Graduation 2020
Currently, the plans for the 2020 graduation are as follows:
Video:
We are compiling a video that will include the graduating class of 2020. The video will be set up in a manner similar to the graduation ceremony.
Welcome by the Senior Class President
Salutatorians’ speeches
Valedictorians’ speeches
Each graduate presented (photo of student and full name called)
Presentation of the Sr. Class (Declaration that the class has graduated)
Seniors making presentations (class president, salutatorians, valedictorians) will be contacted by the class sponsors for details. These students will make videos and send them to the sponsors.
Photo and Diploma Presentation:
THIS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BEFORE WE CAN COMMIT TO THIS EVENT. We will let seniors know when and if this event is approved.
There will be an opportunity for graduates to have a photo taken while being presented with their diploma.
Beginning on Monday, May 11 and continuing through Friday, May 15, graduating seniors will have a scheduled time to come to campus with family/guests to be presented with their diploma and have a photo taken.
Unfortunately, we will have to limit the number of people on campus at a time.
According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of Arkansas, the following criteria must be met:
Based on the current directives, a total of 10 people or less at the site would be required. The schedule for students (and their guests) to appear on campus should be spaced out to avoid having more than one student and his/her group on campus at a time. The number of family members present should be limited to maintain a total of 10 at all times. That would consist of a maximum of 6 family members/guests, assuming the number of staff is limited, such as the superintendent, principal, camera operator and photographer’s assistant. Having no more than one family on campus at a time would also be critical. Out-of-state family members and guests from areas with high rates of COVID-19 should be restricted, as these individuals are to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the state. (Check the ADH website for the most up-to-date list of affected areas.)
Wearing gloves and masks for all present is recommended, and all attendees must maintain proper social distancing. Students cannot congregate in rooms or facilities while waiting for the ceremony. Everyone should be screened upon arriving for the event. The following individuals should be excluded from participating: those with a fever during the previous 48 hours, persistent or unusual cough, shortness of breath, direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, or has out-of-state travel history from areas with high rates of COVID-19.
We will begin the day on Monday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. The first graduating senior and their family/guests will arrive at PHS (the specific location will be announced as the date gets closer). Graduating seniors will wear their cap, gown, and any regalia. The senior will be presented his/her diploma by the high school principal. A photo of the diploma presentation will be taken. The family/guests can then take a photo with the graduate. The time for the diploma presentation and photos is limited to 15 minutes per graduating senior. We must stay on a very strict schedule in order to provide each graduating senior with this opportunity. Therefore, we will have a schedule of 15 minute intervals beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:45 p.m. daily on May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15th.
The principal will send out a scheduled time for each graduating senior for this event.
AGAIN….THIS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BEFORE WE CAN COMMIT TO THIS EVENT. We will let seniors know when and if this event is approved.
Traditional Graduation Ceremony
We are still hoping that the Governor will allow for large congregations in the near future. Therefore, we have not ruled out the possibility of a traditional graduation ceremony. We will keep the dates open for a possible graduation ceremony from July 2 to July 25th. The state has declared that we cannot have traditional graduation ceremonies prior to July 1. The governor will provide more guidance as the state begins to re-open. If we are unable to have a traditional graduation ceremony by July 25, 2020, then we will not have one this year.
We appreciate your understanding. We regret that the current situation is causing such disruption for the class of 2020. Please know that we care about the graduating class, their families, and school personnel. We will do our best to provide the best graduation experience possible in the safest way during this time.