Rock Hill Schools will host in-person open-air graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 at district stadiums on June 5 and June 6. In order to protect the health and safety of all attendees and observe guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the South Carolina Department of Education, all graduates will be allowed a maximum of two guests.
All attendees will be subject to social distancing requirements, in keeping with Governor McMaster’s directives that allow school districts to hold events with more than 50 people for the purpose of graduation exercises so long as social distancing is maintained. Additionally, all students, family members, and employees attending graduation are expected to wear a face covering.
“We are extremely pleased to provide our 2020 graduates with the graduation ceremony they have earned and so richly deserve,” said district superintendent Dr. Bill Cook. “I am grateful for the input we received from this year’s seniors and their parents, and for the ongoing dialogue with high school principals and student leaders that allowed us to identify and respond to the graduates’ most pressing priorities. Finding a way to celebrate their accomplishments in-person and in the presence of their most honored guests has been a focus of our work over the past few weeks.”
Recognizing graduates’ desire to have friends and additional family celebrate this milestone, each ceremony will be streamed live and available on-demand on multiple outlets, including district and school websites and the Rock Hill Schools Facebook page. Following the ceremonies, each graduation will be rebroadcast on the Comporium Channel 114 as well as CN2 beginning June 15.
Consistent with district safety protocols for large-scale events, all guests entering District Three Stadium South and District Three Stadium for graduation ceremonies will be required to adhere to the following guidelines and expectations:
- Each graduate will receive two (2) tickets to limit the number of audience members. Tickets will be color coded and pre-assigned to designated parking areas and seating sections. Each guest will enter through the gate corresponding to the color code on his or her ticket.
- Ushers will direct and assist seating guests to ensure social distancing guidelines are practiced. Family members are to be seated together unless otherwise requested.
- All participants and guests must enter through designated gates.
- All participants and guests are subject to metal detector screening and bag checks. To expedite entry into stadiums, participants and guests must adhere to the district’s clear bag policy.
- All participants and guests must remain in assigned seats unless using the restroom facilities.
- Programs will be delivered electronically to families and will be available on school websites prior to graduation day. Graduates and school staff are the only individuals who will receive a printed program.
- Guests are not permitted to bring noise makers or signs into the stadium.
- Graduates and families will not be allowed to congregate within district stadiums or on the property outside. Individuals without tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium and school property prior to graduation or loiter outside the stadium to greet graduates after the ceremony.
Additional health and safety considerations for each ceremony are:
- All participants, including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members, who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a temperature at or above 100.4, must not enter the stadium.
- Any participants – including administrators, guests, or family members – who are in high-risk categories or who are sick should not enter the stadium.
- Any graduate who may be concerned about participating in the ceremony should contact the school to make alternate plans to receive his or her diploma.
- All participants – including graduates, administrators, and guests – must always remain at least six (6) feet apart.
- All participants, including staff and students, should wear face coverings at all times, including entrance and exit from the stadium. Graduates will wear face coverings during the ceremony. Graduates may unmask while seated and while on stage to receive diplomas or have professional pictures taken.
- Graduates will be presented diplomas by staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- All participants – including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members – must adhere to signage and other markings throughout the stadiums and seating areas. Markers or tape will be used to indicate the distance.
- To comply with the social distancing recommendation, handshaking and hugs should not occur.
- Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations will be available at all entrances and restrooms.
The cooperation of all participants – including graduates, administrators, guests, and family members – in following the prescribed guidelines and expectations will help to minimize opportunities for potential exposure to COVID-19 and allow everyone to have a memorable experience.
