WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GRADS 2020: A FAMILY CELEBRATION
Washington County Public Schools is committed to providing the class of 2020 with the best graduation celebration possible while balancing the current restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are incredibly proud of our graduates for all they have accomplished, and they deserve a proper celebration.
While Maryland has moved to Stage Two of the Roadmap to Recovery, the governor’s restrictions on gathering sizes have not changed. As a result, a traditional graduation is just not possible. We have explored the option of an in-person graduation ceremony with students only that would be shared through an online live-stream. After working through the details of this ceremony with local officials, the restrictions in place would prevent many students from viewing the full event.
WCPS appreciates students, parents, and community members who have reached out to the school system to share thoughts and ideas for making this graduation milestone memorable and special. Your input is valuable and highly considered in the decision-making process. Thank you also for the many unique celebrations you have organized to honor graduates in your own communities.
With the on-going changes of the COVID-19 pandemic, WCPS is adjusting previously shared plans for the class of 2020 graduation ceremony.
Graduates will now be honored in individual, scheduled recognitions the week of June 15, 2020 to give each graduate an opportunity to walk across the stage at their school with four guests present.
The following format will be followed at all schools:
- Graduates will schedule a date and time that is coordinated through the school principal in advance. Times will be scheduled in five (5) minute intervals.
- Graduates may bring a maximum of four (4) guests.
- Graduates and their guests will be required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth. Masks in school colors will be provided to all attending graduates at the entrance (see photo below). Guests are required to bring their own masks.
- Graduates and their guests will be escorted from their vehicle into the school to a designated area for the individualized ceremony.
- Graduates will be announced, receive their diploma cover, and walk across the stage in their cap and gown as their guests watch.
- Graduates will have a photo taken with their guests by a photographer. Face coverings may be removed for the photo.
Face masks for graduates
Principals are finalizing details for each school. By early next week, they will be contacting students and families regarding more specific arrangements. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause families who made plans to view other scheduled ceremonies.
The virtual graduation video that is currently being compiled will serve as the full graduation ceremony, featuring student speakers and the presentation of graduates with submitted photos and videos. This will be provided to all graduates as a keepsake item to remember their classmates and this unprecedented school year. The virtual graduations will air on YouTube Premiere the week of June 15, 2020. If there is any change to the schedule, we will notify families and graduates.
The health of our community continues to be a priority. WCPS staff will practice proper social distancing and will wear face masks when interacting with graduates and their guests.
In these extraordinary times, the class of 2020 is a truly extraordinary group of graduates. We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones the week of June 15, 2020.
