CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)- Will there be graduations for the Class of 2020? What about proms?

As the end of the school year looms and state and local governments continue to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus through the month of April, what occurs in May is a concern of many students especially those of the Class of 2020  and their families.

“CMCSS knows that the global pandemic has been especially difficult for the Class of 2020. District leadership is continuing to monitor guidance from the CDC and other local, state, and national agencies,” said Anthony Johnson, newly selected Chief Information Officer.  “At this time, no decisions have been made extending the closure past May 1 or canceling graduations. However, with the amount of planning required and the number of students and family members affected, CMCSS is focused on exploring alternatives with stakeholder input and committed to making decisions as quickly as possible. A survey will be sent to the Class of 2020 in the coming days.”

A few big decisions have been made including not having some proms and amendment of graduation requirements. .

“At this time, proms scheduled through the May 1 closure window have been cancelled,” Johnson said. “Our current plan is for students to return to school on May 4 and complete the school year as scheduled. For proms that were cancelled, administrators will make every effort to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a similar function when schools reopen, if it is safe and within guidelines to do so.”

The closure window is subject to change depending on official recommendations or executive orders.

“If there is the need to extend the closure past May 1, which would ultimately affect all proms, CMCSS will immediately communicate that information to families.,” Johnson said.

A video was released for the Class of 2020 on Monday via CMCSS’s facebook. It can be viewed by clicking here.

Other decisions that affect seniors and other students were communicated to parents through email on Tuesday.

  • ACT

In Fall 2020, CMCSS will provide opportunities for students to participate in the ACT. The dates are either September 22 or October 6, and a make-up date of October 20 with scores arriving 3-7 weeks later. This will not interfere with Fall break, which is October 12-16, 2020. ACT National administration dates are still in transition for those who would like to participate in those administrations. Please check their website act.org for further information. If you have a senior in need of an ACT retake before the fall, please contact us at assessment@cmcss.net.

  • Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement [AP] College Board is providing on-going, online support for AP students, and the exam will be given online. ACT provided these additional details on April 3:

Please contact your student’s AP teacher or administrator for further guidance.

  • Graduation

CMCSS is gathering input from seniors, parents, principals, and other stakeholders regarding graduation ceremonies. Seniors will receive an email this week with a link to complete a survey. We will review stakeholder feedback and recommendations from the CDC to make a decision later in April, and we will communicate next steps at that time.

  • Graduation Regalia/Invitations

Jostens has delivered materials to several schools. Governor Lee has extended the “safer at home” orders for TN until April 30. Jostens and CMCSS are working together to ship the remaining items directly to students. Further details will be announced soon.

  • Graduation Requirements

The State Board determined on April 9, 2020 that graduation requirements for the 2020 school year will be amended. Students will need to earn 20 credits, which must include:

  • 4 English credits
  • 4 math credits
  • 3 science credits
  • 2 social studies credits

All students who were on track to graduate as of March 20, 2020 will still do so. Students should contact your school directly if they have concerns about graduation status.

  • High School Grades

On April 9, the State Board of Education met and determined that no student will be issued a grade lower than what had been earned as of March 20, 2020. CMCSS will follow State Board policy and ensure that no student receives a grade lower than they had earned as of that date. As mentioned in State Board minutes, the issuing of a numeric grade for the spring semester is needed to make sure all TN students can continue to pursue qualification for the HOPE Scholarship. Due to this determination, CMCSS will offer opportunities to improve second-semester grades for any student needing or wanting to improve a GPA as it relates to the HOPE Scholarship.

As a reminder you can qualify for the HOPE Scholarship 2 distinct ways: by making a 21 or higher on the ACT OR by maintaining a 3.0 GPA. If you believe that your student could benefit from this opportunity to improve second-semester grades for the HOPE Scholarship, please contact your student’s teacher.

  • Proms

At this time, proms scheduled through the closure window have been canceled. Schools are closed through May 1. Our current plan is for students to return to school on May 4 and complete the school year as scheduled. For proms that were canceled, administrators will make every effort to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a similar function when schools reopen.

The closure window is subject to change depending on the recommendation of the CDC and Health Department officials. If there is the need to extend the closure past May 1, which would ultimately affect all proms, CMCSS will immediately communicate that information to families.

  • Yearbooks

Yearbooks are due to be delivered in early May. Delivery methods will be determined based on stay-at-home orders in effect at that time. CMCSS will continue to provide updates.