04/30/2020
Letter from superintendent.....
Senior Families,
As you know, Goose Creek CISD will hold virtual graduation ceremonies on the dates originally scheduled for graduation. This decision was made out of concern for the safety of our graduates and their families, which is always our utmost priority. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed social distancing guidelines on us, we do not feel that a face-to-face graduation is possible in May.
Another reason for the decision to hold virtual graduation ceremonies on the original dates in May is our desire to respect those who will not be available later on in the summer to participate in graduation, such as our young men and women who have committed to a branch of the military or those who plan to leave for college during the summer.
A great deal of thought and planning has gone into honoring our seniors with yard signs and a professional senior video for each school for which students have contributed photos and videos. The virtual graduation ceremonies will include speeches by the valedictorian, salutatorian and other designated students, along with personalized slides shown as each student’s name is called and an online graduation program. The Class of 2020 would officially be certified as graduates at that time, and diplomas would be available shortly afterwards along with copies of the graduation program. This ceremony can be watched in your own home at www.gccisd.net as you celebrate your graduate. Diplomas can be picked up, along with copies of the graduation program, at a designated time and place.
Results of a recent student survey showed that 70 percent of the students who responded want the opportunity to walk across the stage and would be able to attend. For this reason, we also will move forward with providing an opportunity for students to participate in a face-to-face ceremony in July at a local venue contingent on the ability to follow safety protocols at the time of the event. This would allow those who are present to accept their diplomas by walking across the stage.
As a district, we believe that it is important to continue with our plans for virtual graduation as well as to offer a face-to-face opportunity for students during the summer when the circumstances have a greater potential for safety. Following the virtual ceremony, senior administrators will contact students with an invitation to attend a ceremony in July. Those who wish to participate must RSVP.
We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. We hope you take this time to enjoy celebrating your senior’s accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!