Dear Members and Parents/Guardians of the CHS Class of 2020,
As we continue to plan for a July 18 graduation, I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with a few updates. Please keep in mind that the executive order issued by Governor Cuomo on June 7th only allows districts to hold outdoor, socially-distanced graduations of up to 150 people. Our current plan involves several staggered ceremonies. However, we will also plan for the possibility of a larger ceremony if restrictions are lessened. More information, including group assignments, will be sent home a week or two prior to July 18.
IMPORTANT: If you or your family cannot be present on July 18 due to extenuating circumstances, please notify me no later than Monday June 22 so arrangements can be made for graduates and their families to come to the high school on Saturday, June 27 to receive their diplomas.
We are working to make this graduation as special as possible for our seniors. We have contracted with a local company to rent a large 50’ X 100’ pole tent and stage to be located on Alumni Field for the ceremony. Because each ceremony will be limited to 150 people, we will have to limit the number of guests per student. We are planning to have a livestream available so family and friends can watch from home. More details to follow.
Graduation rehearsal will take place at the CHS Alumni Field on Friday, July 17 with staggered times beginning at 11 a.m. You will be receiving more details about reporting times a week or two before graduation.
Cap & Gown Pick-Up
Graduates will drive up and pick up their Cap & Gown in front of the high school between 4-6 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Also, faculty and staff will be on site forming a trunk parade to show support for our graduates. In addition, a special gift will be provided to each graduate.
Senior Awards
This year, due to the COVID-19 school closure, we will provide a pre-recorded “virtual” presentation which will premiere on the district’s Facebook page and YouTube channel on Thursday June 25 at 6 p.m. This will allow students and families the opportunity to tune in and watch the ceremony together at home live, or anytime after the premiere.
Car Parade Celebration: Saturday, June 27 @ 6 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – Seniors will line up cars entering from Columbia Street to the back of Harmony Hill School along Madeline Hickey Way. One car per senior. Seniors are encouraged to decorate cars to show school spirit. We strongly encourage a friend or relative to drive so that our seniors can wave and interact distraction-free with supporters along the parade route.
- 6 p.m. – Cohoes High School. Car Parade Start. Escort by Cohoes PD and PD.
- 6:08 p.m. – Cohoes Middle School.
- 6:16 p.m. – Abram Lansing Elementary School.
- 6:24 p.m. – Travel Down Columbia Street; Cross Route 787 to Bridge Street.
- 6:32 p.m. – Van Schaick Elementary School.
- 6:40 p.m. – 787; Mohawk Street; Vliet Street.
- 6:48 p.m. – Baker Ave; Columbia Street.
- 6:56 p.m. – Harmony Hill Elementary School.
- 7:04 p.m. – Cohoes High School. Car Parade Finish.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me at 237-9100 X1404 or bwood@cohoes.org.
Stay Healthy and Be Well!
Bryan P. Wood
CHS Principal