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Postponed Events & Future Plans

April 30, 2020

There are many school events further impacted by the COVID-19 Amended School Closure Order issued on April 29, 2020 by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).  The most recent order extends the closure through June 30, 2020 and includes our grounds and athletic facilities.  

We have remained hopeful conditions would allow for our students to return to school and for us to celebrate our students with activities and events traditionally associated with the spring of every school year.  Unfortunately, many events are not possible due to ODH orders, social distancing guidelines, and mass gathering restrictions.

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/Second-Amended-Order-the-Closure-K-12-Schools-Ohio.pdf

The most pressing events impacted by the closure involve our high school students.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) officially canceled all spring sports and extended the no-contact period through June 30 or as long as the school closure order is in place.

The recently approved alternative date for prom on May 22nd or June 12th will not be possible under these orders.

A traditional graduation ceremony will not be possible on the original or alternative dates.  On 4/23, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) communicated its guidance and expectation that congregate graduation ceremonies, even with just our graduates, should not be held now or on a delayed schedule.  Further guidance was issued on 4/29 from ODE - in conjunction with ODH and Governor DeWine – stating, “The ban on mass gatherings includes any outdoor ceremonies even if social distancing is achieved.”

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Coronavirus/Graduation-and-Recognition-Ceremonies

The expectation is for schools to continue to recognize the importance of restrictions on mass gatherings, and events should be aligned with the ODH’s order.  Schools are being directed to hold a virtual or an alternate recognition on or near the original graduation date.

The BCLSD is planning to provide a virtual ceremony recognizing our graduates and will be released on or near June 1st.

We also intend to hold an alternate recognition event - a “Senior Send-Off” - on May 24th.  This will be a private recognition opportunity for the graduate, a few of the graduate’s family members, and a few staff members.  Each graduate will be provided a timeslot to pick up their diploma wearing their cap and gown outside of the high school, walk across a stage, and snap a few pictures.   More information about the details will be communicated by the high school administration soon.  

Due to the School Closure Order, we now know that summer camps, extra-curricular, and co-curricular events for some of our younger students will not be permitted through June.   We continue to hope conditions improve and future orders allow for students to use our facilities later this summer. 

During the school closure, our facilities and grounds will remain closed, with the exception of working employees, through June 30th.

The future is uncertain, but what is clear, is that officials will be keeping restrictions on mass gatherings and social distancing requirements around for some time.

We hope this provides you with some idea of the path forward.  Please know we will make every effort to do our best and to keep you informed throughout this situation.

Thank you,

Shawn Haughn

Superintendent