Graduation
Sunday, May 24, 2020
The Administrative team at Central Cass has met to determine the best course of action following the publication of DPI's guidelines for holding graduation ceremonies amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Burgum's executive order of all school facilities closed to the public.
Considering the high percentage of COVID-19 cases in Cass County, as well as the many logistics involved in meeting the social distancing criteria, we have determined that the graduation ceremony will take place on the football field and be open to the graduates and four immediate family members only. We will also broadcast the ceremony on WDAY's "xtra" channel and a subsequent parade route through town will take place for the community to partake in.
While we understand this is not ideal, nor does it meet everyone's expectations and desires, we feel it is aligned with what most schools are doing in our region, while also meeting logical and responsible health criteria. Please know, we desire for this to be a special time and will do all we can to make it meaningful!
Sincerely,
Morgan Forness - Superintendent
Graduation Guidance from the State
The following plan adheres to the mandates set forth by the North Dakota State Government and the Department of Education. See the picture below or click on the link to read the full document.
North Dakota Smart Restart High School Graduation Ceremony Guidance
NOTE: If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs in our area prior to aa scheduled graduation event, the State Health Officer, in consultation with the Governor, may suspend any in-person portion of the event to protect public health and safety.
- Thursday, May 21st @12:00 PM at Tharaldson Athletic Complex, Central Cass
- Masks are strongly recommended for all students for the duration of the practice.
- Please stay in your vehicles in the parking lot until directions are given.
- Honor Cords, Valedictorian Medallions, and Salutatorian Medallions will be handed out during practice.
- All decorated graduation hats will need to be approved at practice.
Attendance
- Each graduate will receive one parking pass and four tickets to use for family members living in the same household as them. Tickets will be given to graduates at graduation practice on Thursday.
- Ticket numbers were determined due to maximum capacity the venue allows while maintaining social distancing regulations (see attached map).
- No spectators without a ticket and/or parking pass will be permitted to attend the ceremony.
- The graduation ceremony will air live on WDAY’s “xtra” channel as well as streamed online at https://www.inforum.com
- NOTE FROM THE INFOURM: Although there's no way to give them the link to our story before it's published, they could always just click onto the page that has all of our livestreams on it so that when it starts, they can watch it like that. Otherwise, the story with Livestream is scheduled to pop up on InForum at 1 p.m., giving people a half-hour to know it's coming up at 1:30 on our website. It will be open to everyone, but if somebody hasn't registered with InForum yet, they'll need to do that. It's not a subscription - they don't need to pay anything - but they will have to register if they haven't already.
Logistics
- All spectators are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of themselves, our students and staff, and other community members.
- The facility will be opened for guests at 12:45 P.M.
- Each graduate will have a designated seating area for their family and will be ushered to their spot as they arrive. They are then asked to remain seated until after the ceremony.
- Restrooms will not be open to the public, so please plan accordingly.
- It is strongly recommended that all spectators bring and wear a mask throughout the ceremony.
- Anyone sick or showing symptoms should NOT attend the graduation ceremony.
- All spectators are asked to leave the school property immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony.
- Graduation programs will not be printed for the ceremony. Each senior will receive a copy in their diploma and the program will be posted online for others to print at home.
Seniors
- Seniors are asked to arrive dressed and ready for the ceremony at 12:45 to the North Gym.
- Photos will need to be taken at home prior to and from your seat during the ceremony. A complimentary photo of your child will be taken by Scherling Photography as they receive their diploma.
- Seniors are asked to maintain social distancing while waiting for the ceremony and the gym will be set up to accommodate and guide the students.
- Seniors can decide if they would like to wear a mask during the ceremony.
- All seniors are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines before, during, and after the ceremony to ensure the safety of themselves, other students and staff, and community members.
- Seniors will receive their diploma on stage, but there will be no handshaking. Hand sanitizer will be used before and after you walk on stage and receive their diploma.
Senior Recessional Parade
- Following the ceremony at roughly 2:30 P.M. Seniors will parade through town on Community Golf Carts driven by a parent of the senior.
- The community is invited to line the streets (while following social distancing regulations) to wish our seniors well.
- The attached route will be utilized.
Due to WDAY’s broadcasting contract, if poor weather is predicted the ceremony will take place Sunday, May 24th at 1:30 PM in BankNorth Theater with only graduates and parents in attendance.
Please see the maps below of the BankNorth Theatre for seating. Senors will sit in the front section (Red Chairs) and parents in the back (Black XXs).