Dear Members and Parents/Guardians of the CHS Class of 2020,
Without question, the unprecedented and unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic have required us to come together like never before. Thankfully, we live and work in a community that is caring and willing to provide the resources and unwavering support for all students, especially for you, our seniors who have lost so much this year. While this was not the end of year anyone had envisioned, please know that you have been in our thoughts as we plan events that will create special memories for you and your families. While we cannot hold a traditional graduation ceremony with a large gathering, we have been working to create several events that will celebrate your amazing accomplishments!
Cap & Gown Pick-Up: Monday, June 22 from 4-6 p.m.
Graduates will drive up and pick up their Cap & Gown in front of the high school. Additional items will be provided (detailed instructions and report times for graduation ceremony, community gift, etc.). Also, faculty and staff will be on site forming a trunk parade to show support for our graduates.
Important: Graduates, if you haven’t ordered your cap & gown please use this form. If you are having difficulties please contact Mrs. Abbott or Mrs. Ozols.
Senior Awards: Thursday, June 25 @ 6 p.m.
A virtual awards ceremony is being planned. Award winners and those seniors graduating with honors, along with family members will be invited to watch the event. We are still working out many of the details but will notify award winners by mid-June.
Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location and Times
This year’s conferring of diplomas will take place in the high school’s new gym. Each graduate will be assigned to a group of 10-15 students and scheduled to arrive at the high school in half hour time intervals (i..e. Group A – 9 a.m.; Group B – 9:30 a.m., etc.). These group assignments will be provided, along with other important information to graduates at cap & gown pick-up on June 22. Graduates are encouraged to bring no more than five family members.
Conferring of Diplomas
When scheduled, each graduate and their family members will enter the new gym from outside near the main entrance. I will be present to announce the graduate’s name. The graduate will then cross a stage and be given their diploma by a board member. The family will be allowed to watch and take photos. Please let Mr. Wood know if you plan to have more than five family members in attendance. The next graduate and their family will be gathered at the door ready to enter the gym. Dr. Spring, members of the Board of Education and Cohoes High School administration will be present.
Photo Opportunity
After the graduate leaves the stage, there will be a photo opportunity set up for the graduate and their family. Everyone will then leave the gym through the double doors to the outside near the glass vestibule. Outside, a secretary will hand the graduate an envelope with other congratulatory letters.
Live Stream Video
Our communications specialist Aaron Cagwin will be on hand to provide live stream video and take pictures.
Senior Signs
Personalized senior signs will be lined up along the grassy area outside Alumni Field. As students leave, they may stop and pick up their senior signs to keep.
Additional Information
- The new gym will be decorated by our PTO and a stage will be set-up to resemble a traditional graduation ceremony.
- All commencement speeches will be video recorded on stage in the days prior to June 27. The will be shown on the district Facebook page and YouTube channel on the morning of graduation.
- No more than 10 individuals will be permitted in the gym at any given time.
- All individuals will wear face masks at all times except during the graduate/family photo.
Car Parade Celebration: Saturday, June 27 @ 6 p.m.
Graduates will line up in their vehicles at the high school along Tiger Circle and Madeline Hickey Way. Everyone is encouraged to decorate and show their school spirit. Cohoes PD and FD will provide an escort through the city of Cohoes and by all schools. We are currently meeting with city officials to determine route and other logistics. TBD.
I want to thank you for your patience as we continue to plan for each event. If anything changes between now and the end of June I will be sure to let you know.. The input we have received from the community over the past few weeks has been greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me at 237-9100 X1404 or bwood@cohoes.org.
Stay Healthy and Be Well!
Bryan P. Wood
CHS Principal