Many people have wondered how schools were planning graduations in light of the coronavirus pandemic. More have been wondering when/how schools would let out. Well, one local district has addressed these questions.The Kennewick School District released a statement detailing their plans for graduation as well as an official last day of school for the 2019-2020 school year. 

Here is the full press release from the Kennewick School District:

We have some updates available regarding the last day of school and graduation. We will continue to communicate with our community as we have more information available.

 

Last Day of School – June 19
Continuous Distance Learning will continue for all students through June 19. School websites are updated with a Continuous Distance Learning section to provide easy access to information about class learning plans, teacher office hours and methods of communication.

 

Celebrating our Seniors
Kennewick School District remains committed to ensuring that the Class of 2020 receives the recognition and celebration that they have worked so hard for and deserve.

High school graduation ceremonies are currently planned for June 4, 5 and 6 for all of our schools. At this time, we don’t know if we will be able to hold traditional ceremonies on these dates, given statewide COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures.

We recently surveyed high school seniors and their parents to seek input to help inform our planning. We received 984 responses. A total of 47.1 percent of respondents favored a virtual graduation on the scheduled date of graduation and an additional in-person ceremony later this summer, and 52.9 percent of respondents favored a traditional ceremony later this summer, with no virtual graduation. Through the survey, many great ideas to celebrate students were shared.

On or around May 4, we anticipate that Gov. Jay Inslee will provide more clarification about the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. We will then be able to determine the types of in-person graduation experiences we will be able to plan.

At this time, we are moving forward with plans to develop an online, virtual recognition for the Class of 2020. This is not meant to replace any type of in-person ceremony, but to add to the celebration for our seniors and provide access to families and loved ones who may not be able to attend an in-person event.

 

Cap and Gown Pick-Up
We are moving forward with plans to distribute caps and gowns from Jostens to seniors. Distribution will occur May 7 and 8 in the high school parking lots by drive-thru pickup. Everyone should stay in their car and social distancing measures will be implemented.

 

Pick-up Schedule:

  • Southridge High: May 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Kamiakin High: May 7, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Kennewick High: May 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • MCP/Legacy/Phoenix: May 8, 12 to 2 p.m.

We will continue to keep you posted about plans for in-person celebrations and ceremonies as we learn more about the status of the statewide state of emergency in the days ahead.

 

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