Class of 2020 FAQ
April 20, 2020
** Update - Follow the Link for an Update **
https://www.auburn.k12.il.us/vnews/display.v/ART/5ea9ac236ba7f
Governor Pritzker's announcement on Friday has prompted us to yet again change course and rewrite tradition in regards to what happens at the end of the year - and in regards to the Class of 2020 at the end of their time at Auburn High School. Over the weekend I have responded to many emails, and like in my original FAQ here I will post the answers to most of the common questions I have received.
Believe me when I say, after talking to the high school staff on Friday afternoon none of us are happy about how this is progressing, but we are trying to take advantage as much as we can to keep things as "normal" as possible over these next six-plus weeks.
Onto the Questions:
Are you still planning on handing out the awards that our kids would have received at the end of the year's academic awards ceremony?
Yes, we as a staff plan to discuss how to still recognize all Academic Awards in a ceremony and plan to deliver all awards to Seniors at the same time.
Do the Illinois State Scholars receive some type of medal or trophy?
Yes, Illinois State Scholars are recognized during the Academic Awards and during graduation. Their certificates and plaques will be delivered as mentioned above.
What is the plan for a graduation ceremony? Will it still be on the same night?
There are several different scenarios being discussed for a graduation ceremony. We are hoping to be able to make an official announcement sometime the first week of May in regards to our plans for a graduation ceremony. We are making all efforts to hold the ceremony as close to the originally scheduled date as possible.
Do official transcripts for colleges still need to be sent from Parchment or is someone giving out paper copies in May?
Parchment will continue to handle all transcript requests.
What about sports awards and varsity letters for Spring sports? Do they still get a letter?
At this time, the IHSA has not cancelled the Spring Sport season. If/When that decision is made, then a decision will be made in regards to Awards. Coach Bates and I have already determined if an Athletic Awards Ceremony will not be possible beforehand, Senior specific Athletic Awards will be recognized during the graduation ceremony this year.
What happens to all the money raised by the Senior Class throughout high school to be able to go on a Senior Trip?
Fundraisers that students complete throughout high school do not go only to pay for their Senior Trip, but also things the student do as a class. Usually, the largest chunk of fundraiser money goes towards putting on Prom the students' Junior year. Traditionally, any money that is not used by the Senior Class before graduation is put into an account for that class to use in the future for reunions. Some classes have used that money to make donations back to the school. Obviously this scenario is not traditional, and I am sure there will be several options for students to choose from to decide what is done with the money their class has raised - this possibly could still include a Summer Senior Trip is social distancing restrictions are lifted.
Do our kids get their money back from Prom and After Prom registration?
At this point in time Prom has not been cancelled - just postponed. If Prom would be cancelled, then yes there would be refunds issued for all Prom tickets. The AfterProm is not a school function and we cannot comment on what they will do or how they will be proceeding for that event.
At this time, our district is going to maintain the official school calendar registered with ISBE found on our website. On the school's current calendar our Seniors' last day is Tuesday, May 19th. This date could change based on decisions from the Illinois State Board of Education and/or the graduation ceremony.