Oregon Department of Education - Oregon Achieves Together

NEWS RELEASE: Oregon Participating in Saturday's National Primetime Graduation Special Broadcast

Oregon Department of Education sent this bulletin at 05/15/2020 10:02 AM PDT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves together - follow at ORDEPTED on twitter

NEWS RELEASE
May 15, 2020
Media Contact: Marc Siegel

Oregon Participating in Saturday's National Primetime Graduation Special Broadcast

(Salem, Ore.) - Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is pleased to partner with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and XQ Institute in support of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, a one-hour, commercial-free primetime graduation special to be broadcast Saturday.

During the broadcast, viewers will be directed to XQ’s new Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for each state, including a congratulatory message from ODE Director Colt Gill and stories highlighting the adaptability and strength of students, teachers and schools amid the pandemic.

“I’m wowed by our seniors’ resilience and excited for their future,” Gill said. “I hope every Oregon high school senior watches the special and takes pride in their accomplishment. You’ve earned it.”

The national telecast will air on Saturday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m. on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks and streaming services, as well as various social media platforms. Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, joins a list of prominent leaders and entertainers in celebrating the Class of 2020. Led by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special is being produced in partnership with a broad coalition of education, philanthropic and corporate partners. In addition, corporate and philanthropic giving associated with #GraduateTogether will benefit DonorsChoose and America’s Food Fund to help meet student needs in some of our nation’s most underserved and under-resourced communities.

Oregon’s involvement was coordinated through CCSSO.

“CCSSO is proud to partner with the XQ Institute on the #GraduateTogether campaign. This event is a bright spot in such a challenging year, bringing together educators, parents, state leaders and other partners in celebrating all students and their accomplishments,” said CCSSO Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller. “Through this partnership, we are thrilled to make it possible for every graduating senior to hear directly from their state education leaders and the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson before they take their next steps after high school.”

###

Stay Connected with the Oregon Department of Education

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Help

It is a policy of the State Board of Education and a priority of the Oregon Department of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment. For more information, visit the Anti-Discrimination Policy page.