News
SFIS Board of Trustees Announce Graduation/Promotion Plans
May 12, 2021
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SFIS Letter to Pueblo Governors and Tribal Leaders
Sent Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Honorable Governors and Tribal Leaders-
Today, the SFIS Board of Trustees announced their decision regarding the high school graduation and middle school promotion ceremonies. While not unanimous, the majority vote is to hold an in-person, socially-distanced outdoor graduation for the seniors. Also, in a majority vote, the decision is to create a recording for the 8th grade promotion for private virtual celebrations. With these decisions, our SFIS community has a clear a direction and will work to honor the students and their achievements to the fullest extent possible given the continuing protocols that keep our communities safe.
We will send the safety plan for the graduation ceremony by end-of-day Friday, May 14, 2021. This will include the details of the seating, vaccination requirements, socially-distanced entry and exit, etc. We will also share the instructions provided to the graduates and their families, when they are available. For communities that decide not to allow their seniors to participate in the in-person ceremony, the SFIS high school program invites you to help us plan an alternative in-community graduation celebration.
It should be noted that the Board of Trustees completed thorough due diligence to reach a decision. Through a series of three regional meetings, the SFIS Superintendent and Principals, along with Board of Trustee members, listened to the feedback of all participating Governors and Tribal leaders. The SFIS principals presented options for a socially-distanced outdoor event and a pre-recorded virtual ceremony. The discussions revealed a deep concern for the students who have had to sacrifice their senior year in addition to the hardships and losses that we all have endured in our Tribal communities. And for the 8th graders, who persevered to work hard through the challenges of remote learning, it was clearly acknowledged that they merit a promotion ceremony to encourage them as they move into high school.
We thank you for your participation in this decision and for the support you give to the Santa Fe Indian School.
Respectfully, Superintendent Roy M. Herrera