No Face-To-Face Graduation For Students In Strongsville

STRONGSVILLE, OH — When Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Ohio schools would be closed through the end of the school year, it set in motion a number of dominoes. The Ohio Department of Education has since ruled that in-person commencement ceremonies will not be allowed, even if social distancing guidelines can be met.

"Strongsville High School is continuing to work on options with this new directive," Superintendent Cameron Ryba said in a letter to the community. "We are all heartbroken for our seniors and will continue to work and give clarity to our parents as to plans for awards ceremonies, commencement, prom, etc. to celebrate what we can under the restrictions we are mandated to follow."

Beyond the typical year-end events for high school students, other grade levels will also be impacted. Ryba said he knows there are many meaningful events for students and families and the district is "working to finalize which of these events will continue on in an alternative matter."

Ryba said each school building's principal should share plans for these alternative events with families.

Students will also be given access to their lockers and desks to clean out their belongings. Ryba said the district has finalized their plan for students to come safely into the buildings and will share that information with families soon.

The district has also compiled a list of responses for frequently asked questions. Those answers can be found on the district's website.