Dear North Hunterdon-Voorhees School Community,
As we enter our last week of the school year, I would like to congratulate the students on your exceptional effort, flexibility and fortitude during the last eleven weeks. You are a remarkable group, truly reflective of our district mission to develop responsible citizens in a continually changing society.
Our amazing students are a result of the support and motivation provided by the parents of the district. Through your efforts, the students were able to demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and a depth of character of which we can all be proud. The significant number of efforts by our students to thank medical personnel, first responders and essential workers clearly reflects the values of our families. In addition to the acts of gratitude, the students also remained committed to fundraising and activities that support charitable causes.
The one activity that has remained elusive despite our best efforts to address, graduation, continues to be difficult to finalize. Through countless conversations with parents, students, administration, the Department of Education, the local health department and law enforcement, one thing has remained constant: our collective desire to provide our graduates with a ceremony that provides them the recognition and celebration they deserve. The cancellation of our senior ceremonies and celebrations has been an immeasurable loss; graduation remains our last opportunity to alleviate some of that loss.
To that end, we are planning multiple activities that honor our graduates:
- To recognize our graduates on the original commencement date, a virtual graduation will be provided on June 12, 2020. This will give graduates and their families the first opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 as a whole. Seniors will receive their caps, gowns and honor cords prior to June 12th. Principals will provide specific distribution details.
- Several teams of administrators and teachers will also be personally delivering other items, including personalized lawn signs, to each graduate’s home. More information on this will be forthcoming from the principals. This will provide the entire community visible evidence of the graduates’ achievements.
- We are also going to conduct on-site events after July 6th at each high school as we are making every effort to ensure that the Class of 2020 is provided an opportunity to gather together in-person to celebrate their accomplishments. As we progress through the anticipated lessening of restrictions, we will finalize plans to increase the connectedness provided at these on-site ceremonies.
Nothing can replace what has been lost. I and the entire North Hunterdon-Voorhees staff will continue to do our best to provide our students with the experiences and education they deserve and the community expects. I wish you all well, and we will continue to update you on our graduation plans as information develops over the next few weeks.
Regards,
Jeffrey Bender
Superintendent of Schools
North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District