July 21, 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of the Class of 2020:
First and foremost, due to the CDC guidelines regarding safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, there are critical steps we must adhere to for graduation gathering. All of this is new to us, so bear with us as we make this occasion as safe and momentous for the graduating Class of 2020.
Congratulations on the impact you have made in preparing your child for graduation! We are so thankful to have participated in the educational experience as well, and look forward to celebrating this milestone with you! Today each graduate received instructions regarding the graduation ceremony. Please review this information carefully. You can also find this on our school’s website. Some of the most pertinent pieces of information are the following:
Attire for Graduation:
Men:
Dark-colored slacks. No jeans.
Shirt and tie.
Shoes should be dark in color. No tennis shoes.
Ladies:
Dresses or skirts-nothing strapless, too short, or overly revealing. This is a form occasion, and your dress should reflect that.
Pants- Dark pants may be worn if preferred.
Shoes-Should be dark in color. bright colors, no gold, no silver. Black shoes are best. Again, remember this is a formal occasion. Your shoes should not detract from the seriousness of the event. Please make sure you are able to walk in the shoes! Heels must be flat or wedge. No stiletto heels will be allowed.
Jewelry-Simple jewelry is better, preferably gold or silver. No bright colors like hot pink or yellow.
If you need assistance providing the proper attire, please contact the school office (872-0793) as soon as possible. Please note, graduates are NOT allowed to decorate their cap for graduation ceremonies.
Report Time for Graduation is 5:30 on Friday, July 24th! Graduates should report directly to the new gym. Remember to follow “safe distancing” in the gym area. Unfortunately, family members and other spectators will not be allowed in the gym and Commons Areas. Parents/Guardians remember to be courteous as you are seated in your designated area during the graduation ceremony. Balloons can obstruct the view of other spectators; therefore, it is advised that parents, family, and friends NOT bring them to the event (outside or in the gym). Everyone wants the opportunity to hear their child’s name called and to be able to see their child receive his/her diploma! Masks must be worn by all whether inside or outside.
Your graduate has received instructions regarding procedures in the event of rain. Each graduate will receive 5 tickets for guests to attend the ceremony held outside. In case of inclement weather, each graduate will be allowed ONLY 2 guests in attendance in the gym. Those two tickets are marked with an (X). Those two guests will be verified upon entrance into the gymnasium should it rain.
Parking for Graduation. Parking for graduates and guests will be on the south side of the school near the football stadium. The north gate entrance (bus ramp) will be locked and no entrance will be permitted. Graduates and guests will enter the building from the south parking lot and walk through the building to the northern parking lot (bus ramp) and then to the Performing Arts Building. Congregating in the building or Commons Area will not be permitted in order that we maintain adherence to the mandates for COVID-19.
Handicapped Accessibility for graduates and guests. Guests in need of special services will have assistance from the staff as you enter the building from the south parking lot. A section will be marked off and available for all handicapped guests attending the graduation ceremony.
Please remember, students will only be able to participate in graduation ceremonies if all of the following requirements are met:
- Students must attend BOTH graduation practices.
- Students must adhere to all dress code requirements as outlined above.
- If a second practice is necessary it will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. Further information on this practice will be discussed on Tuesday, July 21st, during practice.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Sincerely,
Toras Hill
Principal