County graduation schedule

COVID-19 numbers in Washington County and in Indiana, for the most part, have been on the decline and it looks as if the Class of 2020 is going to have a unique, but proper send-off. 

Salem Community Schools, West Washington and East Washington have all announced their finalized plans for graduation. 

All three schools will live stream the ceremonies, but for those planning to attend, the following are the highlights of the plans that are in place:

West Washington

West Washington will hold graduation at the football field on July 10, at 8:30 p.m. Rain date will be Sunday, July 12 at 8:30 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and social distancing will be maintained for those outside of the family unit.

Graduation was originally scheuled to take place in the sunken gym, but due to the Indiana remaining partially in stage four, it had to be moved. 

Salem

Salem’s graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 11, at the football field. 

The outdoor ceremony will make social distancing easier to achieve. 

The following are expectations released by the school corporation:

Students will be sitting on folding chairs six-feet apart on the track/football field.

Students will be limited to seven tickets for their guests to attend the ceremony.  

Student guests will be expected to sit in the home bleachers or bring folding chairs and blankets beside the bleachers in the grassy area.

All students, faculty, staff and guests attending will be asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

There will be gloves worn in the distribution of the diplomas. 

There will not be any handshakes or hugs during the presentation of the diplomas.

The expectations of entering and exiting the football field will be shared with the seniors at the practice prior to the ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 10.

The graduation ceremony will be filmed and live streamed for others to observe from outside the venue.

The rain date for graduation will be  Monday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m.   

Should weather be an issue the decision to postpone will be made by 7 a.m. July 11.

The SHS band and choir will not be expected to perform due to limited attendance.  

The students will have four speakers and the presentation of the class to earn diplomas on the stage.  

The closing of the ceremony will be an exit to the outside parking lots and other grassy areas. 

Eastern

Eastern seniors will graduate the following week on July 17, at 8 p.m.

There will be limited seating in the home bleachers with room for 400 people and there will be 50 seats available in the visiting bleachers. 

Principal Darin Farris told school board members there will only be one way to enter the bleachers and someone will be there counting to make sure the numbers aren’t exceeded. 

Those who are not in the bleachers will be allowed to sit on the track or football field and are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. 

Graduates will be seated six feet apart. 

There will be plenty of hand sanitizing stations throughout and masks are recommended, but not required. 

All three schools will be getting information to seniors and their families with more details and the plans for graduation practice.