The Riverbank Unified School District has been maneuvering as best as they can through the COVID-19 waters to continue to educate students throughout the district and maintain some school traditions. The 2020-21 school year is coming to a close with graduations and promotions planned for next week.
Although the District struggled with what the ceremonies and celebrations would look like or if they would even be able to hold a graduation due to COVID, they have decided to move forward with graduations and promotions with some modifications.
On Thursday, May 27 Riverbank High School (RHS) graduating class will have a ceremony at the Angelo Novi Football Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Students are only allowed to have two guests attend the ceremony and they must walk into the event at the same time as the student.
Adelante High School graduates will have a ceremony in the Quad on the RHS campus at 5:30 p.m. with a limited amount of guests attending as well, set for Wednesday, May 26.
Also on Wednesday, at 7 p.m., Cardozo Middle School (CMS) will hold their Eighth Grade Promotion outdoors at the Angelo Novi Football field on the RHS campus.
Principal Kevin Bizzini explained that due to COVID guidelines from the Stanislaus County Department of Public Health, Cardozo will also have a limited number of guests. Each graduate will be allowed two guests to join them in the stadium. The eighth graders will be bussed to RHS on May 25 to practice and prepare for their ceremony as this is the first time they will be having a promotion off campus. He added that students that have remained on virtual learning through the school year are also invited to participate in the practice and promotion.
“On Wednesday the 26th (Virtual Wednesdays) eighth graders only are invited to campus to receive their gowns, sign yearbooks and say goodbye to their peers and teachers,” said Bizzini.
RHS and CMS will live stream both events on the district website for those that are not in attendance.
Riverbank Language Academy will host their Eighth Grade Promotion at 6 p.m. on campus outdoors on May 26.
“Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic our traditional promotion ceremony will look a little bit different this year. RLA will have to follow health and safety guidelines for schools during this event. Students will have to socially distance, wear a face covering,” explained Vanessa Rojas, Riverbank Language Academy Director. “Also, this event is usually open to the public, however, this year, we are limiting this to only two guests per student. Although we have to implement these restrictions, we are happy to be able to honor our students with an actual ceremony.”
Mesa Verde Elementary will host a promotion drive-through for kindergarten and fifth grade students on Thursday, May 27 in the morning.
California Avenue Elementary will have a virtual promotion for fifth graders. Their families will be able to watch them walk across the stage virtually on YouTube live on Thursday, May 27 in the morning. The kindergarteners will have their picture taken with their certificate and a link or DVD given to families.
