With the highly anticipated announcement from the governor’s office that Alternate Method of Instruction (AMI) would replace in-classroom instruction for the remainder of the school year, administrators have been busy preparing for August, and a new school year.
One question remains, however. Will seniors be provided a graduation ceremony? The answer isn’t quite so clear and varies by district.
Mansfield Superintendent Joe Staton stated that Mansfield’s graduation has been postponed until it is safe to gather again. Although the state is allowing each district the leeway in making that decision, CDC guidelines must be followed and those restrict a gathering of more than 10 people. “Seniors want to have a normal graduation,” shared Staton. “It could very well be in July or later before we can do that.”
Staton added that there are some students who will be enlisting in the military or unable to participate because of a vocation, so they are making plans for those individuals.
Both the Waldron and Hackett School Districts are uncertain of any plans for graduation. Hackett has sent out a survey to their seniors, and anticipates a delayed ceremony.
Administrators are working hard to ensure that seniors have as normal of a graduation ceremony as possible. As Hackett Elementary Principal Tura Bailey stated, “they have worked as hard as any graduating class before them, and they deserve it.”
