Boise’s high school seniors can still walk in a graduation ceremony. Here’s how.
It won’t be a traditional graduation ceremony by any means. But high school seniors in the Boise School District will still get to walk across the stage this spring.
The Boise School District unveiled new plans for graduation Friday that will comply with safety guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. They include a website to honor seniors alongside an in-person celebration at each high school.
Between May 18 and 22, seniors will arrive at their school during a staggered schedule to limit crowds. The seniors will remain in their cars at the first station, where the school will announce their names and they will turn the tassel on their caps.
Students and families can then leave their car to walk across a stage, where the seniors can get a picture in their cap and gown.
Teachers and staff will be on hand to cheer on the students, and schools plan to have music.
“It’s really our attempt to honor our high school seniors as best we can during a pandemic,” Boise School District spokesman Dan Hollar said.
Boise’s high schools will distribute caps and gowns May 14 and 15 at their campuses. Each school will communicate plans, but they will follow the earlier touchless distribution of computers and learning packets.
The district will mail diplomas to students.
Boise Schools originally planned to wait until the week of July 20 to hold its traditional mass celebrations at Boise State’s ExtraMile Arena. The district said it would survey parents to see if they are still interested in that option, if health guidelines can be met.
The website will feature profiles of the graduating seniors, along with speeches from students and administrators. It will not live stream a ceremony, Hollar said.
“We want to reassure our graduating seniors that we are committed to honoring all of your hard work to achieve your high school diploma,” Boise School District Superintendent Coby Dennis said in a press release. “From following your first steps into our classrooms, to watching you grow to find your passion and purpose, we know how hard you have worked to pursue your dreams. We are proud of each of you, and that is why we cannot fathom sending you into the world without celebrating.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 2:43 PM.
