Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R,C,I-Holbrook) and the entire Assembly Minority Conference membership sent a letter to Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State’s Department of Health Commissioner, requesting updated guidance on high school graduation ceremonies, prom and other end of school year events at the request of superintendents across New York state.

As bars and restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, sports and entertainment venues continue to receive updated guidance on reopening, students cannot be left in the dark. As students have experienced another tumultuous school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only fair that, as other areas of industry return to normal, students get a sense of normalcy with a return of end-of-year events.

“Our students, teachers and staff have faced another very difficult year, and as our society continues to take steps to reopen, it’s only fair that we provide updated guidelines to safely allow for the resumption of end-of-year events for students,” said Walsh. “School districts across the state are willing to work alongside county health departments to ensure that the safety and health of the public remains a priority while responsibly implementing end-of-year events, like high school graduations and proms. Our students have overcome so much adversity these past two years and they deserve a chance to celebrate all that they have accomplished despite these difficult circumstances. We know that this type of planning and preparation can take time, so we are asking that this guidance be issued sooner rather than later.”

“Culminating events, such as proms and graduations, are important milestones in the lives of our students and their families. Updated guidance from the state is a critical component to school leaders being able to prepare and plan these events in the safest way possible, in partnership with local health departments. We’re asking that the state offer this guidance as soon as possible,” said Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent, Anita Murphy.

The letter is attached.