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Graduation Ceremonies Will Be Different

FNSBSD

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has cancelled normal in-person mass graduation ceremonies planned for next month, instead opting for alternative forms of recognizing high school grads. Speaking during a video update Tuesday, superintendent Karen Gaborik said state mandates forbidding gatherings of more than 10 people, and requiring social distancing, make holding traditional ceremonies impossible.

Superintendent Gaborik called the students insightful, and thanked them for their understanding.

Gaborik said school administrators and staff will do their best to reach out to graduating seniors this week, and invited them to share ideas for alternative graduation celebrations.

Meanwhile classes resumed this week after an extended spring break, with teachers connecting with students remotely, including via live online instruction. Gaborik said the scope of the remaining school year has been significantly narrowed as teachers and students adapt to the abrupt change.

Superintendent Gaborik said the district understands that some families lack the technology to participate in online learning and is working to accommodate them, adding that the situation is fluid and evolving, and encouraged feedback. Gaborik also recognized that there are questions about grading, and credits and said an announcement on those issues will be coming out soon. 

Dan has been in public radio news in Alaska since 1993. He’s worked as a reporter, newscaster and talk show host at stations in McGrath, Valdez and Fairbanks. Dan’s experience includes coverage of a wide range of topics, from wolf control to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and dog mushing.