#U46 YOU HAVE STOLEN THE CLASS OF 2020’S SUPER BOWL MOMENT

Below is the disappointing email that #U46 and #tonysanders sent out tonight.  In five or ten years from now, these Seniors aren’t going to remember a “handshake that will come at some future time”.  They’re going to remember that #U46 denied them the proper graduation and couldn’t think outside the box like other high schools in Cook County are doing and other schools in the State of Illinois have done in giving their Seniors a “cap and gown and walk-the-stage” graduation.  

Subject:  Class of 2020 Graduation Update
Reply-To: email@blackboard.com

A message from ELGIN SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIT 46

Dear Class of 2020 Students and Parents, 

As you know, we have been trying for several weeks to figure out a way to still host some type of in-person graduation ceremony this year. I am writing to share that, unfortunately, that will not be possible. We will move forward with our June 13 virtual graduation ceremony.  Further, we are setting aside the budget that would have provided for our graduation ceremonies to hold school-originated gatherings for all of you once social distancing requirements are eased.

I do not make this decision lightly.  By way of background, we at first announced no in-person ceremonies at the direction of the State Superintendent, Dr. Carmen Ayala.  Dr. Ayala subsequently relaxed her stance and indicated we could consider several options for in-person ceremonies.  We then went back to the drawing table and even gathered feedback from my student advisors. 

Now, however, we have been directed by both the Kane County and DuPage County Regional Offices of Education and our county health departments that no in-person graduation ceremonies will be allowed.  We have posted this correspondence as a link on our COVID-19 website, www.u-46.org/covid

I am sorry.  Our high school graduation ceremonies are to recognize your accomplishments.  I, like you, and your principals, and your teachers, will mourn the loss of an in-person ceremony.  However, we will do our best to make our virtual graduation ceremony meaningful for you and your family.  Further, we will ensure your accomplishments are celebrated in-person as soon as we are allowed to do so.  That is a commitment our Board of Education and I make to you.

This graduating class is special in so many ways.  For me, the Class of 2020 is special because I have had the pleasure of watching so many graduates from this class as you grew up before my eyes. (I started to work in U-46 a year before you entered kindergarten.)  I also have a large group of student advisors who will graduate: Suleika and Sareena from Bartlett High; Lindsey, Zahra, and Sarah from Elgin High; Marteena from Larkin High; Mahima, Dhruv, and Hayley from South Elgin High; Hallie, Anya, and Jenna from Streamwood High; and, Alexander and Eryonna from DREAM Academy.

Please ensure you check your U-46 student email for the details of how you will upload your information for the virtual ceremony, including your photo in cap and gown. 

I look forward to the day that we can celebrate you in-person.  When I can shake your hand and tell you congratulations on your accomplishments.  I am proud of each of you.

Sincerely,

Tony Sanders

Superintendent

School District U-46