Class of 2020 Info GraphicThe COVID-19 pandemic has created many hurdles for us all, and our seniors are uniquely impacted. The second semester of a student’s senior year is a time all students look forward to, and our hearts are heavy over the loss of those special moments and experiences for the Class of 2020. Read this message to the class of 2020.

Hamilton County Schools is committed to celebrating and highlighting the Class of 2020 during this unprecedented situation. The Class of 2020 is a gifted group of students, and your determination and class have been inspirational! Thank you for being leaders and showing the community, state and nation how #HCSLeads during moments of challenge.

2019-2020 COVID-19 School Closure Update - 04/23/2020

On April 15, Governor Lee recommended all Tennessee schools remain closed for the rest of the school year due to COVID-19. Hamilton County Schools is following this recommendation, but there are several areas that must be addressed in order to ensure an efficient and effective close-out of the school year takes place. Additionally, there are several considerations and recommendations that will be forthcoming to ensure students are prepared for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Below are the recommendations the board was asked to consider and for which they gave their approval at the BOE meeting held on 04/23/2020. Please note that these recommendations take into consideration CDC guidance:

  • Last Day for Seniors - May 4, 2020
  • Last Day for K-11 - May 15, 2020
  • Teacher Professional Learning and Administrative Close-out - May 18-22, 2020

Class of 2020 Graduation Information

Graduations

It has been an unusual second semester for students and staff in Hamilton County Schools, and our high school seniors have been uniquely affected due to missing many of the milestone events typical for this time of year.

For the safety of staff, seniors, and families, the district is postponing our original plans for graduations. The decision is not an easy one, but we feel it is what we must do at this time. There is a lot unknown about our current situation, but we are committed to doing everything possible to provide the graduation experience for the Class of 2020.

The district has formed a committee to explore alternative dates for graduations. Many of you have shared ideas with us and we are consulting with students on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee (SSAC), led by President and Student School Board Member Jeremiah Taylor, a senior at CSAS, regarding proms and senior recognitions.

Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies will be based on feasibility and recommendations of CDC and local health officials in regards to large group gatherings during the periods listed below.

 

Class of 2020 Graduation Schedule

 

We are working to secure live streaming options as well as other alternatives should neither of these options be viable due to distancing requirements.

Proms

Proms have been postponed at this time. We are in the process of evaluating alternative options to include, but not limited to cancellation, shifting the date to later in the summer, multi-school/learning community, etc.

Promotion and Academic Recognition

Schools will work individually to schedule virtual, mail-out and/or pick-up recognition options for students.

Senior Credit Requirements for Graduation
(Based on State Board Approved Modifications) 

Any student scheduled to graduate during the 2019-2020 school year must earn a minimum of 20 credit hours which include the following subjects:

  • 4 required credits of math
  • 4 required credits of English
  • 3 required credits of science
  • 2 required credits of social studies
  • 7 additional credits

Requirements for taking the ACT or SAT and passing the civics exam have been waived for any student scheduled to graduate during the 2019-2020 school year.

  • A student’s GPA will continue to be calculated as a result of the final grade in a course.
  • Students will receive a final course grade no lower than the grade earned in the course through the end of the Third Quarter (March 16) but can improve their overall grade for GPA calculations by completing remote learning credit opportunities in the course.
  • Additional weighting will still be added to courses for students in honors or postsecondary courses who were unable to participate in the culminating exam in the spring semester of 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • Senior Projects will not be required.

Testing Information

  • EOC Exams – EOC exams will not be given or included as a portion of the final grade for any course taken in the spring semester of 2020. 
  • ACT – The rescheduled state ACT exam date of April 21 has been cancelled. The next national ACT date has been set for June 13. Visit the ACT website for additional information.
  • International Baccalaureate – The DP and CP examinations scheduled between April 30 and May 22 will no longer be held. Visit the IB website for additional information.
  • Advanced Placement – AP exams are still being offered as online exams by College Board. For more information on the online AP exams, visit the AP website.
  • Statewide Dual Credit – Challenge exams for statewide dual credit have been cancelled for the Spring 2020 semester and will be provided to students who want the opportunity to bank post-secondary credit during the month of September 2020.
  • Local Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment – Students should work with their school and dual enrollment institution to determine the assessment requirements for each course.

Senior Spotlights

The district will regularly spotlight seniors on our website and social media channels. If you know a senior that deserves recognition, nominate them here.

Class of 2020 Spirit - #HCSco2020

Spring 2020 is a unique second semester for our seniors, but that won’t extinguish the spirit of our Class of 2020! Here are a few ideas to help families show senior pride while practicing social distancing:

  • Door Sign - Let all your neighbors know an HCS senior lives in your home! Print this sign and hang it on your front door.
  • Social Media Graphics - Share these graphics on your social media channels to show you’re #HCSco2020!
  • Throwback Thursday - Every Thursday, share your favorite school pictures from over the years. Tag us with #HCSco2020 and we’ll share on the district’s social media channels!
  • Shoulders of a Hero – Share who lifted you up (parent, teacher, or mentor) and helped you get where you are today.

Class of 2020 Graphics