Christian County school board members Wednesday evening were provided details of how the virtual graduation ceremonies will be conducted in May.
Director of Pupil Personnel Melanie Barrett said the graduation ceremonies will be virtually conducted for Hopkinsville High School at 5:30 p.m. and Christian County High School at 8:00 p.m. on May 29th.
CCHS Principal Chris Bentzel said the graduation plan is within the guidance of both the Kentucky Department of Education and state orders due to social distancing related to COVID-19.
He said they will set up individual appointments for seniors at both high schools for graduation ceremonies. He added the senior will then enter the school by appointment and go to several stations because they don’t want to just remember the senior by using a picture.
He added the seniors will then be videotaped in three different segments.
Bentzel said they are also attempting to give seniors some parting gifts.
HHS Principal Dr. John Gunn said the virtual graduation ceremonies will be streamed on the school district’s website and Spectrum TV.
Seniors will be required to have their non-traditional instruction (NTI) assignments turned in by May 1 with senior grades to be posted on May 6.
The Board also approved a request made by Barrett to waive the 15-day unexcused absence policy for this school year, which would not have allowed any senior to participate in graduation activities.
In other action, board members approved the amended calendar that includes students’ continuing non-traditional instruction through May 12th with the last day of school for teachers May 21.
In-person classes in the Christian County school district were initially canceled beginning Monday, March 16, and went to non-traditional instruction (NTI) after Governor Andy Beshear recommended schools close for at least two weeks across the state. However, Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill and school board members extended the closure in the district until Monday, April 13, which included the week of spring break.
On April 20, school officials announced in-person classes would not resume for the remainder of this school year and students would continue with non-traditional instruction based on another recommendation by the governor fearing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
