April 20, 2020

Dear Class of 2020 Students, Parents and Families:

Our hearts go out to you. We can only imagine what you may be feeling during this time. We understand that graduating from high school is a once in a lifetime event. We also recognize that this accomplishment is not just a milestone for you, but also for your families. Your senior year should be a time of memories, celebration, and a time to look forward to the future. Unfortunately, due to events beyond anyone’s control, you have been forced to forgo many of these important milestones and trade them for remote learning and social distancing.

Please know that the William Penn High School and Wallin School leadership teams, staff, and students are thinking of creative ways that we can celebrate your accomplishments during this unprecedented time. We are looking at our end of year Senior events and are looking at the best way we can create alternative plans so that you can have the best end to your educational careers at William Penn High School and The Wallin School, while still following the guidelines from the CDC and Governor Carney.

As you already know, Governor Carney has closed schools until May 15th. He has also hinted that the closure may be through the end of the school year. Therefore, we are doing our best to prepare for an extended closure. Due to guidelines set forth by the CDC and Governor Carney, the prom this year can no longer be held at the DuPont Country Club. Therefore, at this time, the prom is canceled until further notice. We are still continuing to brainstorm ideas that may allow us to move forward with the prom, at a later date, if and when the guidelines are relaxed.

The decision around graduation exercises is still pending. However, at this time, the graduation ceremony cannot take place at the University of Delaware, Bob Carpenter Center. It also cannot be held at Bill Cole Stadium at William Penn High School. We are in the process of developing plans for an alternative graduation ceremony. We do not want your hardwork from the past four years to go unrecognized.

We know that you are strong. We know that you will rise above this situation. You are in a unique position amongst a group of Seniors across the country and worldwide who will persevere and take advantage of everything that the future holds, despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. To the Class of 2020, we see you, we hear you and we are with you!

Sincerely,

Ms. Lisa Brewington, M.Ed. and Kevin A. White, M.Ed.
Principals
William Penn High School and The Wallin School