Graduation ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, July 27, at the Fletcher High School football stadium. The event will be live streamed throughout the ceremony for those unable to attend.
School officials will follow CDC guidelines and any state or local orders in effect relating to COVID-19. The venue will open about two hours before the ceremony to help maintain social distancing. Masks will be required for all guests as they enter the arena, including graduates. They may be taken off once seated inside the venue.
Tentative plans called for each school to be able to hold their ceremonies as scheduled at the Veterans Memorial Arena prior to announcing the individual dates. Caps and gowns were distributed earlier this month. Based on the current spike in positive cases, district leadership determined holding a smaller event on campus would be in the best interest of community health and safety.
“Our goal [was] to have a normal graduation in July if nothing happens. But a lot of things have to come into play and it’s something we will evaluate along the way,” Principal Dean Ledford said last month.
“We want to make sure all the kids in Duval County get something. We don’t want anyone to be short changed. We’re trying to plan ahead and do the what if’s the more we learn. Obviously, I want to see them with a graduation that will make them happy and that they can be proud of, no matter what that may look like.”
Graduating seniors are allotted two tickets and guests must arrive at the same time with their tickets to ensure they are seated together. Guests will be required to maintain social distancing by sitting in marked designated seats. Due to the safety procedures in place, delays are expected. Additional tickets may be released pending closer review of the venue and the number of confirmed attendants.
Every guest will be checked off and screened to gain entry into the stadium. Screening includes a property search, a temperature check and completion of a COVID-19 questionnaire. According to school officials, guests with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be permitted to enter the venue. Those who answer yes to any questions on the questionnaire will also be denied entry.
Diplomas will be mailed in June once the senior has been cleared for meeting all graduation requirements and there are no outstanding fees and all equipment including laptops, a hotspot or band instrument has been returned. School staff is working with all students to assist with those with financial needs.
Refunds for such events as grad bash, senior week and the prom are being disbursed. Some refunds may take longer as the school is waiting on refunds from event vendors. Specific questions should be directed to the school administration. The release of transcripts will not be delayed. Transcripts will be forwarded to requested colleges and mailed per student requests as normal once declared a graduate.
