Lions Pride

Dear Class of 2020 and Parents,

We hope this communication finds you well. By now, you should have received Friday’s notification that we will be holding a graduation ceremony for the Lacey Township High School Class of 2020. While we are still planning and waiting for more detailed guidance from the NJ Department of Education, we believe we can make the event memorable for our seniors and families while abiding by social distancing restrictions. We appreciate your patience and flexibility.

Please review the following updates regarding year-end events, including the graduation ceremony:

Academic Excellence Awards and Scholarship Night - June 9 at 6:30 PM

A viewing event for Scholarship Night and Academic Excellence is scheduled for June 9th at 6:30 pm. The video is being produced by Mr. Muermann and our amazing WLTS crew. Scholarships and academic awards will be distributed starting the week of June 15 as described below.

Certification of the Class of 2020 Video Celebration - June 12 (Time TBD)

On June 12, the official last day of school, we will stream a Celebration Video conferring the Class of 2020, affirming that graduates have met all responsibilities of the Lacey Township School District and the State of New Jersey and are ready to receive the hard-earned and much-deserved Lacey Township High School Diploma.

Senior Diploma Distribution - June 15 through June 26

Between the dates of June 15th and June 26th, seniors will have the opportunity to visit LTHS to bid farewell one last time in the building. During the visit, seniors will pick up their Accomplishment Bag, which will include their LTHS diploma, cap and gown, yearbook, senior T-shirt, and other senior items. These pick up times will be scheduled appointments to limit the number of students in one space, meeting all requirements of social distancing. More information will be forthcoming as we get closer to June 15th.

Materials Drop Off for Seniors- June 15 through June 26

Seniors will drop off all school district issued items that need to be returned to LTHS, which include, but are not limited to, Chromebooks, textbooks, athletic and band uniforms, and library books. All students will be required to pay any outstanding fines at this time. We encourage you to check the parent portal and bring a check with you in case there are fines to pay. Keep in mind all fines must be satisfied prior to receiving the LTHS Diploma. This exchange will take place during Senior Diploma Distribution as outlined above. More information will be forthcoming and will include exact times and an entrance location as we approach June 15th.

Graduation Ceremony - July 10 (time will depend on social distancing requirements at the time of the ceremony as per the NJDOE guidelines)

We are excited to be able to celebrate Lion Pride and commemorate the amazing accomplishments of the Class of 2020. We are committed to holding a ceremony that allows our seniors to celebrate the rich traditions of Lacey Township High School. On July 10 (rain date July 11), we will hold a graduation ceremony/ceremonies at the Lacey Township High Football Field based on social distancing requirements that apply on that date. We are required to submit our graduation plan to the NJ Department of Education 7 days prior to the event and we must ensure compliance with the varying restrictions including the following:

• The ceremony will take place outdoors and all attendees must remain outdoors at all times during the gathering, with the sole exception of restroom use.

• We must consider class size and the available space of the football field in light of social distancing protocols to determine the number of ceremonies needed. Depending on the amount of people allowed to gather at an outdoor event at the time of the ceremony, we may need to conduct multiple ceremonies and to follow CDC and NJDOH-recommended cleaning protocols in between ceremonies.

• Students will walk across the stage and pose for a picture individually.

• According to state guidelines, we will keep the ceremony at an appropriate length to honor our graduates but to minimize potential exposure to all attendees.

• As per the governor’s Executive Order, all attendees must wear face coverings in accordance with CDC recommendations.

• We may consider limiting the number of guests that are permitted to attend the ceremony or we may hold a student-only ceremony. This decision will be determined at a later date.

The final plan will be shared with students and families once it is approved by the NJ Department of Education. Keep in mind, there may be modifications to the ceremony plans up until the week of July 10th as restrictions and guidelines continue to change.

Senior Prom

The Lacey Township High School Administration continues to work side by side with the LTHS PTSA and representatives from the Class of 2020 on plans for a special day where the Class of 2020 can celebrate and be together when social distancing restrictions are lifted. Unfortunately, the traditional prom has been canceled due to the restrictions placed on all prom venues.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email. Thank you for your continued support and remember to remain Lion Strong!

With Great Pride and Care,

Gregory J. Brandis

Principal, Lacey Township High School

Website: https://www.laceyschools.org/lths
Location: Lacey Township High School, 73 Haines St, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
Phone: 609-971-2020