Dear Seniors, Parent(s), and Guardian(s),
Communities everywhere are dealing with COVID-19, a rapidly evolving virus that has caused outbreaks nationwide. We realize this has been a difficult time for all involved, especially the seniors. We too are sensitive to the fact that the year concluded with many missed senior opportunities. We, as a District, care very much about our students. Furthermore, listed below are the detailed plans we have prepared for the senior class.
We are excited to share with you the details and expectations for the time leading up to and including the graduation of the senior class of 2020!
Friday, June 5 -Virtual ceremony including the speeches and designation as graduates. The ceremony will be live-streamed on Ambridge’s You Tube channel beginning at 6:00 PM. No graduates or staff will report to the school.
Saturday, June 6– Acknowledgement of seniors and distribution of diplomas will begin at a time to be determined early next week. The scheduled time for each graduate to arrive will be communicated via the student’s school email by June 3, 2020 after all RSVPs are received. The graduate and family should plan to arrive at the old Bottom Dollar parking lot no sooner than 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Each graduate and their immediate family members should arrive in one vehicle. The number of family members should not exceed the amount of allowable seats in the vehicle for safety purposes. Only the graduate will exit the vehicle with a mask and proceed to the bridge until further instruction from Ms. Zupsic to proceed for the diploma distribution and picture. The graduate can take the mask off for a picture. The presentation will be facing the vehicles. Parents can take pictures from inside the vehicle. Only the graduate is permitted to exit the vehicle. The graduate will return to the vehicle after the diploma distribution and exit the parking lot. A senior parade will be held later that evening. Ms. Zupsic will communicate arrival times after all RSVPs are received on June 3, 2020 via school email. Students and families are encouraged to decorate their vehicles for the parade. All attendees must remain in the vehicle for the duration of the parade.
Friday, July 31 – As previously communicated, the Ambridge Area School District will hold a traditional graduation ceremony (pending the clearance of government restrictions of large gatherings) in Moe Rubenstein Stadium on Friday, July 31, 2020, with a rain date of August 1, 2020. Further communication will be sent in early July so families may prepare for the event.
Each graduate will be given (4) tickets to attend the ceremony. Participation in any of the graduation activities is completely optional. A graduation ceremony is an occasion which carries a personal as well as a familial significance. We look forward to providing a memorable experience for the graduate, parents, family and friends.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will I receive my diploma?
June 6th, during diploma distribution
Will students be permitted to walk in the July 31st ceremony if they were not eligible to participate in the first ceremony and completed their senior year requirements?
Yes, providing they have met graduation requirements prior to the July 31st date.
Will I be permitted to take pictures of my graduate?
On June 6th, pictures may be taken from inside the vehicle. On July 31st, you will be permitted to take pictures from the stands or other locations, not on the field.
What should I bring to the July 31 ceremony?
As little as possible. An umbrella for sun or rain. Graduates would wear caps and gowns.
How will I receive my tickets for the July 31 ceremony?
Distribution will be set for a window on July 27. Distribution method will be contingent upon the community’s state in regards to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Will I be admitted if I don’t have a face mask?
No, in regard to the June 6th, ceremony. Information in regards to the July 31 ceremony will be determined at a later date.
Who do I contact if I do not have transportation for the June 6 ceremony?
Ms. Janice Zupsic, Ambridge Area High School Principal
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Ms. Zupsic, Ambridge Area High School Principal
During the June 6, 2020, ceremony, where will the vehicles enter the Ambridge Area High School parking lot to access the staging area for diploma distribution?
Vehicles will enter the first entrance to the bus circle of Ambridge Area High School if traveling south on Duss Ave. The graduate will get out at the curb in front of the bridge.
Contact Information:
Ms. Janice Zupsic
Ambridge Area High School Principal
(724)266-2833 ext. 2287