This petition is being put together by the parents and their graduating seniors in hopes that the Woodland Joint Unified School District Board will reconsider their decision to hold a Virtual Graduation Ceremony. These hardworking young adults deserve to have a Traditional Graduation, especially after most of them voted for it and have since voiced their desires via email, phone calls, and letters to the Superintendent and Board Members. 

 A few weeks ago, the District sent out multiple emails and calls not to mention social media posts by multiple affiliated groups of the school asking graduating seniors and their parents to complete a survey about what they would like to have happen for Graduation this year. The option for a postponed Traditional Ceremony, Virtual Ceremony or parade type of ceremony were on this survey. They repeatedly noted that they wanted to know what we wanted. It was heard that they would take that information and use it to decide at the May 14th Board Meeting. Instead at their April meeting, a surprising, infuriating and heartbreaking decision was made. At the time of the meeting almost 600 votes had been placed and over 80% voted for a postponed Traditional Ceremony. The voice of the parents but most importantly the graduating Senior was in fact not important to those who made this decision. They didn't care to take in what was really wanted by the majority. Thanks for taking the time to vote but we don't really care, and we will base our decision after.... we will disclose more details later. It took days before any type of notification was sent out by the school and still no details. No explanation as to why we taught our kids that voting matters only to have them shut down before the voting even ended. In fact, the ad and link to vote is still up on their website. 

The times are uncertain right now, but things are beginning to open back up and slowly, but it appears sooner than later we will be able to come together and watch proudly as those we love cross the stage. It is possible! With things changing day to day, why not wait until May 14th and have more of a discussion? Why not set a date in July or August and start planning how to do it with a little more precaution? There are other High Schools in our direct area that are holding Traditional Ceremonies. Let’s come together and fight for our kids so that they can have at least 1 special moment of their senior year not ripped away.

No Prom, Senior Trip, Senior Breakfast, Senior Ditch Day, Senior Parade, yearbook signings, Grad Night, final Concert, last Musical,  final lap around the track, game ending home run, final walk to the student parking lot, the last bell, the list could go on and on with all the memories that have been missed out on. Years and years of incredibly hard work put in with the goal of crossing that stage, looking out at your friends and family, seeing your parents look more proud than they ever have and tossing your cap into the air, you have finally done it, you are a High School Graduate. Being the first class to Graduate in your new stadium, one that you have never been able to use your entire high school career. That is a moment we cannot let be taken away!! Please take a moment and sign this petition in hopes that this time our District listens to those voices who matter most, who they are supposed to represent!!