Salem Community High School will have an indoor graduation at BE Gum Gymnasium.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering made the announcement at Monday night’s school board meeting.
“Roughly each graduate will be allowed 6 tickets for family or friends or however they want to hand them out. It’s unfortunate the way it is but it’s better than not being able to have an in-person graduation. And as proud of what we were able to accomplish last year, a drive-through for the class of 2020, we’re really excited about being able to have some sort of in-person graduation for the class of 2021. Then they as a class get to be back together one last time.”
Detering says the six tickets will allow for total capacity under the 25-percent set by the state. He notes moving outside to the football field would not have increased capacity and weather could become a factor. The board earlier set graduation for Sunday afternoon, May 16th, at two pm.
Meanwhile, Detering says they are currently trying to determine the number of seniors who are in danger of not graduating.
“Counselors are in the process of obtaining the number of students that we are recommending for summer school. And it’s mainly centered on juniors and seniors because being able to get them here is a little bit of an issue to. Because the money is set aside and we don’t have to spend it immediately, we are probably looking at some intervention services throughout the school year next year and next summer to have some broader options to get those students back on pace.”
Detering says $300,000 in COVID relief money from the federal government has to go towards recovery from learning loss.
