BISD has big plans for the Class of 2020

by admin

BISD Superintendent Chris Smith is well aware that this school year has not gone according to plan. Possibly, no one is feeling it more than the class of  2020, this year’s Seniors. “They have missed out on so much. We can not replace so much of what they have lost, but we are going to do our best to make sure they get to enjoy a few final events for the year and that they know how very special they have been to our District,” stated Smith.

BISD released a May calendar last week and it is full of events for Seniors. Number one on most people’s minds is graduation. Will it happen on May 22, as planned? If so, what will it look like? Will it be postponed?

“Our plan right now is a May 22nd graduation, probably with modifications. This, of course, all depends on what Governor Abbott says in his Press Release going into Phase II, possibly on or about May 18th. We don’t have a lot of time to make changes, but we will do whatever it takes to give these Seniors the sendoff they deserve,” said Smith. A few different options are being kicked around by those in charge. “It is likely that none of what we are left with will be perfect, but I want the Seniors and parents to understand that we are trying to do the best we can under the circumstances. These Seniors deserve nothing less than our best.”

Aside from graduation, there are many other events planned for the Seniors. On Wednesday, May 6, Seniors will let counselors know what their plans are following graduation. They will also be picking up their “apples.” This is a longstanding tradition with BHS Seniors. Each Senior is given a paper apple on which to place the name of a teacher who has impacted their life throughout their time at BISD. These apples are due back in on Friday, May 8.

Also on May 8, beginning at 7 p.m., will be Senior Cruise Night. This will take the place of the annual Senior Hayride. Smith stated a map of the route will be released and the Seniors will parade together along that route. “I am hoping that the town turns out for this,” stated Smith. “We are hoping to see streets lined with parents, friends, everyone in the town with poster, balloons, whatever they have to honor these kids on their last ride through town.” Seniors will be given more details on this.

On Tuesday, May 12, caps, gowns, cords and stoles will be handed out starting at 10 a.m. At 7 p.m. that night, there will be a virtual Decision Day, in which Seniors will let the world know what their plans are. Whether it be college, technical school, military or workforce, this will be their chance to let everyone know what they will be doing in the next step of their lives. The Counselors will be getting information to the students on this event.

On Friday, May 15, beginning at 10 a.m., there will be a Senior Memory Tour. “This is going to be a really exciting thing for the Seniors. We are going to try to recreate, as much as we can, some of their events, hangouts, just places important to the kids,” stated Smith. There will be photographers located at 5 or 6 places around town. There will be a schedule for students to follow and there will be photo props available. “This might be one of our sports fields or a special hangout. We want to give the Seniors something special to remember. All these pictures will be made available to Seniors and their parents.”

That night, there are plans to have the annual Senior Slideshow, along with a movie night. These plans are still underway, but it will be a Seniors only event with hotdogs, hamburgers and coke floats available. The Senior Slideshow is a much anticipated event and this is going to be a great night for the kids. It is planned to get underway at 9 p.m.

On May 19, there will be a Virtual Awards Ceremony, beginning at 7 p.m. More information on this will be coming soon.

All work is due on May 20, and then the tentatively scheduled graduation on Friday May 22, beginning at 8 p.m.

There will be more details released as time goes by on all these events. As everyone is well aware, much of this must remain tentative depending on the situation at the time.

Smith stated, “We ask parents and students for grace and patience as we plan these events. We are trying so hard to make it special for these kids who have lost so much. We still have to follow State guidelines and we will do our best to make it special and stay within the guidelines that we are mandated to follow. We love this class, and all our students. So please, be patient and understanding as we work through all this.”

Clearly, BISD is trying hard to do special things for the Class of 2020. The class that will never forget their Senior year!

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