One JoCo district continues in-person graduation plans. But only if weather allows

The Olathe school district is moving forward with its outdoor graduation plans for later this month, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremonies could be moved online — not indoors — with bad weather.

The graduations are planned for July 24-26 at the College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S. Valley Road in Olathe.

Everyone attending, including students, parents and guests, will have to wear face masks, Assistant Superintendent Jim McMullen said in note to families.

Each graduate will have six tickets for guests. Family groups will keep at least six feet distance in the stands, and graduates will be arranged on the field six feet apart.

“It’s important to note that while we are working toward doing everything in our power to have outdoor graduation, we realize that as with everything related to COVID-19, we need to be flexible and ready to change direction, if need be,” McMullen said.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed online for those unable to attend.

This month, Shawnee Mission school district officials canceled in-person graduations in favor of virtual ceremonies.

In June, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools hosted graduation ceremonies at the Boulevard Drive-In, where seniors watched themselves on the theater’s big screen.

The Blue Valley school district will livestream its ceremonies July 30-31, but graduates will be able to walk across a stage.

Olathe’s graduation ceremonies are planned for the following dates:

▪ July 24: Olathe West at 7:30 p.m.

▪ July 25: Olathe North at 10 a.m. and Olathe South at 7:30 p.m.

▪ July 26: Olathe East at 10 a.m. and Olathe Northwest at 7:30 p.m.