Graduation At Gloucester Township Middle Schools To Remain Online

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Eighth grade graduation ceremonies at Gloucester Township’s three middle schools will not be able to take place this year, Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau announced this week.

He made the announcement in a letter to the community after Gov. Phil Murphy announced graduations would be able to take place effective July 6.

After the governor’s announcement, the state education department released rules that limit the gathering size at the time the ceremonies are held. Read more: NJ In-Person Graduations: Here Are The New Rules Amid Coronavirus

“After reviewing the NJDOE guidelines, I must state I was disheartened by the lack of clarity and flexibility in what I read,” Bilodeau said. “There are multiple restrictive protocols within the guidelines, but the most relevant parameter deals with capacity.”

That guideline limits capacity to 25 people at outdoor gatherings until July 6. Murphy has said that number almost certainly will increase, but it is unknown what it might be increased to. It also states graduations must be held outside.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we have been hoping that our district’s traditional indoor graduation ceremonies, which recognize all graduates in attendance at one time along with their families, would be a possibility,” Bilodeau said. “In light of the governor’s announcement this week, those traditional ceremonies cannot be held. This decision was not taken lightly as I realize that this year’s 8th grade class is unfortunately missing out on all the special memories and emotions which a traditional graduation provides.”

Read more here: 25-Person Limit Obstacle For Black Horse Pike Graduations

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“At this time, it would be both impossible and irresponsible for us to attempt to plan an outdoor graduation, which our district has never held,” Bilodeau said. “Among other logistical issues, if we did plan for outdoor graduation, a total of 38 separate ceremonies would be required, weather permitting, with each ceremony having a 25 total person capacity per ceremony. The 25-person groups would include 20 graduates at a time and 5 staff members. Note that this would still not include parents and guardians.”

Instead, each school will move ahead with their original plans for graduation, Bilodeau said.
All three middle schools — C.W. Lewis, Ann A. Mullen and Glen Landing — will hold virtual graduation and awards ceremonies at 7 p.m. on June 15. They will be uploaded to the Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District’s webpage and YouTube.

“The NJDOE has indicated that the safest graduation option this year is to hold virtual ceremonies,” Bilodeau said. “I am very disappointed in having to bring this news to you. Certainly, this is not the message that I had hoped to convey, as I firmly believe our 8th grade students deserve to be commended for their efforts and to receive proper recognition for this important milestone.”

Bilodeau closed his message by saying the staff at all three schools worked hard to make the ceremonies special, and encourages families to view the ceremonies online.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know