Graduation guidance and ideas
School-sponsored, in-person graduation ceremonies and celebrations, whether they are held on-campus or off-campus, are subject to the Ready Schools, Safe Learners requirements (e.g., physical distancing, face coverings, disinfecting, symptom screening, ventilation, etc.). Large gatherings must be cancelled or modified to meet physical distancing requirements, and the in-person presence of visitors must be limited to the greatest extent possible. If an outside group uses school facilities for graduation events, schools are responsible for ensuring that applicable health protocols are followed. Schools are advised to seek legal counsel before deciding on in-person graduation ceremonies and celebrations.
Resources
The Centers for Disease and Prevention's FAQ for event planners includes guidance for the number of guests, how to respond in the event of an outbreak, cleaning recommendations and more.
ODE's 2021 Graduation Ceremony Guidance (PDF) includes required and recommended guidelines for a safe event and examples of year-end celebrations and ceremonies.
Graphics
Use these fillable templates to make yard signs, social media graphics and PowerPoint slides.
- Yard sign templates (PDF)
- Social media templates (PDF)
- PowerPoint slide templates (PDF)
Ideas to honor your graduates
- Make frame files using Facebook’s Frame Studio app and send to parents
- Feature a "graduate of the day" on Facebook
- Feature students on the school reader board, window displays and banners
- Light up high school stadiums
- Make lawn signs for your graduating seniors
- Deliver diplomas personally
- Organize a car parade
Ideas from 2020
Schools will mark senior graduations with virtual congratulations and ‘drive-through diplomas,' OSBA, April 21, 2020
Five ideas for a pandemic-proof graduation, Education Week, May 15, 2020
High School Seniors Are ‘Making Lemonade out of Lemons’ With Graduations Online, at Drive-Ins and on Racetracks, TIME, May 14, 2020
The Class of COVID-19, New York Times, March 17, 2020