Officials warn against in-person graduation ceremonies
Schools encouraged to continue distance learning to end of school year
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LAKE COUNTY – High school graduation ceremonies across the state might be a little different this year as officials consider how hundreds of graduates will turn the tassel while maintaining social distancing.
The Office of Public Instruction, Board of Public Education and Montana Public Education Center shared a letter written to district and county superintendents last week after receiving dozens of inquires from schools asking for an opinion or guidance about how to proceed with the remainder of the school year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter was signed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen; Board of Public Education’s Darlene Schottle; School Administrators of Montana member Kirk Miller; Montana School Boards Association’s Lance Melton; Montana Rural Education Association member Dennis Parman; Montana Federation of Public Employees member Eric Feaver; and Montana Quality Education Coalition’s Dianne Burke.
According to the letter, schools are following the directive of Governor Steve Bullock who is making public policy decisions in two-week timeframes based on the best available advice from public health officials. With the end of the school year being about six weeks away, the one thing for certain is that there is uncertainty; although social distancing guidelines are probably going to be part of the plan.
“At this time, national health authorities are stating that social distancing recommendations will be in place at least through May and possibly into the summer. We can expect that even if the governor’s stay-at-home and school closure directives are lifted after April 24, social distancing guidelines will still be recommended," the letter states.
Social distancing guidelines ask that people keep a six-foot distance between individuals to help keep the COVID-19 virus from spreading; so state school officials don’t recommend holding large graduation ceremonies because it would be difficult to maintain distance in large crowds.
“We advise that you plan to continue your distance learning plans through the remainder of this school year and also plan to not hold large-scale in-person graduation ceremonies. We encourage you to postpone graduation ceremonies until later in the year or come up with alternative plans to honor your graduates, ensuring equity in recognition for all students, including special education students.”
