Student Life | Parent Newsletter
Special SENIOR Edition!
For up to the minute news, visit guerinprep.org frequently.

Dear Parents and Members of the Class of 2020:

 
Following last week’s newsletter sharing the outline of our preliminary plans for a Virtual Graduation, some reached out to express interest in working with us to ensure this year’s graduation event is the best it can be for our seniors. We are grateful to have your support.
 
I would like to invite parents and guardians to participate in a ZOOM Town Hall Meeting on Monday, May 4. In order to host a successful meeting and allow for everyone’s input, we will limit 15 callers per time slot. Meeting times are 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 
The goals of these ZOOM Town Hall Meetings are to:
  1. Understand the Federal Guidelines for Reopening America and how this will impact graduation planning;
  2. Understand how the directives set by the ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) regarding graduation ceremonies will impact graduation planning;
  3. Generate additional ideas, beyond those already planned to create a memorable graduation 2020 for our seniors.
 
Listed below are the plans  currently  in place for and to celebrate the senior class.
 
Wednesday, May 6 - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony via Zoom
Tuesday, May 12 - Last day of eLearning for Seniors
Wednesday May 13, 9 a.m - 1 p.m. - Chromebook turn-in & locker clean out for SENIORS only*.
Saturday, May 16
  • Cap and Gown Distribution, along with all cords and awards, will be hand-delivered to Seniors by a member of the faculty and staff
  • Yard signs congratulating seniors
  • Commemorative gift from the GP Board of Directors
Thursday, May 21
  • Virtual Baccalaureate Mass, YouTube Premiere
  • Virtual Graduation Ceremony, via ZOOM
TBD:
  • World Language Induction Ceremony
  • International Thespian Society Induction Ceremony
 

Please RSVP for the Zoom meeting that best fits your schedule as soon as possible via the red SignUp Genius button below. Please note that each ZOOM meeting is being limited to the parents of 15 students in order to allow each individual to ask a question (if desired) and hear the answers to their questions.  
 
If you are unable to participate in the Zoom meetings on Monday, we will make a recording of the meeting available to you for future viewing.
 
Know that you are in our prayers and that we are grateful for your spirit of resilience during this challenging period.
 
In Providence,


Tom Bednar,
President
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Update:
On April 29, 2020 the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) sent out a newsletter that included this directive, applicable to all schools:

"END OF SCHOOL YEAR PROCEDURES
Can districts hold in-person graduation ceremonies?

In-person graduation ceremonies are not allowed at this time. A drive-through graduation/recognition ceremony or events where students come in small groups to the school or another location for a photo or to walk across the stage are in person and therefore not allowed. The Governor’s extended stay at home order prohibits group gatherings. While there may be a time when large events can be held, it is not known when that will be safe. Districts should find other ways to honor 8th grade students and seniors through virtual ceremonies and celebrations."
Calendar of SENIOR Events
5/1 - No eLearning today for Seniors

5/6 - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony via Zoom

5/12 - Last day of eLearning for Seniors

5/13 - Chromebook turn-in & locker clean out for SENIORS only*.

5/16 - Caps & Gowns, along with all cords and awards, will be hand-delivered to Seniors by a member of the faculty and staff.

5/21 - Baccalaureate Mass, YouTube Premier
5/21 - Graduation Ceremony via Zoom

TBD:
World Language Induction Ceremony
International Thespian Society Induction Ceremony

*Sign up required, see below.
Locker Cleanout
Chromebook Return
SENIORS will have access to the school to clean out their lockers and retrieve personal belongings on the same day they return their Chromebooks and chargers - Wed, May 13, 9am-1pm

Because we need to limit the number of people gathering at a given time per social distancing guidelines, we are requiring everyone to SIGN UP for a timeslot on their appropriate day.

Please ensure students bring both their Chromebook AND CHARGER.

Students should enter through the main entrance and stop at the window to return the Chromebook and charger. After returning the Chromebook and charger, the student will then retrieve their items. Parents are asked to remain in the car.

Important: If the student or any member or his/her household has been exposed to Coronavirus, we ask that you make other arrangements. Please contact Mr. Bednar at tbednar@guerinprep.org if this applies to you.

All students should ...

Senior Spotlight!
Seniors: Don't forget to send a photo along with a sentence or two about your after-graduation plans to Ms. Guarisco to be featured in a Senior Spotlight on our Social Media platforms!

If you prefer to leave your last name off, or not share a picture, for privacy or modesty, we can work with that! We will use the logo of the university instead of your picture (for example).

mguarisco@guerinprep.org
Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with Guerin Prep on social media!

Twitter: @guerinprep
Instagram: @guerinprep
Facebook (School): guerinprep
Facebook (Athletics): guerinathletics
Facebook (Alumni): 80thAndBelmontAlumni

Some of our teams also have their own social media. Find the link to all your favorite teams' accounts at guerinprep.org/athletics

Want to be featured on our account?
Send your photos to us or use one of our hashtags: #guerinprep or #guerinpride
 Posting about Guerin sports? Use #gators or #crusaders so we can repost!
We routinely post big news and events on our website at  https://www.guerinprep.org/news .