x
Breaking News
More () »

Atlanta Public Schools planning virtual, traditional graduation ceremonies for Class of 2020

APS says they'll have a virtual ceremony in May, followed by traditional ceremonies when health guidelines permit.

ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools has announced plans to hold virtual graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 in May, due to social distancing restrictions that continue in place for large gatherings. 

The school system says more traditional ceremonies will be delayed until the summer or a later "safe date" that is more amenable to guidance from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

School officials said a survey of more than 1,600 graduating seniors indicated a preference for a delayed open-air or fall ceremony.

As part of the proposal, APS will conduct a virtual ceremony during the traditional May graduation season between May 18 and 21 and plan for a traditional graduation ceremony for each school when health guidelines allow.

In addition, the school system plans to work with individual schools to coordinate creative efforts for families to engage in at their homes and with their loved ones before and during the ceremony.

APS says they plan to coordinate delivery of the graduates' diplomas in May through the mail or some other safe distribution method.

They said they are considering late July dates at Lakewood and Grady stadiums as possible venues. 

RELATED: More than 22,000 confirmed cases; nearly 900 deaths statewide | Coronavirus in Georgia real-time updates

If the ceremonies need to be delayed any further, they are considering other venues or ticketed ceremonies at individual schools, perhaps during Thanksgiving or winter break to maximize graduate or family attendance. 

11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus.  We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information. 

We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information.

MORE CORONAVIRUS HEADLINES | 

Cobb chairman explains reasons, details of reopening county parks

After IRS maintenance on Get My Payment site, 'Payment Status Not Available' clears up for some

Some Georgia businesses announced they would open, then almost immediately regretted it

2 Chainz's Escobar restaurant reopens Monday with 'measures to protect...staff and patrons'

Gov. Kemp to survey storm damage in south Georgia

What are Georgia's 'Minimum Basic Operations' meant to keep business activity safe?

Before You Leave, Check This Out