniors as soon as feasibly possible.
Here are options we are considering:
Seniors Graduate on Friday, July 31 at Powell Hall at 7 p.m.
(This can only happen IF physical distancing restrictions have been lifted for large-group gatherings. Even then, expect some changes to be announced to comply with physical distancing and safety requirements (i.e. seat spacing, hand sanitizer stations, face masks, etc.). Some safety measures may still be necessary even on July 31.)
Seniors Graduate in Small Group Ceremonies, Dates and Location TBD
(This will only happen IF July 31 at Powell Hall will need to be canceled and IF physical distancing restrictions are still in place. This isn’t necessarily a “virtual” event, but it would take all COVID-19 restrictions in mind during the planning. We have several ideas for such an event if it is necessary and will do our best to ensure that each graduate will be able to bring a limited number of guests to see them walk across the stage. This is our last resort plan for graduation and will only be done if we cannot hold an in-person event with a large audience. Details TBD.)
If your Senior has joined the military or you know they will no longer be in town on Friday, July 31, use this Google Form AHS C/O 2020 July 31 Availability to inform Dr. Luecke.
Friday Nights in May
To honor our Affton High School Class of 2020, we will join schools across the country in shining our stadium lights at 8:20pm (20:20 military time) each Friday night in May. We’ll leave them on for 20 minutes and 20 seconds. We ask that seniors and their families please NOT gather at the stadium. We may be isolated, but we can share a common light.
Thank you to everyone who has been patient and allowed our district leaders and community time to plan meaningful activities to serve and support our students and especially our seniors.
Stay safe & be well,
Dr. Deann Myers
Principal
About Affton High School
Dr. Tim Luecke, assistant principal, grades 11&12
Dr. Jon Langhans, assistant principal, grades 9&10
Email: jlanghans@afftonschools.net
Website: http://ahs.afftonschools.net/
Location: 8309 MacKenzie Road, Affton, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 638-6330
Facebook: facebook.com/AfftonHighSchool
Twitter: @AfftonHS