BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Despite rising cases in COVID-19, the Kern High School District will move forward with its graduation plans. 23ABC's Daniela Garrido has more on what the restrictions will be for schools starting ceremonies Monday.
It's a highly anticipated day for Kern High School District students, many who didn't think they'd have graduation at all, as modified graduation ceremonies kick off Monday. For the KHSD this has been a conflicting decision to move forward with but ceremonies will begin Monday with Golden Valley High School.
The decision was made in May with about a month of planning for the high schools. Some of the restrictions will include two guests per graduate. Graduates will have to sit with the guests they brought on the field and there will be a minimum of 8 feet distancing between families on the field.
In addition, school staff will be helping families find their seats and diploma hand-offs will be handed off with minimum contact.
Anyone 65 and older, with underlying conditions, or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the last three days is asked not to attend the ceremonies. The full list of guidelines, as well as livestreaming information, can be viewed on the KHSD website.
Tuesday Stockdale, Independence, and North High School plan to move forward with ceremonies.
The Full Guidelines are:
- Two guests per graduate (no exceptions)
- Graduates and guests will sit together on the field.
- Chairs on the field will be positioned so that a minimum of 8 feet of distance is between family groups and maintained during the ceremony. School staff will assist families in finding their seats.
- Graduates and guests must maintain a minimum of 6 feet of physical distance between themselves and others outside of their home
- People who are at higher risk of getting sick are asked not to participate: People 65 years or older; People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility; People who have underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled
- People who have had COVID-19 symptoms in the prior three days or who came in contact with someone who has had COVID-19 in the last 14 days should not participate
- Staff, students, and guests should wear face coverings (masks will be provided to anyone who needs one)
- Graduates are encouraged to keep their face masks on until they walk on the stage
- School sites will plan for a process to hand off the diploma and have the student’s picture taken that minimizes physical contact and adheres to social distancing guidelines
- Each site will plan for how students and their guests will be able to avoid congregation and safely exit the event
- Any reusable supplies or furniture used during the ceremony will be properly cleaned and disinfected
Graduation Schedule:
Arvin High School
Friday, June 26
8:00 p.m.
Barle Stadium
Bakersfield High School
Thursday, June 25
7:30 p.m.
Griffith Field
Continuation High Schools/Workforce
Wednesday, June 24
7:30 p.m.
Griffith Field
Centennial High School
Thursday, June 25
7:30 p.m.
Golden Hawk Stadium
East Bakersfield High School
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 p.m.
Permenter Field
Foothill High School
Thursday, June 25
7:30 pm
Mira Monte Stadium
Frontier High School
Thursday, June 25
7:00 p.m.
Titan Stadium
Golden Valley High School
Monday, June 22
8:00 p.m.
Bulldog Stadium
Highland High School
Thursday, June 25
7:00 p.m.
Scotland Yard
Independence High School
Tuesday, June 23
8:00 p.m.
Football Stadium
Liberty High School
Thursday, June 25
8:00 p.m.
Football Stadium
Mira Monte High School
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 p.m.
Football Stadium
North High School
Tuesday, June 23
8:00 pm
Eliades Field
Ridgeview High School
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 p.m.
Football Stadium
Shafter High School
Wednesday, June 24
7:30 p.m.
Football Stadium
South High School
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 p.m.
South High Stadium
Stockdale High School
Tuesday, June 23
7:00 p.m.
Stockdale High Stadium
West High School
Wednesday, June 24
8:00 p.m.
Kilgore Stadium
