Plano ISD says graduation ceremonies will be postponed because of coronavirus—and could go virtual

Plano ISD has reserved venues in August for its senior high school graduation ceremonies, a contingency in the event that such gatherings are safe to hold later in the summer.

In a message to parents and students, the district confirmed April 22 that it will not be able to hold in-person graduation ceremonies in June because of ongoing school closures that are intended to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

“The faculty and staff of Plano ISD want students and families to know how deeply the loss of the events and celebrations that should accompany a student’s senior year are felt,” the district said in the message.

The ceremonies for the district’s three senior high schools would be postponed to Aug. 1. Academy High School would hold its own ceremony July 21.

But the district acknowledged even these later dates may not be options, depending on the restrictions that are in place at the time.

If the district is not able to hold the postponed ceremonies, all four schools are expected to hold virtual graduation events, Plano ISD said.

“Every effort will be made to incorporate students and campus graduation traditions as much as possible while observing the required health guidelines,” the district told families.

Proms and other senior events have also been postponed by coronavirus closures.

Plano ISD said it will consider holding a special celebration for seniors at homecoming in the fall as well as potentially holding events such as prom at a later date.