June 23, 2020
Hello Class of 2020 and ACMA Senior Families,
As you may have seen in the email from BSD High School and Option School Administrator Dr. Jon Franco, it appears that we here in Washington County will not be eligible to apply for a phase 2 opening until July 10th since the governor has decided to treat all three metro area counties, Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington as one unit when it comes to entering the next phase of reopening.
Because of this, we as a school need to consider that August 6 date we set aside for an in-person ceremony (that we now won’t be able to have) and determine if we want to try to have some other kind of senior event. Using phase 1 guidance, which limits gatherings to no more than 24 people, the only feasible options for graduation style ceremonies would be:
1) Drive-Up (Students in cars, pulling through the parking lot at ACMA ...we did this in June)
2) Drive-In (Students in cars parking at a large parking lot -for us somewhere like Westview High School- and listening to a ceremony in their cars)
3) Virtual (Where we’d use the photos we took of seniors at our June event, as well as videos of senior speeches etc. to put together a show we could share with families)
Since we did a drive-up celebration in June, and no one likes to repeat himself, we are really looking at either a “drive-in” ceremony or a “virtual” ceremony as our August event. What I’d like to hear from you about is whether you would like to do a “drive-in” ceremony on August 6th at 7:30 at Westview High School’s parking lot, or if you would prefer to have us do the “virtual” ceremony that we would share with students in August.
This is a strange year, and we know that neither option is perfect, but we do want to honor and celebrate our seniors. Please use the following form to let us know what you think.
CLICK HERE to share your thoughts on the options listed above.
Thank you so much,
Bjorn
June 18, 2020
Dear Families of Beaverton School District Seniors,
We wanted to provide you with an update on the next steps in our efforts to provide in-person graduation ceremonies in August for the class of 2020. We planned on waiting until July 10 to announce a decision on what schools would be doing to celebrate. However, in light of recent updates, we’ve decided to amend our timeline.
On June 17, Governor Brown issued a statement on the further re-opening of Oregon counties. Washington County won’t be eligible to apply for a Phase 2 opening until July 10 per the governor’s new guidance. The governor has decided to treat all three metro area counties — Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington — as one unit when it comes to entering the next phase of reopening.
Because of this change, we unfortunately won’t be able to hold in-person August graduation ceremonies at our high school stadiums. We all share in this disappointment. However, our high schools still are prepared to offer the class of 2020 a celebration ceremony in alignment with Phase 1 guidance. Using these parameters, individual schools will decide and communicate to their communities their intent to do one of the following options:
1) Drive-up Ceremony
2) Drive-in Ceremony (requires a large parking lot)
3) Virtual Ceremony
Schools also will communicate either confirmations or adjustments to dates, times and venues.
We want to thank all of you for your patience and support as we try to navigate our ever-changing reality. Please stay tuned for more graduation information from your high school. Congratulations to the class of 2020!
Cordially,
Jon Franco, Ed. D.
Executive Administrator of High Schools and Option Programs
May 26, 2020
Hello Class of 2020,
It’s time to put on those robes and mortar boards and prepare your best graduating smiles! Please join us in a senior parade and celebration on Thursday, June 4th, starting at 3:00 pm.
Seniors will drive into the north entrance of the parking lot at ACMA (on 118th) and follow the route in this map.
Along the way you’ll have some surprises, lots of love, and a chance to show off your ACMA Class of 2020 spirit. I’ve heard the fantastic suggestion that seniors decorate their cars, and if you’d like to do that we encourage you to.
Please place a copy size paper on the driver side dashboard, with your name written out in large dark letters (at least 2 inches high).
I won’t give away all the plans, but we will have stations along the route where you can:
- Return miscellaneous items (musical instruments, cameras etc.)
- Return chromebooks, textbooks etc.
- Pick up any certificates for scholarships, department merit awards, cords, stoles, medallions, and (for everyone) a diploma cover
- Get out of your car and get a couple of photos taken in your cap and gown
We hope to make this a fun celebration, and we look forward to seeing all of you on campus next Thursday!
