Dear EPIC Families:

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to rethink the way we go about the routine of daily life. Finding new ways to connect with friends and family, and to celebrate special occasions that would normally be spent together is our new normal, at least for the time being.

Here at EPIC Charter Schools, one question in particular has been the center of much heart-felt discussion: how do we best celebrate the graduating class of 2020 in light of a global health crisis?

After weeks of exploring all the options, taking a hard look at the realities and weighing what is best for the health and safety of our families, faculty and staff, we have reached the unavoidable conclusion that a traditional graduation ceremony simply isn’t possible right now. 

You may ask: Why not reschedule? The answer is the soonest venues capable of handling the size and scope of EPIC graduation ceremonies could accommodate us would be August. Even then, there’s strong evidence to suggest that cities will not be able to authorize gatherings of 10,000-plus people due to public health risks. EPIC’s commencement ceremonies in Oklahoma City and Tulsa last year each drew about 10,000 people and there is simply no way to socially distance amid events the size of 10,000 people.

That’s why EPIC has decided to host its first-ever virtual graduation at 1 p.m. on June 6.  

This virtual ceremony will include all the elements of a traditional graduation – honors recognitions, valedictorians, salutatorians, etc. will be recognized. Every student’s name will be called and a picture of them displayed. Honor cords and National Honor Society hoods will be mailed to students in advance of the virtual ceremony.

Additionally, a printed program with every graduate’s name will be mailed, along with diplomas and diploma covers, in the weeks following the ceremony.

The very first thing we need from you in order to make this ceremony as special as possible is a photo of your graduate that will be displayed as their name is called. This should be a publically appropriate photo that is free of filters and taken in good lighting. This is important. The last thing we want is for any graduate not to have a photo as their name is called. Please send your photo by May 1 to https://epiccharterschools.org/2020-graduation-slide-show .

Next, get creative about how you can celebrate your graduate’s special day in an in-home environment. Have them dress in their commencement regalia and honor them during the ceremony. Coordinate a virtual party with family and friends, who can watch the virtual ceremony live, and use such tools as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or good old fashioned phone calls to have them right there with you. Family and a celebratory atmosphere could go a long way to making this an extra special day.

Because we will be honoring more than 3,000 graduates in one virtual ceremony, it’s likely to be a long one. That’s why, we will email you in advance of the ceremony to give you the exact time frame in which your graduate’s name will be called and you, in turn, can share that time with family and friends who may not wish to watch the entire ceremony. 

This isn’t what anyone planned for graduation season to look like this year. I know there will be disappointment and frustration. As a father of three who has seen two of his own children walk across the stage to get their high school diplomas, I know the significance of this day. But if we all come together, get creative and keep an open mind, we can make this the most unique and innovative ceremony yet. You have my word; we will make this special for your senior!

Sincerely,

Bart Banfield, Superintendent