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Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians of the Class of 2020,
Dallastown Area School District continues to be extremely proud of your child’s accomplishments as we enter into the final stretch of their senior year to become our Graduating Class of 2020. As we communicated to you last month, the district continues to navigate the difficult situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March, we have followed the guidance from government and health officials in our decision-making process. We have also been in constant communication with senior class officers, senior class advisors, senior parent representatives, and building/district leadership.
We understand that it is disappointing to end the school year without being able to celebrate traditional senior year milestones with friends, family, and our school community. We have been working diligently to develop ways to make the end of the senior year memorable and special – especially the graduation events.
Virtual Baccalaureate: Sunday, May 31 (6:30 p.m.)
Senior class officers have been working with local clergy members to plan a virtual Baccalaureate Ceremony for the Class of 2020. The ceremony will be pre-recorded and made available online on Sunday, May 31. The video link and additional information will be provided as the event approaches.
Senior Ceremonies, June 1 – June 5 (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Monday, June 1 (Last Names A – D)
Tuesday, June 2 (Last Names E – K)
Wednesday, June 3 (Last Names L - Ri)
Thursday, June 4 (Last Names Ro – Z)
Friday, June 5 (Severe Weather Makeup Day)
What are Senior Ceremonies? If Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have moved York County to the Yellow Phase by June 1, seniors and four family members are invited to participate in individual “Senior Ceremonies.” Each senior and their parents/guardians will be provided a specific time to arrive at the high school stadium. Family units will follow a set “course” to enter the stadium and travel around the track, following social distancing guidelines. Seniors will then walk across the field and onto a stage where they will have their name read, receive their diploma cover, and pose for a professional photograph. Finally, seniors will move to a separate location to receive their official diploma before exiting the stadium with their family unit. These ceremonies will be live streamed for viewers to watch from home.
These individual ceremonies are voluntary. In the event that you are unable to attend, sick or feel uncomfortable attending, your diploma will be mailed to you.
The ceremonies will occur rain or shine on the designated dates. That said, if severe weather (lightning, high winds, etc.) force us to cancel one or more of the evenings, we will utilize June 5 as a severe weather makeup date.
A Message from Dr. Fletcher Explaining Senior Ceremonies
Virtual Commencement, Saturday, June 6 (6:30 p.m.)
A pre-recorded commencement video will be made available online on Saturday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Each student’s senior portrait and name will be presented on a slide as their names are read aloud. In addition, brief remarks will be offered by the Senior Class President, Student Council President, School Board President, and District Leadership.
Senior Salute, August 1 (Time: TBD)
If York County has been moved to the Green Phase by August 1, seniors and their friends and families are invited to participate in a Senior Salute event. This event will allow us one more opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020! There will be a large group and individual student recognition at this event. Additional information will be communicated at a later date.
While we know this is not how you imagined your child would be ending their senior year, please know that we are doing everything in our power to make the graduation celebration special and memorable for your child and your families.
We are so proud of your child’s perseverance, dedication, and accomplishments. We know that they will succeed in their chosen path and look forward to hearing about their achievements.
Sincerely,
Joshua A. Doll, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dallastown Area School District
Zachary M. Fletcher, Ed.D.
Principal
Dallastown Area High School
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are we not postponing a traditional commencement ceremony?
A: With the uncertain timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure that we can recognize and celebrate the Graduating Class of 2020. We are aware that many students’ post-graduation plans will require them to travel out of the area and unable to attend a formal ceremony. It is our unwavering goal to recognize all students as an entire class. We will be hosting individual “Senior Ceremonies,” a virtual pre-recorded ceremony, and plan to host a Senior Salute in August.
Q: How will you ensure the senior ceremonies are safe for those individuals choosing to attend?
A: The safety and well-being of all stakeholders is the district’s top priority. The Class of 2020 individual senior ceremonies will only be held on the secondary campus if Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have moved York County to the Yellow Phase by June 1. Extra precautions will be taken to maintain social distancing and health guidelines.
Q: How will my child receive their cap/gown and other Jostens orders?
A: As a change to our previous communication, all Jostens orders will now be shipped directly to your home. If you have any questions, please contact Jostens directly at 1-800-JOSTENS or www.jostens.com.
Q: How will we receive information about virtual and senior ceremonies?
A: Additional information regarding the virtual and senior ceremonies will be provided via School Messenger as the events approach. The livestream link will also be posted on our district website and district social media channels.
Q: Will you be hosting an awards ceremony?
A: We will not be hosting an in-person awards ceremony. Each award recipient will receive their award through the mail along with a personalized letter. We will also post all award recipients on the district website.
Q: When will I receive my graduation cords?
A: Graduation cords will be distributed during the end of year senior item drop off. The drop off schedule will be shared in the coming week.
Q: Is there any update about yearbooks?
A: We anticipate that yearbooks will be delivered in early August from the yearbook printer.