Sioux Falls School District announces in-person graduations, plans classroom return in fall
Makenzie Huber
Sioux Falls School District officials are planning for in-person events and teaching as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the state and the nation this summer.
The school district posted online Monday evening that there will be in-person graduation ceremonies June 27 and June 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
"While SFSD will do its best to maintain social distancing to allow for an enjoyable event for everyone, it is the responsibility of each person to determine if it is safe for them and their guests to attend," one tweet reads.
The schedule:
- New Tech High School at 11 a.m. June 27
- Lincoln High School at 5 p.m. June 27
- Roosevelt High School at 11 a.m. June 28
- Washington High School at 5 p.m. June 28
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In addition to the in-person graduation announcement, school district officials sent a letter to parents informing them about plans to reopen classrooms for the fall semester.
Classes are planned to start in-person Aug. 27, but the district is preparing modified and remote reaching methods, according to the letter.
"Guidance is constantly changing," the letter reads. "This requires schools – and families – to be vigilant and flexible in case it becomes necessary, at a moment’s notice, to change the way we deliver education."
Other changes ahead of the new school year include enhanced cleaning; safety equipment, such as health screens; rearranged classrooms; and "adding specific time slots for handwashing."
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The use of models may vary between schools and when they're needed, according to the district. One school may shift to a remote model if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case and the building needs to be cleaned, for example.
"Just as families are encouraged to develop a plan for early dismissal of school due to a winter storm, it is very important for each family to have a plan for when it becomes necessary for schools to use a modified schedule or close for remote learning," the letter reads. "Please use the summer to develop your plans and inform your student(s) – relying on family, friends, and neighbors to support you, if needed."
Officials say they will work with students and staff who have existing medical conditions that don’t allow for a safe return to school in the fall.
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