Updated Interim Guidance for End of Year Celebrations (Graduation, Prom) During COVID-19 Pandemic Good Evening, I hope you all enjoyed a peaceful Monday despite the incessant rain of the last two days...This afternoon the NYS Department of Health shared an updated Interim Guidance for End of Year Celebrations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In alignment with the state's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and CDC recommendations surrounding social gatherings, the updated guidance provides provisions for both virtual celebrations and those which maximize social distancing. This guidance is effective June 1, 2021. A GIST of the parameters that school districts must consider when planning for End of Year Celebrations is outlined below.Graduation Districts may honor graduating students virtually, via live broadcast or video. Allowable in-person graduation events include: Drive-in ceremonies Drive-through ceremonies Individualized ceremonies (conducted at student homes) Celebrations that maintain social distancing, in accordance with current social gathering limits (100 indoors, 200 outdoors in nonresidential settings), AND provisions for the following: Record of attendee information for contact tracing Health screenings of all attendees Social distancing of 6 feet between individuals, except for members of the same household Masking at all times other than when presenting or eating. Seniors may remove masks when crossing award area or having graduation photo taken. Controlled movement (compliance with capacity and plan for movement of attendees) In the event that a district hopes to plan a commencement ceremony which exceeds the State’s gathering limits (i.e., 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors in non-residential settings), responsible parties must require and ensure that ALL participants, in all capacities, have received a negative diagnostic COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event or proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination series at least 14 days prior to the date of the event. Per NYSDOH, "any individual who fails to present a negative COVID test result or proof of immunization, as required, must be denied entry to the event." Additionally, districts planning for graduation celebrations which exceed gathering limits must notify the local county health department and submit event details in advance of the event date. Note: Additional provisions are included in the guidance specific to ingress/egress, inclusion of food and beverage during ceremony, duration of ceremony, restroom facilities, masking, et al. Proms and BallsIn addition to the social gathering limits outlined above, districts must consider the following: Compliance with venue and capacity restrictions Minimizing congregation of students Social distancing and masking Dancing by members within same group of students Staggered intervals for food service, as applicable While the recently released guidance may not reflect all that was hoped for in planning for end of year celebrations, it is extremely helpful to be in receipt of this information at this early juncture. Last year, districts across the state eagerly awaited guidance right up until June. Futuring ahead, Mrs. Klaehn and our Class of 2021 advisors will continue to collaborate with our seniors and their families to develop the best possible event configurations for honoring and celebrating the Class of 2021. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns about the information included in this communication, or otherwise.Warmest regards,E. Bridget AshtonElizabeth Bridget AshtonSuperintendent, Honeoye Central School District8528 Main StreetHoneoye, New York 14471[email protected]On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton