City of West Sacramento

The following is a message from the Washington Unified School District regarding graduation ceremonies:

Keeping safety and health our highest priority, it is determined that our best option to celebrate our Class of 2020 is through a virtual graduation event as a beginning to possible future celebrations. A virtual option ensures the health and safety of our students, families, and school communities while still recognizing graduating seniors for their accomplishments. The virtual graduation event will be inclusive of all three school graduations, each in its separate segment of the graduation event so that parents will know when to tune in for their student’s respective ceremony. Access to our virtual graduation event will be available for everyone during the streaming of the graduation ceremony and afterward for keepsake.

We have heard about the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions which may give the impression that in-person events while practicing social distancing is acceptable. As of today, this is not the case for Yolo County. Large group activities are still not permitted according to public health officials. There is no way to predict when organized group activities will be allowed or how restrictive they will be once approved. It is also important to note that WUSD must comply with Yolo County health orders which may be different from our neighboring schools and districts living in other counties. 

Here is what we currently have planned:

• A virtual graduation ceremony will be live-streamed on a custom website and viewable on a mobile device or computer and accessible for all families, friends, and community members.
• A senior lawn sign and cap and gown drive-thru pick up day is scheduled where teachers and staff can be present to cheer and celebrate the Class of 2020 as they receive their items. More information will be provided as the seniors pick up their cap and gown for the next steps.

We have appreciated many thoughts shared about some potential ideas for the future. Knowing that circumstances change each week, we cannot promise but hope the following suggestions can be possible under public health orders once restrictions are lifted from our public health. 

• In today’s restrictions of COVID-19, graduation diplomas will be mailed to the student’s home at the end of June. IF COVID-19 restrictions change before that time, we will consider the potential for a drive-through diploma pick-up ceremony.
• IF organized group activities are permissible again in the summer, BBQ might be possible for all members of the Class of 2020 and their families.
• IF organized group activities are permissible again in the summer, we would like to work with each school’s leadership to organize a formal ceremony inviting all members of the Class of 2020 and their families to participate at each respective high school.
• IF organized group activities are permissible again in the summer and fall, we expect to specially plan our Homecoming at River City High School for a special event at halftime.
• IF organized group activities are NOT permissible again in the summer or fall, we hope to invite all members of the Class of 2020 and their families to participate in and be celebrated during the Spring 2021 commencement ceremonies as other universities and colleges are offering.

We share in the disappointment and heartbreak that we are not able to host our traditional graduation ceremonies. But we stay committed to the Class of 2020 to be recognized for their grit, determination, and accomplishments. 

To accomplish a positive, supportive time in these changes and unprecedented circumstances, we need your help, and most of all, your patience and understanding. The answers we seek are not always within our control, but we will do everything within our means to ensure the Class of 2020 receives the recognition they deserve. 

Please stay tuned as we continue monitoring daily the situation with COVID-19 to determine what our next steps will be There has been a great deal of effort and inquiry with health officials in how Yolo County high school seniors may be recognized and honored during the shelter in place orders. We are committed to ensuring our Class of 2020 high school seniors are celebrated and recognized even under these restricted circumstances.

 We are cautiously optimistic, but please remember that all future planning is tentative and subject to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Junior Giants at Home

In an effort to help keep kids connected during this time of isolation, the Giants Community Fund has launched JR Giants at Home. The 4-week, virtual season offers those aged 5-18 in West Sacramento the opportunity to stay active through live, online practices hosted twice a week. Registration is now open! Visit http://jrgiantsathome.org/west-sacramento to learn more!

 Let's keep it going!

West Sacramento residents are doing their part by following the Yolo County shelter in place order. So much so, that some low risk businesses are now being allowed to open up. Let's keep the momentum going!  #stayhomesavelives

Please watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1dQKK8v6Fc

Coronavirus in Yolo County

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Yolo County is 172 with 20 deaths. Stay up to date by visiting the Yolo County Coronavirus website.