The decision by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb not to move to Stage 5 in COVID-19 recovery, but go to what he describes as Stage 4.5, has created changes in the plans for two local high schools, Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern.
Hamilton Southeastern Schools announced the changes Thursday. Below is the text of the new guidance for the ceremonies from the HSE School District.
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In order to comply with the Indiana Executive Order 20-35, which states Indiana must refrain from fully transitioning to Stage 5 re-opening, we are altering our in-person graduation plans.
The graduation plan as of July 2, 2020 is as follows:
- The previously announced ceremony at the football field has been replaced with a modified ceremony.
- A “graduation walk” will now be held over the course of two days, July 10 and July 11, in the auditorium.
- Graduates will be assigned a day (July 10 or July 11) and one-hour time slot (between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.) to receive their diploma. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate specific requests for date/time.
Attire for the event:
- Graduation gown
- Mortar board (cap) and tassel (wear on the right side)
- Class medallion (students will receive upon arrival)
- School issued honor cords (if applicable)
- Official HSE face covering (provided upon arrival at “graduation walk”) for graduates only.
More information:
- Graduates will be brought into the auditorium, one at a time, in groups of 45 per hour.
- Specific details of your student’s date and time slot, as well event procedures, will be provided no later than Monday evening, July 6.
- Immediate family members will be permitted to accompany the graduate when they receive their diploma.
- During the event, graduates and families will stay together until they enter the auditorium. Graduates will then walk to the stage to receive their diploma, will be instructed to change their tassel, and families will view the diploma presentation from a designated area in the auditorium.
- Families will be permitted to take photos and videos of their graduate as they walk across the stage.
- After receiving their diploma, a photographer will be available for a photo with the graduate and their family in a separate area designated for photos.
- A video of the commencement speeches and musical performances will be made available prior to the “graduation walk” for viewing. Students unable to participate in the “graduation walk” event may pick up their diplomas on July 9 from 2 to 5 p.m.
- All graduates and guests will be required to wear face coverings while on school grounds.
- All graduates and guests will be required to complete a health safety waiver. The waiver information will be included in the Monday communication.
- Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms as described by the Centers for Disease Control will not be permitted to attend the “graduation walk.” Click here to view a list of symptoms according to the CDC.
As a reminder, information regarding your student’s assigned date and time as well as the health safely waiver, will be sent to you on Monday, July 6.
Please take time to read this important information regarding updated COVID-19 health concerns.
We appreciate your understanding as we continue to plan a safe and memorable experience for our seniors.