WEST FARGO — Instead of returning to Scheels Arena in Fargo for this year's graduation ceremonies, students will be able to walk across the field of their home school to obtain their diploma.
West Fargo Superintendent Beth Slette said after last year, when graduation ceremonies had to occur at each school and with limited attendees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families said they enjoyed having the ceremony at the schools. So, the district decided graduations could again occur at each school, and hold the ceremony outside, which will not constrict the number of attendees.
However, if weather prohibits an outside ceremony on Sunday, May 30, graduations will be moved inside and each student will be limited to two guests, West Fargo Communications Director Heather Leas said.
"That is more about the space than it is about COVID-19," Leas said.
She said only half of the gymnasium seating in both Sheyenne High School and West Fargo High School can be used, the other half will be used by the graduating students.
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Leas said both West Fargo high schools currently have graduation classes of about 400 students each.
School officials plan to make a decision on whether the ceremonies will be able to be held outside by 7 a.m. Sunday. Leas said the early call will allow students and families time to notify friends and relatives if they can attend or must consider watching virtually.
If held outside, masks will be optional. If held inside, masks will be required as masks are currently required in all West Fargo Public School buildings until May 31. The West Fargo School Board voted to allow its Return to Learn Plan, which was its guidepost for COVID-19 regulations, to expire on May 31. Starting June 1, when the first session of summer school begins, students and staff can decide to continue to wear a mask indoors but will not be required by the district to do so.
West Fargo High School will hold graduation at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at the high school.
Sheyenne High School will hold graduation at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at the high school.
Community High School will hold graduation at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at the West Fargo High School Theater.
