Dear MCSD families:
We sincerely apologize for the late postponement of today’s fifth-grade moving up ceremony from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The decision was made after it became clear that the ceremony would conflict with a large Regents examination taking place in the high school gymnasium. Regents exams require a quiet, distraction-free environment to ensure students can perform to the best of their abilities and to maintain the integrity of the testing process. Students are required to pass these exams in order to graduate high school.
We recognize the disappointment and frustration that this late postponement caused. We determined it was necessary to support the students taking these important state assessments.
We understand that many parents, guardians, and family members adjusted their schedules, took time off from work, arranged childcare, or made other accommodations in order to attend this important milestone, and that the late notice created an additional inconvenience. We are truly sorry for the impact this had on our families.
We acknowledge that this situation should have been identified much earlier. We take responsibility for the scheduling oversight and are already reviewing our planning processes. Additional protocols will be implemented to ensure state testing schedules and major school events are coordinated and reviewed well in advance so that a similar situation does not occur in the future.
We appreciate the patience, flexibility, and understanding shown by our families, students, and staff. Most importantly, we remain committed to providing our fifth-grade students with the celebration they deserve and look forward to recognizing their accomplishments at the rescheduled ceremony today at 1 p.m.
Sincerely:
Matthew T. Evans, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools