KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 16, 2020
By Jennifer Miko
Concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have affected the Katy ISD high school graduation ceremonies on many levels. This year, the events were rescheduled, moved to a new, outdoor venue, and additional COVID-19-related safety measures have been implemented.
From Wednesday, June 17 to Thursday, June 25, Legacy Stadium in Katy, will host each of Katy ISD's high school graduation ceremonies.
Graduates and guests may begin arriving at Legacy Stadium at 6:45 p.m. Upon arrival at their designated entrance, graduates will have their temperature checked, receive a Katy ISD Class of 2020 face mask, and a bottled water. The ceremonies will begin at 8 p.m.
COVID-19 Precautions in Place
The District encourages graduates, employees and guests to wear masks at the commencements, but says they are not required. Hand sanitizing stations will be available at entrances and throughout Legacy Stadium, and the stadium will be disinfected between ceremonies.
Maria DiPetta, Manager, Media Relations and Multimedia for Katy ISD Communications said, "Even though graduation is a once in a lifetime gathering, Katy ISD respects the decision of families who opt to not attend due to COVID-19 concerns."
Social Distancing in Effect
Representatives from the District have taken many precautions for students, administrators and guests. According to Katy ISD, “All ceremony procedures will comply with current state, county and CDC guidelines.”
The District also published the following on their website:
“Per the TEA Guidance for Graduation released on May 6, outdoor ceremonies are required to provide 6 feet or more of spacing between all participants. The guests of each graduate are required to sit together as a group of four at designated seating in Legacy Stadium ensuring the 6 feet of separation between each group of guests. Guests will easily identify groupings of 4 seats by marked stadium seats and signage.”
Guests are expected to observe the Katy ISD signs regarding medical self-screening of COVID-19 symptoms. They must also maintain six feet of social distancing when in line for concessions or the restroom.
Maintaining Traditions
During the ceremony, the students' names will be announced and they will have the opportunity to walk across the stage.
"There will be no handshaking, but an administrator may greet the students as they pick up their diploma cover," says DiPetta. "All diploma covers will be stacked on a table by staff members wearing masks and gloves."
In addition, valedictorian and salutatorian speeches have been taped and will be aired during the ceremony.
Do's and Don'ts for Legacy Stadium
The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect, too, for each of the ceremonies. Guidelines can be found here.
Prohibited Items within Legacy Stadium
Air horns/Noisemakers
Balloons
Banners
Flowers
Food/Drink
Gifts
Laser Pointers
Signs larger than 2'x2'
Weapons (concealed and open carry prohibited)
Graduate Parking and Seat Assignments Map
Live Streaming and DVD of Ceremonies
For friends and family unable to attend the ceremonies in person, they can watch them on a free live stream at www.texanlive.com. The link will be posted on the District’s website and shared on social media. At the conclusion of each ceremony, families can purchase a DVD or downloadable copy.
The information and an order form are available on the graduation homepage here.
Celebrating Graduates
At the end of the graduation ceremony, guests will remain seated until their section is dismissed and then immediately exit the stadium.
"Congregation of groups after the ceremony is not allowed," says DiPetta. "Graduates and their families should continue their celebration, including taking photographs, at home."
Visit the Katy ISD Graduation FAQs link here.