Now that the Morongo Unified high schools have a graduation plan, would the MUSD and La Contenta Middle School please consider a modified promotion recognition for our 8th graders? We recognize that a traditional ceremony is not permitted at this time, however there are many schools across the country that have found ways to recognize their students while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

The students abruptly stopped attending school with the expectation that COVID-19 would only cause a brief recess. Due to the governor’s recommendations and school board’s adaptation of those recommendations, schools were cancelled for the safety of the students and staff. Because of this precaution, our students did not get the chance to say goodbye to their teachers or their classmates.

Although a traditional farewell may not be possible, it would be appreciated by students, parents and perhaps the teachers for the closure they all deserve to end this school year and their time as middle schoolers transitioning into high school. These kids have had a rough couple of months adapting to recent changes. Due to non-essential businesses being closed, they have had nowhere to go. They are not allowed to hang out with friends. They currently have nothing to look forward to. Our students could really use the morale boost by being recognized and feeling cared about by the school and the district.

The area schools giving out lunches via vehicle drive through pick-up lines and should be able to adapt this concept into a drive through promotion. 

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/on-air/seniors-at-rancho-cucamonga-high-school-get-diplomas-in-drive-thru-ceremony/2358459/?fbclid=IwAR0qrQlXj5IlRw_nXzFHsT8T9aiuzA1krZm2wy0gDvUYDNeJm68AcLML3DA

Here is an example from Rancho Cucamonga High School; a school in our county. A middle school promotion does not need to be as elaborate with a podium or stage, but some simple decorations would nice. Perhaps blue and yellow balloons and a banner with the school’s name and logo as a backdrop. The student does not even need to have physical contact with staff. The certificate can be set on a tabletop and picked up by the student for a quick photo shoot by loved ones who remain in their vehicles. We request 2 vehicles per student to accommodate students with split households or those who need to be in their own vehicle to comply with social distancing recommendations. The recognition of students would not have a significant negative fiscal impact to the school but would have a significant positive impact to the students, parents and our community.

Another parent proposed that the school takes photos of each student so the photos could be put into a slide show for all the students. Students and their families could see their loved ones and classmates on a video posted to the school’s Facebook page and have the video emailed to them. Staff video clips could be added to the slideshow with a brief message to students.

Teachers from the school should be able to be on site while properly social distancing to clap for their students and wave if they choose to do so.

Thank you for your consideration.