Letter to Montesano Class of 2020

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Hello, Class of 2020!

I hope you and your families are all doing well. I know this is not how you planned to spend the last few months of your senior year and we were looking forward to enjoying that graduation experience right along with you. When the announcement was made last Monday, a whole range of emotions hit me even though I was not surprised that the decision was made. Anger and frustration were a big part of how I was feeling but mostly, I felt disappointed and sad for all of you. You have worked very hard to get to this point and to have that taken away seems very unfair.

Of course, we understand why this action had to be taken, so we could ensure the health and safety of our families and community, but even though deep down we know that this is the correct decision, it still stings. You and all of the other members of the class of 2020 across the country will be remembered in history forever as the group of students who were denied their last few months of school, being with classmates and lifelong friends, final seasons of athletics, and everything else that goes along with finally getting to this point after 13 years.

I want you all to know that we are working extremely hard with you in mind to make this the most memorable experience we can for you. In fact, our goal is to make this so great that other classes will want to copy some of the things that we are hoping you get to do, but this is going to be just about you. No other classes will be allowed to do these things because no other classes (hopefully) will have to deal with what you are forced to deal with.

I can’t tell you exactly what we are working on because it depends a lot on what we are allowed to do as our country works through this crisis but we are making plans for whatever we are able to do. This includes graduation which will happen in some way shape or form at some time and it will be great. We want to make sure you have other opportunities to celebrate the culmination of your high school career and we are coming up with new ideas daily.

You have been an amazing class to have go through the district. I hear comments all the time about what a great group you are and how much teachers have enjoyed working with you through the years. We wish you were still in school right now because we miss seeing you every day and when we start school again without you, there will be a large void in the district without you here.

I hope this provides some sense of calm for you as we all understand how hard this is. You are all destined for great things in your lives and we can’t wait to watch the successes you have in the future. If you have any questions, please contact me or any other staff member and we will make sure you get the answers you need.

Mr. Winter