Thanks,
BP
PS: Since it’s okay to drive through, but not park and have a celebration, we ask you to exit the parking lot through the sou
May 8, 2020
Dear Families of Beaverton School District Seniors,
Yesterday, Governor Brown issued an order that stated that large gatherings like sporting events, concerts, festivals and conventions won’t be returning to Oregon until the state has a reliable treatment or prevention of the coronavirus in place. According to Governor Brown, health officials say any large gathering scheduled through September should be canceled or significantly modified. We know that this news comes on the heels of our commitment to hold in-person graduation ceremonies in July and August, but we still plan to adhere to our decision making timeline. We believe that it is still very early and it is possible that things could change.
As a reminder, schools are planning the following events:
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June Senior Celebrations: In lieu of our previously scheduled June commencement ceremonies, all schools are planning a senior celebration. Details of these celebrations will come out at a later date from each school.
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In-person July and August Graduation Ceremonies: On or about July 10th we will make a decision on whether or not we will hold an in-person graduation ceremony in July/August. These ceremonies will vary in scale depending on social distancing restrictions at that time. We will only be able to hold a graduation ceremony if the Governor’s orders change.
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Virtual graduations: If there is no change in the Governor’s orders from now until July 10th, schools will hold a virtual graduation ceremony which includes recorded speeches, a video slideshow of every graduate, and the turning of tassels.
We wanted to let you know that we remain committed to celebrating this senior class! Please do not hesitate to reach out to your principal if you have any questions.
With Appreciation,
Matt Casteel, Aloha High School
Bjorn Paige, Arts & Communication Academy
Andrew Cronk, Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering
Anne Erwin, Beaverton High School
Michael Crandall, Early College High School
Jill O’Neill, International School of Beaverton
Rachel Sip, Merlo Station Campus
Todd Corsetti, Mountainside High School
David Nieslanik, Southridge High School
John Huelskamp, Sunset High School
Matt Pedersen, Westview High School
April 10, 2020
Dear Beaverton School District High School Students and Families:
On Wednesday, Governor Kate Brown announced the decision to close in-person classes for the remainder of the school year. Though many of us anticipated this reality, the announcement hit us hard and has numerous implications. This is a collective letter to you from all of the high school principals in the Beaverton School District. We are united in our commitment providing clear communication to all of our families.
Students and staff are the heart of our schools. We love our students and colleagues and cannot wait to bring life back into our buildings. We realize that in addition to academic learning, the opportunities for students to grow socially; be a part of a team; and be nourished in mind and body all happen at school. It was difficult to see that taken from us. During this time, it is essential that we stay connected to our students and families. Together we will help one another navigate these difficult times. We believe that Remote Learning is one way to help our students continue to move forward in their academic journeys.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released directives for the final two months of school that all public schools must follow. They include pathways that allow high school seniors to earn their final remaining high school credits and graduate on time. In short, any senior who was on track to graduate as of March 13th will be able to earn credits and graduate. Those who were not on track will have the opportunity to earn additional credits and graduate. All seniors will be contacted, by their counselor, by April 30th to discuss their individual plan. The district will also publish information about specific programs such as IB, AP, and Dual Credit courses.
We know, given the current realities, that we will not be able to hold the many end of year ceremonies/events to celebrate our seniors, as originally planned. That does not change our desire to recognize and celebrate this amazing class of 2020. We are pursuing plans for either a delayed graduation, should social distancing guidelines allow, or a virtual graduation. In addition, we are revisiting all of our end of year celebrations and finding new and creative ways for them to take place.
At this time, we are moving forward with Phase 3 remote learning plans. All 6-11 grade students will continue their coursework remotely through the end of this school year. Teachers will continue to design engaging opportunities so students progress in their learning. We will do everything possible to ensure that our students are held harmless during this pandemic.
Following this letter is a message from Principal Paige with more information about the timeline of the ODE Graduation Pathway 2020. Please continue reading.
Warm Regards,
Matt Casteel, Aloha High School
Michael Crandall, Early College High School
Todd Corsetti, Mountainside High School
Andrew Cronk, (BASE)
Anne Erwin, Beaverton High School
John Huelskamp, Sunset High School
David Nieslanik, Southridge High School
Jill O’Neill, International School of Beaverton
Bjorn Paige, Arts & Communication Academy
Matt Pedersen, Westview High School
Rachel Sip, Merlo Station High School
