Atwood Mcdonald Elementary School issued the following announcement.
The Fort Worth ISD is preparing to celebrate the Class of 2020 with virtual graduations on Saturday, June 20. The following week students may also choose to participate in outdoor ‘in-person’ celebrations, following recently-issued TEA guidelines for such ceremonies.
“After speaking last week with student leaders, we decided to add the option of an additional celebration,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “This second event will follow newly-released TEA directives and social distancing protocols for these outdoor celebrations.”
Almost 5,000 seniors are expected to participate in the online ceremonies; the outdoor events are voluntary and will have limited audience members.
The outdoor celebrations will also be contingent on public health conditions and will take place at either Farrington Field or Clark Stadium, the District’s two largest outdoor athletic venues from June 23-26. The District will follow CDC guidelines for social distancing.
“When I met with the student leaders via Zoom last week, I was impressed with their maturity and their understanding of the complex situation we all now face,” Dr. Scribner said. “Their commitment to doing the right thing for everyone was impressive. We were determined to find a way to do something safely and Commissioner Morath’s new guidelines allow us to do so.”
The District announced in late April that large gathering requirements established as a result of the COVID-19 virus would make it necessary to have a virtual event. After meeting with 25 senior class presidents in an online conference call, Dr. Scribner agreed to add the option of in-person celebrations at the District’s two largest football stadiums.
“We have always wanted to find a way to allow the Class of 2020 to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” Dr Scribner added. “The virtual graduation will be the official ceremony; the commencement celebration, if conditions allow, will be a voluntary gathering that will give students an opportunity to see each other in person, and share their joy.”
So, what is a virtual graduation?
It is an online streaming event that highlights each individual graduate. Technology will allow students to share photos of themselves in cap and gown – as well a personalized video message as they “move the tassel” to indicate their status as newly-minted graduates.
A link to a special online platform will enable an unlimited number of family and friends to participate from any location. This process provides each new graduate their individual #MoveTheTassel moment with a personalized video file to share with loved ones on social media.
“We believe the decision to have virtual graduation ceremonies is in the best interest of everyone involved,” said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. “Then, if conditions allow, the in-person event will give our seniors the option of a second celebration where they can see each other and capture another memory."
Graduating seniors will receive individual notices from their schools telling them when they can pick up their caps and gowns and other commencement regalia and providing other instructions to participate in the online ceremony.
Original source can be found here.
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