Dear Family & Class of 2020,
As we all come to terms with Governor Pritzker’s announcement on Friday that in-person learning at Illinois schools has been suspended for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, please be assured that we have been preparing for this possibility, particularly as it relates to this year’s senior class.
As we continue with cyber learning, below is important information for the Class of 2020 for the end of the school year, including recognition ceremonies and celebrations.
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
A virtual NHS Induction Ceremony was prerecorded and shared on social media channels yesterday. A link to the video may be found by clicking here.
Academic Awards Ceremony
Similar to the NHS Induction Ceremony, we will share a prerecorded video honoring our Academic Award recipients on Sunday, May 3. We will send an email to parents of students being recognized with a link to view the video.
Athletic Signing Day – Wednesday, April 29
On Wednesday, April 29 we will honor student-athletes who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level via social media. If you have any questions about Signing Day, please contact Coach Dan Kusinski ’75 at dkusinski@stpatrick.org.
College Decision Day – Friday, May 1
Friday, May 1 is National College Decision Day. High school seniors across the country will announce their college choice for Fall 2020. While many seniors may not have made their final decision yet, we hope to honor their first choice at this time. We will send a separate email to seniors and parents with an opportunity to upload a video announcing their decision this week.
Final Exams/Assessment Days
Traditional final exams will not be given. Teachers will provide a tool for assessment on the material students learn after Easter Break – similar to what students experienced on April 6 and April 7 prior to break. The schedule for assessments is: Wednesday, May 6 (A to E Period) and Thursday, May 7 (F to I Period). The assessments will be included in the calculation of the final semester grades which will be submitted by the faculty on Monday, May 11.
Senior Prom
It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel Senior Prom. Given the current mandate with regards to the stay-at-home situation and restrictions regarding social distancing, it is not feasible for us to safely and logistically have Prom. Further information regarding ticket refunds will be sent to parents this week. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Rebecca McBride at rmcbride@stpatrick.org
Senior Night – Friday, May 8
On Friday, May 8 we will honor our senior spring athletes, musicians, artists and performers on social media in lieu of a traditional Senior Night.
Senior Celebration – Tuesday, May 19
We are working on plans to celebrate seniors in a fun and meaningful way on Tuesday, May 19. This is only the first part of an end of the year celebration and not meant to replace the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony.
Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony – Tuesday, July 14
We know what Graduation at Holy Name Cathedral means to seniors and their families. While this year’s graduation may take on a different look and feel of years past depending on social distancing guidelines at the time, we have rescheduled this year’s ceremony for Tuesday, July 14 at Holy Name Cathedral (time TBD). We will provide more information, including graduation practice, caps and gowns, etc. as we get closer to the date.
As we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation in the history of our school, country and world, our seniors and their families remain at the forefront of our minds and hearts. We are truly sorry that we are not able to be together physically during this time but we feel blessed to be a part of this school community, which has been led by the young men of the Class of 2020 all year long.
Please stay safe and well as we continue to keep you in our prayers.
God Bless,
Joseph G. Schmidt
President
Jon Baffico
Prinicipal
For more information related to Saint Patrick High School’s response to the Coronavirus situation, please go to: https://www.stpatrick.org/coronavirus-information/
