The Pittsfield Public Schools and our two high school communities, Taconic High School and Pittsfield High School join the rest of the United States and the world in mourning the loss of life and loved ones that many have endured during these difficult times.

We join the rest of humanity in being deeply saddened that COVID-19 has greatly impacted our global neighbors, the nation, the Commonwealth, our students, families, and community. While we know that the loss has been tremendous for our entire community, our seniors have lost many things, some of which they have been looking forward to since they were young children. Our community, the families of the Class of 2020, and most of all, our seniors themselves, deserve celebration and recognition.

Jason Mc Candless said:

The Pittsfield Public Schools will celebrate through virtual graduation ceremonies on Sunday, June 7. We also look forward to the presentation of in-person diplomas after July 18, pending permissible conditions, said, Superintendent Jason McCandless.
The virtual ceremonies will be aired on PCTV at Channel 1302 (see pittsfieldtv.org for details) on Spectrum Cable, and on YouTube at shorturl.at/iHIX6. Pittsfield High School’s virtual graduation will air on Sunday, June 7 at 1:00 PM, and the Taconic High School’s program will begin at 2:00 PM on the same day.

The accomplishments of the Class of 2020 are second to none. This group of students, born into a world shaped by the horrible events of September 11, 2001, and graduating from high school in the midst of a pandemic, have shown grit, determination, and a focus on serving their community and looking out for one another from their first day of kindergarten we thank them, their guardians, parents, families, and teachers for their class, resilience, and determination during these difficult times.

The July 18 date was set by the Massachusetts Department of Health and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. After this date, we will be able to assess a timeframe for the ceremony based on conditions in the Commonwealth and our local community, If we are able to do an in-person diploma ceremony, many safeguards will be in place to ensure social distancing and recommendations for the allowable number of people at one time are strictly followed.

More details on in-person diploma-granting ceremonies will be forthcoming. For updates and information, please visit pittsfield.net.

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