PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Public Schools will hold virtual graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 7, for Taconic and Pittsfield high schools. 

 

And, if conditions improve enough from the novel coronavirus pandemic, Superintendent Jason McCandless hopes to present diplomas to the class of 2020 in person on July 18. 

 

The virtual ceremonies will be aired on Pittsfield Community Television on Channel 1302 on Spectrum Cable, and on YouTube. 

 

Pittsfield High School's graduation will air Sunday at 1 p.m., and the Taconic High School's program will begin at 2 p.m. on the same day.

 

"The accomplishments of the class of 2020 are second to none. This group of students, born into a world shaped by the horrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, and graduating from high school in the midst of a pandemic, have shown grit, determination, and a focus on serving their community and looking out for one another from their first day of kindergarten," McCandless said. "We thank them, their guardians, parents, families, and teachers for their class, resilience,

and determination during these difficult times."

 

The July 18 date was set by the state Department of Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. After this date, the district will be able to assess a timeframe for the ceremony based on conditions in the commonwealth and the local community, McCandless said.

 

"If we are able to do an in-person diploma ceremony, many safeguards will be in place to ensure social distancing and recommendations for the allowable number of people at one time are strictly followed," he said.

 

The school district is also in mourning the loss of family to COVID-19. In its announcement, the district said its members join the rest of humanity in being deeply saddened that COVID-19 has greatly impacted our global neighbors, the nation, the commonwealth, our students, families, and community. 

 

While there has been tremendous loss for the entire community, the seniors have lost many things, some of which they have been looking forward to since they were young children. 

 

"Our community, the families of the class of 2020, and most of all, our seniors themselves, deserve celebration and recognition."

 

More details on in-person diploma-granting ceremonies will be forthcoming. For updates and information, visit http://pittsfield.net.