Both Windsor-Essex's English-language school boards have been forced to adapt student graduations to these uncertain times.
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has laid out its plans to recognize the accomplishments of its Grade 8 and secondary students, while ensuring public safety from COVID-19.
The cancellation of the remainder of the school year in Ontario due to the pandemic has left many end-of-year school traditions in limbo, including prom and graduation.
WECDSB Director of Education Terry Lyons said all possible options had been discussed for several weeks.
"We understand how much our students have been through this year, which is why we consulted with our Student Senate and parents to make sure we contemplated a wide range of scenarios regarding ceremonies for the Class of 2020," said Lyons. "The committee also relied heavily upon advice we received from the Ontario School Boards’ Insurance Exchange, which insures 78 school boards across Ontario, and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in developing our plans."
Each school will create a pre-recorded virtual graduation video, which will be shared with the community at the originally-scheduled date and time, and include a faith component, said Lyons. Schools will then schedule times during the month of June for graduates to go and pick up their diplomas and any awards. Strict physical distancing guidelines will be in place and students will not be permitted to enter the school.
A similar plan has been developed by the Greater Essex County District School Board, with a video of the proceedings being produced.
"The video will be broadcast on YouTube at the time and on the day previously arranged prior to the school closures," said GECDSB public relations officer Scott Scantlebury. "Students and families will be receiving notification from their school as a reminder. The distribution of diplomas and certificates will be determined at a later time at each school."
Scantlebury said each school's video will include all of the traditional elements, including valedictory remarks and presentation of any student awards.