Fargo schools to allow 2 guests per student at graduation; masks required

051920.N.FF.SHANLEY.2 — Graduates are spaced 15 feet apart on the football field of Sid Cichy Stadium for the Shanley High School commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 20, in Fargo. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor

By David Olson

May 26, 2020 at 9:54 PM

FARGO — Fargo Public Schools Superintendent Rupak Gandhi said Tuesday evening, May 26, that graduation ceremonies are being expanded to allow each student to have two guests at their ceremony.

School officials previously released plans for graduation ceremonies that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and direction from North Dakota officials, would only include students and limited school staff — not guests.

Parents urged the district to reconsider, and Gandhi announced the expanded plans at a meeting of the Fargo School Board Tuesday night.

In a statement to seniors and their families on Wednesday, Gandhi said:

"When we originally contacted community health organizations regarding graduation plans, they expressed concerns with the gathering size based off the mass gathering guidance that was provided by the state. At that time, the state had assessed all counties at a risk level yellow; a risk level yellow calls for 50% capacity at venues with no more than 250 people gathering at a time. Based on these expressed concerns, I made the decision to host our graduation ceremonies without guests but remained committed to continue monitoring the situation closely and following changes to guidance provided.

"On Tuesday, May 26, Fargo Cass Public Health updated guidance to Fargo Public Schools based on recent developments, including the Governor’s Office lessening restrictions to allow for more activities. Based on this information and the consideration of all current safety guidelines, Fargo Public Schools will allow each graduate two guests at the upcoming graduation ceremonies; guests and graduates will be required to wear masks."

Ceremonies will also be streamed live on YouTube (see links below). Ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

Woodrow Wilson High School: 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Agassiz

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/1LtN30_dZEs

Davies High School: noon Sunday, May 31, at the Davies football stadium

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/EyNFnBzQDOY

North High School: 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at the North High football stadium

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/sx2zMEZ2Sa4

South High School: noon Sunday, May 31, at the South High football stadium

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/3HU2c5KRPpA

By David Olson

I'm a reporter and a photographer and sometimes I create videos to go with my stories.

I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and in my time with The Forum I have covered a number of beats, from cops and courts to business and education.

I've also written about UFOs, ghosts, dinosaur bones and the planet Pluto.

You may reach me by phone at 701-241-5555, or by email at dolson@forumcomm.com.