Dear Parent/Guardians of 8th Graders,
I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe. While we await further information from Governor Pritzker regarding sheltering in place and the possible resumption of school, St. George CCSD No. 258 must consider alternatives to our traditional events especially as we near the end of the school year. The unprecedented global pandemic has created situations that many of us could not have imagined just a few months ago. Major milestones and events in families’ lives may look very different during this time.
Although a decision has not been made regarding the St. George CCSD No. 258 Eighth Grade Promotion scheduled for May 4, 2020, the administration is planning for the possibility that we may be unable to assemble as we do traditionally to honor our students. Just as births, weddings, birthdays, holidays, graduations and other life events look different to us at this time, it is important that our community plans for the possibility that our eighth-grade promotion may require a unique ceremony this year.
To prepare for the possibility of this unique graduation, cap and gown distribution will occur curbside at St. George School on Thursday, April 16, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. by appointment. Please see the link below. Please stay in your car and check-in with the school staff stationed at the curb by the front entrance to the school. You will then proceed in your car to the Athletic Entrance where school personnel will give you the cap and gown. It is important that you arrive at your scheduled time so that the distribution can occur smoothly. Please do not exit your car. Distribution at this time will allow families to press the gown, etc., before pictures are taken next week.
If you are unable to pick-up your cap and gown on Thursday, April 16 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., please email Mr. Wells at [email protected] to make alternative arrangements for pick-up.
On Monday, April 20, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Image Group, the District’s photographer, will be at St. George School to take pictures of your eighth-grade student in cap and gown (including tassel). Students will sign up (link below) to enter through the main entrance for the photographer in the LRC or to enter on the side gym door for the photographer in the gym. Students being photographed in the LRC should wait curbside at the front entrance. Students being photographed in the gym should wait curbside at the athletic entrance. Order forms for graduation pictures will be emailed to you later this week. All students and parents should remain in their cars until the student only is directed by the school staff to enter the school. The St. George Community creates a world-class educational environment that employs technology and quality classroom instruction to help our children become global independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and productive members of society.
It is important for everyone’s health and safety that we practice social distancing by following these procedures. The appointment times are scheduled at 5-minute intervals so it is important that students arrive on time in their caps and gowns ready to be photographed.
We understand the possibility of a non-traditional ceremony may be upsetting or disappointing to you or your student. Please be assured that St. George School CCSD No. 258 will do everything possible to create a unique ceremony that is memorable for your student and family and honors this milestone in your student’s life. We will provide additional information to you as we learn more from the governor.
Please use the following link to reserve your timeslots:
Please continue to stay healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Helen Boehrnsen
Superintendent