Seniors: General Information
**April 16, 2020
In response to school closures for the year and the need for Running Start students to get additional credits, as well as to provide an opportunity for new Running Start students to get a start on college, Pierce College has created a 2nd Spring term.  This term will run from April 20 – June 19 and will be fully virtual. Pierce will be offering 13 courses (18 sections), to include those that Running Start students typically benefit from or are a good introduction to college life.  Learn more. 

There are many questions and concerns about graduation and other requirements for the 2020 senior class. We’re working hard to address all questions and offer support. Our commitment is helping you graduate and we will continue to look at solutions with your best interest in mind. 

We are also working closely with our partners: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), State Board of Education, colleges, community colleges and universities that provide credit-bearing classes for students.


» Students on track to graduate The State Legislature recently passed EHB 2965, which ensures that students in the class of 2020, who were on track to graduate, will still earn their diploma. 

» Students not on track to graduate
In the fall, every senior who was not on track to graduate met individually with counselors to review graduation requirements and develop plans to retrieve credits necessary to graduate. These plans were given to students and their families.
Students and families can check course grades through Schoology. Seniors not passing a class should complete any required missing assignments or assessments assigned prior to March 13. Students and parents can always reach out to teachers and counselors for questions and support.

The State Board of Education is expected to release additional information in early/mid-April regarding graduation requirements. We appreciate your patience as we await further guidance. In the meantime, review the Class of 2020 FAQs below for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Graduation

  • • Is my graduation ceremony canceled?

    We are currently moving forward with graduation ceremonies in June. As of now, no dates or times have changed. However, this is an evolving situation. Be cautious in making any graduation-related purchases until further information becomes available.

  • Graduation dates and times have been set as follows, all to be held at the Washington State Fairgrounds: 

    Friday, June 12, 2020

    5:30 p.m. – Puyallup Digital Learning

    7:30 p.m. – Walker High School

     

    Saturday, June 13, 2020

    9:00 a.m. – Emerald Ridge High School

    1:00 p.m. – Puyallup High School

    5:00 p.m. – Rogers High School


  • • Have graduation requirements changed?

    Requirements have not changed.  Please see page 12 of the High School Course of Study to review the requirements for the class of 2020. 

  • • I'm worried that I won't have enough credits to graduate

We are working on a plan to help seniors earn credits for classes they are currently enrolled in, as well as any other credits they may need to meet graduation requirements. Stay up-to-date on the most current information from teachers and counselors by checking student email accounts frequently.  Also, check this page frequently. 

College Readiness

Students and families may contact their school’s Career Specialist and/or Counselor. They can help with financial aid and FAFSA/WASFA questions, award letter review, and scholarship essay review. 

• How will COVID-19 impact fall 2020 college admissions ?

This joint letter from the Washington State Council of Presidents and Independent Colleges of Washington provides important information regarding COVID-19 and fall 2020 admissions.  Fall 2020 College Admissions COVID-19 Statement    Another Admissions Message from Washington Colleges 04.09.20


Misc.

EdTec, our technology department is available to assist you.  During the business day (8 a.m.- 4 p.m.), you may  call (253) 841-8600. 

Yes, please continue taking online courses that you started before the school closure. 

Testing

Students should check the College Board website for the most updated information on testing dates and locations.