Dear Kearns High Parents and Students:
Today begins your first day of summer break! Enjoy as much as you are able to, but please stay safe and healthy. Some of you may be involved with various summer learning modalities organized by Kearns High School. Students, please take advantage of these FREE learning opportunities for you to recover credit. Check our school website for our summer learning programs, including Driver’s Ed, which began today.
To the class of 2021, I acknowledge your many accomplishments in conjunction with the pandemic, and I applaud you for your perseverance and stamina in completing your high school experience.
I, along with my staff, tried my best to keep this email from going out to you. Unfortunately, at this point, I feel like I need to address the confetti that was scattered at USANA during graduation and the consequences that followed. To be clear, the fine of $5,000 was quoted in the contract that was signed by Granite School District on behalf of the three high schools that rented this private property. I was very grateful to be able to have USANA host this event which allowed us to have a near normal graduation experience despite the pandemic. I am saddened to report that out of the eight Granite District high school graduations held at USANA and Rio Tinto, only Kearns High violated the confetti policy.
Parents and Seniors, I want you to know we are clearly aware that this part of the contract was violated by a senior student’s family. This is very embarrassing considering the culture we work hard to portray, which is safe, welcoming, and ethical. I am aware of several misinformed postings on our website, social media sites, and TikTok videos. This information was clearly shared multiple times in emails and posts, during senior break outs, and during the Graduation Review. All were made aware of the rules of graduation. Every year I have emphasized no confetti, yet we have a few years that the contract was ignored. This forces consequences for those actions based on the contract Granite District signs with various vendors to host our graduation.
I write this email to let our Kearns High community know that the issue is being handled and I do not plan to hold onto this diploma forever, but a meeting must occur and consequences must be shared. I am so grateful that the manager at USANA is willing to work with me regarding the fine and consequences. I ask that all who are reading this email to please allow the process to take place without outside comments. Seniors, as you prepare to leave home and venture out into the world please know there will always be consequences surrounding our actions; it is unavoidable. My hope is that your actions will be positive in nature and you can avoid negative consequences as much as possible.
Thank you to the Class of 2021! What an amazing class you are and, regardless of this unfortunate choice by others, I still commend you all for your hard work and wish you well. Congratulations! Move forward in the world to learn, grow, and make a positive difference in your life and in the lives of others. Always remember who you are. ”Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar!”
Respectfully,
Principal Loo
