Tri-Cities high school seniors face possibility of canceled graduations

Pasco’s school superintendent posted a heart-felt video message to the Class of 2020 this week.

“When I look at the data in my head, I understand the why, but my heart is having a hard time catching up,” she said following Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to cancel in-class sessions for the rest of the school year to slow the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

“I’m so disappointed that the dream that you had around your senior year has been impacted by this pandemic,” said Superintendent Michelle Whitney.

They may not get the traditional senior events — like a senior prom or the pomp and circumstance of graduation — but she promised that “special” isn’t canceled. “It might look different but it is not canceled.”

However, it’s not clear what that will look like.

None of the Tri-Cities area school districts have decided if they will hold graduation ceremonies.

Pasco, Kennewick and Richland still have early June graduation events posted on their calendars for now.

And the governor hasn’t ruled out the possibility of allowing students back into session for few days so they could have a ceremony.

Changes in grad requirements

For now, the state Board of Education removed one of the final obstacles that will allow seniors to graduate.

While the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction can ease the restrictions for how many days of class they need to attend, it can’t alter how many credits students need or what classes are required.

Only the state board can make those decisions.

The board adopted a set of rules this week allowing school districts to waive course requirements for students who already are on track to graduate.

The board is still hammering out what that waiver program will look like, but it is clear that it will put much of the power in the hands of local school districts.

However, it remains unclear how teachers will grade the unfinished portion of the year.

Inslee promised that students grades won’t suffer because of missing three months of in-school classes.

So far, Richland school leaders have said students on track to graduate will get a diploma, though they are still studying what graduation will look like.

Similarly, Kennewick, Pasco and other district leaders say they too are looking at the options and talking with their principals and student leaders.

“I have not forgotten about you. You and your senior year are at the top of my mind and in my heart,” Whitney said. “You inspire me to do more and be better. I am proud of you.”

And she urged all seniors to keep doing their school work.

“If you are not on track to graduate, double down on your efforts, be vigilant about communicating with your teachers, counselors and principals. It is not over. Don’t give up,” she said.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 4:47 PM.