Release:

Dear Class of 2020,

I want to thank you and your families for the patience and perseverance you have shown during your senior year. Our hope has always been that Columbus High School would be able to hold a physical graduation ceremony to recognize this significant milestone for the class of 2020. We are excited to have you back at CHS one more time to provide all graduates closure on their senior year.

Because of the Directed Health Measures provided by the East Central District Health Department, Columbus High School will be hosting two graduation ceremonies on Sunday, August 2, 2020.

 

Graduation Ceremony - Columbus High School Main Gym

Seniors with last names A-J -- August 2, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Seniors with last names K-Z -- August 2, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Seniors will need to arrive at 11:45 pm and 2:45 pm for their respective ceremonies and will enter through the West Athletic Doors (see map).

Families will enter through the Main (South) Entrance and doors will open at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, for their respective ceremonies (see map). Upon entry, all guests will have their temperature checked. Any individual with a temperature greater than 99.5F will not be allowed to enter the graduation ceremony.

Between ceremonies, all seating areas will be sanitized using medical-grade disinfectant.

Graduation Practices (Seniors park in the Senior Lot and enter through West Athletic Doors)

Seniors must be at practice in order to participate in the ceremony.

Seniors with last names A-J -- July 31, 2020 at 10:00am - CHS Main Gym

Seniors with last names K-Z -- July 31, 2020 at 1:00pm - CHS Main Gym 2

At the conclusion of graduation practice, seniors will receive their commemorative boxes that will include honor cords to be worn at graduation.

Seniors will be required to wear a mask during graduation practice. We ask that students bring their own masks.

 

Family Admittance / Attendance

Each senior will be given four admission tickets for their family to use. Graduates will receive their four tickets at graduation practice on Friday, July 31 during their designated practice times. Seniors do not need a ticket as they will be seated on the gym floor. These tickets are required at the door for entry.

Upon entry, all guests will have their temperature checked. Any individual with a temperature greater than 99.5F will not be allowed to enter the graduation ceremony. Guests will also be required to use hand sanitizer.

If you have shown signs of health symptoms such as fever/chills, dry cough, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste/smell, congestion/runny nose, nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea, or have underlying health issues, you should not attend the Columbus High School graduation ceremony. Please do not attend if you have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have traveled outside of the country.

If a family member is in need of floor seating or accommodations for attendance, please contact the high school office at (402) 563-7050 prior to Monday, July 27th.

 

Masks / Social Distancing

Masks will be required for all in attendance. When graduates walk across the stage to receive their diploma, they will be allowed to remove their mask to allow a picture to be taken by a professional photographer.

Households must sit together in one of the designated areas. These marked locations are situated six-feet apart to follow social distancing guidelines as established by the local health department. They will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

 

Pictures During the Ceremony

Columbus Public Schools has hired a professional photographer and will be taking photographs. These will be provided to families at no cost. All family members who wish to take pictures during the ceremony must do so from the stands only.

 

Conclusion of the Ceremony

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all graduates will exit to the auxiliary gym where they can pick up personal belongings and diplomas. Graduates will exit the West Athletic doors (weight room exit) once they have received their personal belongings and diplomas. 

All family members are asked to exit Columbus High School through the Main Entrance (South) doors as families and graduates will not be allowed to congregate in the cafeteria / building. Families should plan to meet with their graduate(s) outside.

 

Graduation Live-Stream

For friends and family that are not able to attend the physical ceremony, the graduation ceremony will be streamed live. The link to the graduation ceremony will be shared on the Columbus Public Schools website and social media the week of graduation.

 

Graduation Ceremony Student Expectations

The Columbus High School graduation ceremony is a celebration of the tremendous accomplishments of the members of the graduating class. It is important that each graduate understand that while this is his/her big day, it is also a big day for hundreds of other CHS graduates. As the hosts of the ceremony, Columbus High School has set forth the following expectations for all members of the senior class opting to participate in this optional event:

- seniors must successfully complete all graduation requirements during their final semester

- all fines and fees must be settled through the CHS office prior to the graduation ceremony

- all student devices, class equipment and athletic or extra-curricular uniforms must be returned prior to the graduation ceremony

- proper attire for the ceremony will include dress clothes and dress shoes for both male and female students.

- proper attire for the ceremony also dictates no tennis shoes and no flip flops - footwear should be appropriate for a formal event and is subject to administrative discretion on a case-by-case basis

- no possession or use of a cell phone during the ceremony will be permitted

- no messages or symbolism will be permitted on the mortar boards (hats)

- only honorary adornments provided by Columbus High School will be permitted to be worn by graduates (e.g. honor cords, NHS medals, etc.)

- leis, stoles (other than the official CHS graduating class stole) and other visible adornments will not be permitted to be worn by any member of the graduating class

- behavior during the ceremony should reflect the highest standards of Columbus High School

- students who fail to meet the behavioral expectations by drawing undue attention to themselves or their actions during the ceremony may have their diploma held at administrative discretion, until appropriate consequences have been served

The above expectations will be discussed at graduation practice along with other ceremony guidelines. We look forward to a rewarding graduation ceremony. Please contact Columbus High School (402-563-7050) if you have questions regarding the expectations or the ceremony.

Sincerely,

Mr. David Hiebner, Principal

Columbus High School