Clark County school districts reach out to seniors amid pause in year

Superintendents of several school districts in Clark County are reaching out to seniors by posting a letter or video to the Class of 2020 through their websites and social media accounts.

With Gov. Mike DeWine’s order of the closure of all public and private K-12 schools until at least May 1, and most likely the remainder of the school year, the status of senior events and graduation ceremonies are uncertain.

Springfield City School District superintendent said he knows students and families are worried.

“I know that some of you are worried about your families, worried about your grandparents, worried about graduation and prom, and every event you deserve to experience in your senior year,” said Superintendent Bob Hill in a video posted to the district’s Facebook page.

Hill wants seniors to know the staff is always thinking about them and working for them.

“Every decision that the president makes, every directive that the governor issues to schools, how these decisions not only effect the district but our senior class directly,” he said. “Will we have prom? Senior night? Graduation? I cannot answer these question today, but I can tell you is that I will personally do everything in my power to provide you with answers as soon as possible.”

The district will celebrate the seniors, even if events get canceled, Clark-Shawnee Local School District Superintendent Brian Kuhn said.

“In the event that we must face the reality of canceling activities, we will find a way to celebrate,” he said. “I will cheer you on every step of the way. Your teachers and parents and community members will all be cheering you on. Together we will get through this.”

The senior class is not alone, and the district will work together till the end, Kuhn said.

“While we may not know the details now, we will be celebrating your accomplishments with you,” he said. “We will work together to make this current experience an experience from which we can learn and grow.”

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Greenon Local School District superintendent said he knows graduation is a worry for many students, families and staff members.

“This is a time of uncertainty and worry for many of us. I know that you are sad about what you are missing out on right now, and what you aren’t sure about in the coming months,” said Superintendent Brad Silvus. “I want you to know that your teachers and administrators share these worries with you.”

Silvus wants to reassure the students that he will continue to work for them.

“I wish I had reassurances or answers for you right now about what the next few weeks hold. I will continue to ask the questions on your mind until we have the answers you need,” he said.

If the school cannot have planned events, they will still find ways to celebrate the seniors, Silvus said.

“I hope we can still have many of those events. But I want to assure you that if we can’t have these events as planned, we will find ways to celebrate you and all that you have accomplished,” he said.

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