One major Johnson County district cancels in-person graduation, but others still on
Shawnee Mission school district officials have canceled in-person high school graduation ceremonies that were scheduled for next week, saying the risk of COVID-19 transmission at the gatherings would be too high.
During the metrowide stay-at-home orders this spring, officials announced the district would postpone May graduations and instead hold either in-person or virtual ceremonies in July. The district had been planning in-person events for July 14-16. But then as the economy reopened, coronavirus cases began skyrocketing in Johnson County and across the region.
All ceremonies will be online now.
In a statement, officials said they made the decision “using the best information available, for the health and safety of students, families and staff.”
“In a joint letter sent to the families of 2020 graduates, administrators stated this was a very difficult decision, but with all information and guidance about large in-person gatherings and the increased risk of spreading the virus, it is the best decision for the community,” officials said.
Other major Johnson County districts are still holding out hope that they can hold in-person celebrations later this month.
The Olathe school district is planning to hold all of its ceremonies outdoors later this month. The events will take place July 24-26 outside at the College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S. Valley Road, Olathe.
“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, assistant superintendent of high school education, in a statement.
The Blue Valley district has graduations scheduled on July 30-31 in its two district stadiums, giving seniors the opportunity to walk across the stage. But the ceremonies will be livestreamed, and officials said the recommended limits on mass gatherings will be followed.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced local school districts to get creative in planning this summer’s graduations. Last month, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools held graduation ceremonies at the Boulevard Drive-In. Seniors rode in cars, parked and listened to their radios as they watched themselves on the big screen.
Shawnee Mission will broadcast virtual graduation ceremonies on the following dates:
▪ Shawnee Mission East: 8 p.m. July 14.
▪ Shawnee Mission South: 8 p.m. July 14.
▪ Shawnee Mission North: 8 p.m. July 15.
▪ Shawnee Mission West: 8 p.m July 15.
▪ Shawnee Mission Northwest: 8 p.m. July 16.
▪ Arrowhead: 6 p.m July 16.
▪ Horizons: 8 p.m. July 16.
Links to the broadcast will be available on the district website, at smsd.org, the day of the scheduled graduation.
