Dear Parents/Guardians,

After much careful consideration and deliberation, we have developed a plan to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Class of 2021 graduates that adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders and established guidance from the New York State Department of Health (DOH).

The plan for graduation has our seniors walking across the stage in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas, and it allows for up to six (6) family members to attend while also adhering to the health and safety guidelines referenced above.

The Class of 2021 Commencement ceremony will be held at the Watervliet High School on Friday, June 25, beginning at noon (12 p.m.). This venue allows us to offer our students the opportunity to participate in the longstanding tradition of graduating on campus while maximizing the number of family members who may attend. This setting also alleviates the need for COVID-19 tests and/or proof of vaccination; however, attendees will be required to complete a quick online health screening before entering the building. The health screenings will be overseen by the administrative team.

Additional graduation details will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Our graduating seniors also will receive a special invitation to join their classmates for a Senior Picnic on Thursday, June 24, at the Watervliet High School Athletic Field. This event will be dedicated to the Class of 2021 and will provide them time to reflect and celebrate their accomplishment together. Senior Class advisors are preparing an agenda and will share more details about this celebration soon.

In the meantime, if you have questions, please reach out to me by phone at 518-629-3300 or email rgroat@vlietschools.org.

Thank you!

Ryan Groat
WJSHS Principal

(This message was shared with grade 12 families via One Call Now email on May 26.)