In order to provide the Class of 2021 with a celebratory send-off as they complete high school, we have begun planning for graduation. Each high school and our Adult Education program will have a virtual ceremony available on their official graduation day that will include many of the traditional elements of a graduation ceremony. In addition to the virtual ceremony, we will be planning for multiple scenarios for all students to receive their diploma, have a cap and gown photo opportunity and celebrate their achievements. Senior awards nights will also be held virtually this year.  All details about end-of-year celebrations will be based upon State and County Public Health guidelines in order to keep our community safe. More information will be provided by each site principal as we approach graduation.

Dear Seniors, Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2021;

This is a very exciting time for you and your family, as you start your final year of high school. I hope you are able to continue to pursue your highest aspirations as you plan for life after high school.  Congratulations on making it to this point in your educational career.

The purpose of this letter is to remind you of our expectations for the class of 2021, including information to ensure you are able to fully participate in senior activities, your high school graduation ceremony and receipt of your diploma, as you complete your educational journey in the Gilroy Unified School District.

Graduation Requirements

You must meet all graduation requirements in order to participate in your high school graduation ceremony and receive your diploma. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. The graduation requirements, which were approved by the Board of Education in September 2017, are stated in Board Policy 6146.1 and are attached to this letter. If you have questions about graduation requirements, please contact your Academic Counselor.

Community Service

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the board has determined that GUSD students are unable to complete the Community Service requirements for graduation as stated in Board Policy 6146.1. At the September 17, 2020 GUSD board meeting, the Board of Education modified the existing policy to assist our students in fulfilling all requirements for graduation from the Gilroy Unified School District. These modifications include waiving the 80 hour community service hour requirement for the class of 2021, as well as modifying the requirement for students in the graduating classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024. However,

• Seniors with 160+ hours will be recognized with green cords upon graduation.
• All community service hours must be submitted to your community service coordinator by May 1, 2021.
• The graduating senior from each school with the most community service hours throughout their high school career will be recognized with their name on a perpetual plaque that is displayed at their school site.
•  Students may choose to continue participating in community service, but any community service completed while in distance learning must be done virtually.
• For clarification on the expectations for the class of 2021, please contact the community service advisor at your high school.

Behavior and Discipline

Principals or Assistant Principals at your high school will talk to you directly several times this year about our expectations regarding behavior and discipline. You will also receive this information in writing. Please pay close attention as behavioral and disciplinary violations will disqualify you from participating in any planned school activities and may prevent you from participating in your graduation ceremony.

Graduation Dates

Graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021 are as follows:

• Thursday, May 27, 6:00 pm, GECA – Gavilan College
• Tuesday, June 1, 6:00 pm, Mt. Madonna High School Graduation – Christmas Hill Park
• Wednesday, June 2, 6:00 pm, Adult Education Graduation - TBD
• Thursday, June 3, 6:00 pm, Gilroy High School Graduation – Gilroy High School Centennial Circle
• Friday, June 4, 6:00 pm, Christopher High School Graduation – Christopher High School

I look forward to congratulating you at your graduation ceremony as you begin the next steps in your journey.

Have a great year!

Sincerely,
Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Gilroy Unified School District