Fulton County Schools Planning For Graduation Alternatives

ALPHARETTA, GA — The coronavirus pandemic has closed schools across Georgia for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. Now the Fulton County School district is working on an alternative to a traditional graduation ceremony for this years senior class.

In an open letter addressing the Class of 2020, Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney congratulated students for toughing it out, but lamented being unable to honor their graduation with a traditional ceremony:

"I am profoundly saddened that these unprecedented circumstances have taken away opportunities to experience so many of the cherished moments associated with your senior year. Know that the decisions made during this extraordinary crisis were made to ensure your continued safety and well-being as well as that of your families, friends and your teachers. We have learned much and will continue to understand more about how we manage situations like this as we continue navigating through this crisis. Fortunately, despite the grim circumstances, you have continued to provide a shining light that motivates all of us to demonstrate empathy, poise and positivity in the face of adversity."

In the letter Looney confirms that he has asked school principals to start finding alternatives to normal graduation ceremonies. The ceremonies may take place remotely, broadcast over the internet or principals may try to find ways to celebrate the graduating class in person while maintaining the required safe social distancing.

Initially classes had only been cancelled through the end of March, but as the deadline approached Gov. Kemp extended the closure of all public schools in Georgia through April 24, before ultimately closing schools through the end of the year. All remaining classes have been ordered to be finished through virtual learning only.

Students in higher-learning are facing a similar order: The University System of Georgia announced March 16 night that all 26 of its institutions will move to online instruction for the remainder of the semester, with extremely limited exceptions.

Seniors or their parents who want to read the Looney's full remarks to the class of 2020 can find them here.