BOISE, Idaho — The Boise School District Friday announced graduation plans for the class of 2020.
"We want to reassure our graduating seniors that we are committed to honoring all of your hard work to achieve your high school diploma," said Superintendent Coby Dennis. “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."
With that in mind, the following graduation celebrations/events are planned for May:
Graduation caps and gowns will be distributed on Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th, in the same manner as the District’s recent device deployment.
Schools will also be distributing diploma covers; the diplomas themselves will be mailed to the students.
Boise School District is partnering with the Idaho Press newspaper to produce a virtual graduation celebration for the Class of 2020. Graduate profiles, speeches and a printed keepsake graduation program with graduate profiles for each high school graduate will be featured/provided.
Graduation will involve a socially-distanced “Turn the Tassel/Walk the Stage” event:
-Every high school will celebrate their seniors in person at the school during the last week of school (May 18th through May 22nd). There will be a staggered schedule to minimize the numbers of students at any one time
-Students and parents will arrive and remain in their vehicles
-As they come up to the “first station,” the student’s name will be called and he/she will “turn the tassel” while still in their vehicle. Staff and faculty will be outside to celebrate the graduates
-The student and family will get out of their vehicle and “walk the stage” -- a set-up where the student will be in cap and gown and can take pictures in front of the school’s backdrop
-Students/families can also take their own photos. Professional photographers may be available at selected times; the high schools will be providing details soon
-Schools plan to have music, faculty outside cheering, etc. to celebrate the event
High schools will be sending parents a survey about the possibility of holding in-person graduations/celebrations the week of July 20th, contingent upon meeting state and local health recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control -- including guidelines regarding holding large public gatherings.
