The Washington County High School Class of 2020 Graduation is set to be held on Saturday, June 13 at 9:00 A.M. at the high school football field, while observing specific health and safety provisions and guidelines.
Washington County Public Schools announced the information for the “modified graduation ceremony” on Monday, June 8. They note the importance for guidelines to be followed in order to provide the safest experience possible for graduates and families.
In addition to the modified in-person graduation, Washington County Public Schools will be holding a “virtual graduation” via a live stream on the Washington County High School Facebook page that is found HERE. The graduation can also be heard on Radio Station WACO 100 at 99.9 FM.
The Washington County 2020 modified graduation ceremony begins promptly at 9:00 A.M. The gates will be closed at that time. Students will begin marching at approximately 8:45 A.M.
Graduates were allotted five (5) graduation tickets for audience members to assist in social distancing efforts.
To help in following health guidelines and maximize student safety, graduation practices were held via Zoom meetings on Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10.
Students, staff, and guests of graduates will have designated areas to park prior to graduation festivities on Saturday. Drivers will be directed where to park upon their entrance to campus.
Prior to graduation, students and staff will have their temperature checked by an infrared body scanner. The Centers for Disease Control defines a “high temperature” for anyone with a scan of 100.4 degrees. Anyone with a “high temperature” following the scan will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
All attendees will be required to clear a metal detector upon entrance. Guests are advised to not bring metal objects, and only carry bags and purses for major necessities. Umbrellas will be prohibited for this event.
Graduating seniors, staff, and audience members will be required to wear a mask during the modified graduation ceremony. Graduates will be placed in chairs that are spaced appropriately to maintain social distance.
Attendees will also be required to use provided hand sanitizer upon entering the stadium. Each person will be directed to sit in the appropriate seating.
There will be a maximum of 3 guests of graduates/parents allowed in the restrooms at a singular time during this event.
Professional photographs that will be distributed to graduates and their families are scheduled to be taken by staff members during the graduation ceremony.
To begin the modified graduation ceremony, students will be welcomed with a short speech. After the speech is given by the designated staff member, the speaking area will be sanitized with antibacterial wipes. The Valedictorian and the Salutatorian of the Class of 2020 will then read their speeches to classmates, staff, and graduation attendees.
Following the speeches, graduates will be directed by row to approach the stage, while maintaining 6 feet of distance between themselves, to accept their sanitized diploma cover. In order to maintain social distancing, covers will be located on a table for students to pick up rather than be distributed by a staff member. Actual diplomas will be mailed to students, as they will not be distributed at the time of the ceremony.
Washington County Public Schools asks for no “cheering” by those in attendance until the conclusion of the ceremony so that every graduating Senior will be able to clearly hear their name called.
No parents or audience members will be allowed on the field at any time.
After the ceremony, students and guests will be dismissed by row and escorted off the field to their cars. Students and guests will not be allowed to loiter, take pictures, socialize, or interact with other students.
Approximately 24 hours after the ceremony, Beck Janitorial Service will sanitize all chairs and pertinent areas.