Coronavirus delays high school graduation in Kansas City area to end of May — or July
With the spread of COVID-19, high school seniors have lost opportunities to battle for sports championships and to dance on prom night.
But some Kansas City area school districts are making efforts to save graduation, albeit holding it a bit later than usual.
Districts announced this week that many graduation ceremonies scheduled for mid-May are rescheduled for the end of that month or as late as July.
“We feel it is very important to do everything in our power to recognize our seniors, especially given the devastating change to their final semester, which included losing prom, sports, activities and performances, student trips and commencement in May,” said Jim McMullen, an assistant superintendent for Olathe Public Schools.
On the Missouri side, schools are closed until April 27, at least. In Kansas, by order of the governor, all schools are closed for the remainder of the academic year.
In both states, teachers are working from home to deliver classwork to homebound students.
Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide order as well as local mandates prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 have meant canceled graduations, said David Smith, spokesman for the Shawnee Mission School District. The district “has not made a decision about rescheduling them,” he said.
Olathe announced this week that it will move its May 15-17 ceremonies to the last weekend in July “to give as much time as possible to allow for the necessary restrictions and precautions of COVID-19 to be lifted by local and state health officials,” said a statement to students and parents.
The district’s ceremonies will take place outdoors at the College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S. Valley Road, with the Olathe Northwest High School gym, 21300 College Blvd., as the alternative site for inclement weather.
“The Board of Education and our Superintendent John Allison have been incredibly supportive of the concept to honor our seniors; it’s just a little later than originally planned,” McMullen said in the statement.
Kansas City Public School officials said they have not decided on delaying graduation. They are waiting to hear whether school will remain closed beyond April 24 and they want to talk with seniors about how they want to be recognized for graduation.
Fort Osage school officials said they don’t have a specific date yet. “We would be looking at late May if at all possible, but we are open to summer dates as well if need be,” said Stephanie Smith, district spokeswoman. “We are keeping all our options open to make sure that our seniors and their families have a chance to celebrate this occasion.”
Hickman Mills had scheduled its graduations at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, which has suspended all events and activities through May 15.
“Currently, Silverstein Eye Arena is holding our May 14, 2020 date,” said Marissa Cleaver Wamble, district spokeswoman. “However, we have a tentative backup date for May 28. But she said, “things are changing daily.”
Area universities, including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, University of Missouri and University of Missouri-Kansas City, all canceled their in-person commencement ceremonies for May. Some will invite graduates to ceremonies in December.
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 2:33 PM.
