Arlington school district plans in-person graduations despite coronavirus pandemic
Graduating seniors in Arlington spoke, and the school district listened.
The Arlington school district is planning in-person graduation ceremonies for its seven high schools in July.
Arlington superintendent Marcelo Cavazos said in a news release that safety remains the top priority for graduates amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the district will resort to graduating virtually if conditions force a change.
But a virtual graduation was the least popular choice, by a landslide, on a survey of options taken by graduates. So, for now, though, the district is planning to hold its ceremonies July 13-20 at College Park Center and Texas Hall at UT Arlington.
“We wanted to hear from our students before we made a final decision,” Cavazos said. “We heard their feedback and we believe we have a plan that will allow us to honor their wishes and have a safe graduation ceremony.”
The district also consulted with principals and district officials, and received assurances from the city’s fire departments UTA officials that they will assist in preparing for the ceremonies.
The two UTA venues will be sanitized, and social distancing will be observed.
“As difficult as this year has been for our senior students, safety must remain our No. 1 priority,” Cavazos said. “The Arlington Fire Department and UT Arlington have assured us that they will not only help to logistically prepare the building for proper social distancing and sanitation but also attend the ceremonies to help manage the process.”
Lamar High School is scheduled for the first of six ceremonies at College Park Center. After Lamar graduates July 13, Arlington High will follow July 14. Bowie and Seguin will hold ceremonies July 17, followed a day later by Sam Houston and then Martin on July 19.
Seniors from Arlington Collegiate High School are scheduled to graduation July 20 at Texas Hall.
The district expects to hear from parents and students with questions.
“We will answer them as we go,” Cavazos said. “For now, we want to announce the dates to let parents, students, teachers and the community know that a plan is in place.”
The Fort Worth school district quickly faced backlash last week after announcing that it would not hold in-person graduation ceremonies.
Superintendent Kent Scribner said on Friday that the district is too large for alternate plans. Denton County, for instance, is one of 23 districts that will hold ceremonies at Texas Motor Speedway.
The Dallas is going forward with virtual ceremonies.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 2:36 PM.
