While in the grocery store, I
participated in a
conversation with one of the
cashiers. She was remarking
about how awful she felt that
her senior year had
vanished. What about
graduation, what about
prom, what about college?
While talking with her, other
customers starting speaking
up. “My daughter is going to
wear her prom dress around
the house until we get our
money out of it,” “My son
already has his virtual
campus check-in date,” “My
daughter is graduating
virtually. It’s not the same,
but at least we get to spend it
together as a family.”
The changes that are
occurring in education not
only are shaping how we do
business today, but what our
future and ultimately our
history looks like.
In a communication from
Pittsylvania County Public
Schools Division
Superintendent to senior
students and parents, Dr.
Mark Jones said:
"Dear Seniors and Parents,
I know this must be an
especially difficult time for
you seniors and your parents
as we navigate through the
impact of COVID-19. Without
question, one’s senior year
should be memorable, and I
am heartbroken for you. The
high school principals, central
office personnel, and the
School Board want to assure
you that we are doing
everything possible to ensure
your senior year is special and
that you receive the
recognition that seniors have
earned and deserve.
In an effort to mitigate some of
the results of this epidemic,
the School Board approved
rescheduling high school
graduations at its April
meeting. High school
graduations have been
rescheduled on July 17 and
18, 2020, at Averett
University's North
Campus. This should allow
time after Governor
Northam’s order is lifted on
June 10, 2020, and is the first
date that Averett’s facility is
available. However, if
restrictions remain in place
longer than anticipated and in
-person ceremonies are not
possible, the school division is
actively exploring all
possibilities to honor and
recognize our graduates. If
this is required, we will share
further details as we know
more.
The Superintendent of Public
Instruction for Virginia has
met with division
superintendents to share his
commitment that students
on-track for graduation prior
to the closing of schools will
graduate. I would like to
provide information relating
to flexibility that is being
provided as it relates to
graduation. I hope this eases
many of your concerns. If you
continue to have questions in
this regard, I encourage you
to call your high school
principal, school counselor,
the director of secondary
education, or me.
Please review the
requirements below. Also,
please be reminded that all
students, including seniors,
are expected to complete the
continuity of learning
online/take-home packets
for the remainder of the
school year.
The following graduation
requirements can be waived:
Students currently enrolled
in a course for which they
need a standard or verified
credit in order to graduate;
Students who have
successfully completed a
course required for
graduation, but have not
earned the associated verified
credit;
Students who have not
completed the student selected
test; and
Students who are currently
enrolled in or have previously
completed a course leading to
a Career and Technical
Education (CTE) credential
necessary for a Standard
Diploma but have not yet
earned the credential.
The Code of Virginia outlines
several credit-based
graduation requirements. We
are working diligently with
the Virginia Department of
Education to ensure we
adhere to the processes
necessary to request a waiver
to the following requirements:
Students who have not
completed a United States and
Virginia history course;
Students who have not
completed a fine or performing
arts or career and
technical education course;
Students in the second of
sequential courses; and
Students who have not
completed an economics and
personal finance course.
The following graduation
requirements will require
action by the General
Assembly in order to be
waived:
Students who have not
completed training in
emergency first aid,
cardiopulmonary
resuscitation, and the use of
automated external
defibrillators, including hands
-on practice of the skills
necessary to perform
cardiopulmonary
resuscitation; and
Students who have not
completed a virtual course.
I regret that the Governor’s
order to close schools does
not allow for the Graduate of
Merit Banquet scheduled on
May 16, 2020, to be held this
year. These seniors have
worked very hard to earn this
honor, and it is truly
disheartening that school
closures through June 10,
2020, will not permit time to
hold this event. Central Office
administrators and principals
are discussing ways to present
these awards and scholarships
to seniors in a meaningful and
memorable way.
It is my hope that these
updates will help to address
the many questions and
concerns you may have
regarding graduation. More
information will be provided
throughout the spring. If you
have questions that were not
addressed, please contact
your school counselor, school
administrator, director of
secondary education, or me.
I greatly appreciate your
continued patience, support,
and understanding through
these challenging times.
With deepest gratitude,
Mark R. Jones
Division Superintendent
2020 Graduation and Practice
Schedule (Averett, North
Campus) Practice
July 16 5:00 p.m. CHS
July 17 9:00 a.m. DRHS
July 17 11:30 a.m. THS
July 17 2:00 p.m. GHS"
Graduation
July 17 7:00 p.m. CHS
July 18 9:00 a.m. DRHS
July 18 1:00 p.m. THS
July 18 6:00 p.m. GHS”
It is clear we are the road,
untraveled and the actions of
today mold the path of
tomorrow for who knows
what our history shall be.
These are hard times on us
all, particularly those who
are the graduating Class of
2020. I salute each senior and
bid you good luck on the
days and roads that lie
ahead.
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