Supplied by the Algoma District School Board…
The extended school closures announced in mid-May and the importance of following physical
distancing and crowd limit guidelines meant that Algoma District School Board had to make
difficult decisions on operational items, including elementary and secondary graduation
activities. In consultation with the District Public Health Units and coterminous Boards, it was
determined that face-to-face events, like graduations, would not be possible.
In response to the emergency health orders, ADSB staff were tasked with thinking of alternate
recognitions and celebrations for their Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduates. School administration
and staff took up the challenge with enthusiasm, creativity and a strong desire to honour the
Graduates of 2020 which in ADSB numbered close to 1500.
Many schools celebrated by hosting a Virtual Grad while others created Video Recorded
Graduations. Many included recorded messages from guest speakers, class Valedictorians,
school staff and administration along with special student montages and songs. All graduates
received a special drop-off by a school staff member or via a grad parade, while respecting
physical distancing protocols. The grad delivery included things such as lawn signs, certificates,
school memorabilia and other special treats which were added touches from schools as their
way of acknowledging this unique graduating year. One school provided graduates with
customized face masks with the school logo. One Valedictorian traveled to all the townships
and communities where his fellow classmates live to record segments of his Valedictorian
address – as a reminder that “we may be apart but we are all in this together”.
The staff visits were occasions in which students were recognized in a very personalized way
along with family members who were able to join them. All school staff were able to take part in
celebrating the schools’ graduates, either by joining in the drop-offs, grad parade or by sharing a
celebratory message online.
Parents and students alike shared how they appreciated the time taken by school staff to
individually recognize each graduate. Many families shared that they enjoyed celebrating from
the comfort of their own homes, recognizing that older family members were better able to see
and hear. Still others spoke of how the unique celebrations recognized and honoured all
graduates in a more personal manner. Many commented on how it felt like a community-wide
celebration, as neighbours saw the lawn signs announcing a ‘2020 Grad lives here’ and joined
in the acknowledgement with a wave or honking horn during the drop-offs and grad parades.
The positive feedback and unique features of this year’s graduations will shape future
celebrations as ADSB schools look at incorporating elements that proved successful this year.