Dearborn Schools Officially Postpone High School Graduations

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn Public Schools announced Monday that it has officially postponed high school graduations scheduled for early June and early college ceremonies set for May.

“As we continue to see encouraging signs that social distancing and other preventative measures ordered by the governor are making a difference in slowing the spread of COVID-19, we want to make sure that we are not taking part in events that will be counter to those efforts,” Superintendent Glenn Maleyko said in a statement.

Maleyko made the decision to postpone the ceremonies after discussions with staff and students, the school said in a news release. The postponed high school events include those set for early June for Fordson, Edsel Ford, Dearborn and Dearborn Magnet high schools.

May graduation ceremonies were also postponed for the three combined high school and college programs in the district. Those programs — the Henry Ford Collegiate Academy, Henry Ford Early College and Henry Ford Early College Advanced Manufacturing — would have graduated in ceremonies at the college. This year will see the first class graduate from the Advanced Manufacturing program.

Board members, the superintendent, his administrative team, high school principals and students have been discussing possible options and making suggestions for an event that would hold true to the spirit of a high school graduation while at the same time adhering to state orders and logistical considerations. Additional meetings are planned with students this week to discuss possible alternatives with the board of education at the scheduled May 11 board meeting. That meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on the District’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and local cable channels.

“I want to make sure everyone understands this is not a cancellation, rather a postponement from the originally scheduled days,” Dr. Maleyko said.

The coronavirus pandemic has created cancellations, postponements and rescheduling of activities from national sporting events to family gatherings. High schools around the country are working on creating new events to honor high school graduates. District officials said the school will take advantage of all resources and partnerships within the community to make sure Dearborn seniors are celebrated for their accomplishments.

“It’s important that we take our time to plan and schedule a celebration that will properly honor our senior class of 2020,” Dr. Maleyko said.