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New Albany High School

Graduation Day Plan Announced

New AlbanyHigh SchoolGraduation Day Plan Announced

Dear Students and Parents,


Based upon our discussions with Franklin County Public Health today, New Albany High School will be conducting a virtual graduation for the Class of 2020 on Saturday, May 23, 2020 and a drive-thru diploma awarding event for graduating seniors to have their name announced, receive their diploma, and have their picture taken pending any changes to the health orders. Later that day, we will be inviting our incredible community to participate in a senior drive-thru clap out event in neighborhoods throughout our commUNITY for 20 minutes and 20 seconds to recognize and celebrate the Class of 2020. Participation is voluntary in all events and social distancing and safety protocols will be enforced. Our school campus will remain otherwise CLOSED to all groups and gatherings beyond the following Class of 2020 events, in compliance with Ohio’s school closure order. In-person mass gatherings are not permissible.


Saturday, May 23, 2020 Schedule of Events to Honor the Class of 2020:

10:00 am - “Virtual” Graduation Released - Graduates watch at home with family

12:30 pm - 3:30pm - Awarding of Diplomas - Drive-thru event at assigned times by graduate

4:00-4:20:20 pm - Neighborhood “Clap-out” Celebration


Part I:

Virtual Graduation - 10:00 am - Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020 - Graduates At Home With Family

  • Our virtual graduation video will be posted and accessible no later than 9:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2020 to permit families to be ready to commence with our graduates at 10:00 am.


Part II:

Awarding of Diplomas - Drive-thru event - 12:30pm - 3:30pm (Rain or Shine) at assigned time for each graduate pending any changes to health orders

  • Starting at 12:30 pm, our Class of 2020 graduates will have the opportunity to drive-thru at an assigned time based on last name to receive their diploma.

  • The drive-thru will occur at the New Albany Intermediate School off of Kardules Way, similar to graduation cap and gown distribution.

  • Graduates will have the opportunity to step out of their automobile, have their name called, receive their diploma, and have their picture taken by a professional photographer.

  • The following expectations are required for this event:

    • One personal automobile per graduate with the number of family members not to exceed the number of seat belts. (no limousines, party buses, etc. are permitted). Additional spectators are not permitted on campus based on the approved plan from Franklin County Public Health.

    • Persons in each vehicle, including the graduate, are requested to wear facial coverings or masks as we anticipate all windows may be rolled down in each vehicle when the graduate is “on deck” to receive their diploma.

    • Each graduate will post one piece of paper with the graduate name on the passenger side window large enough to be seen from outside the vehicle (8x11 paper, written in dark marker).

    • A strict, single-file traffic pattern must be adhered to at all times.

    • Only the graduate is permitted to leave the vehicle for the acceptance of their diploma. All other family members must remain in automobile and may roll-down windows to watch while wearing facial coverings or masks per the health department.

    • Each graduate will remove his/her facial covering/mask for their individual picture receiving their diploma (all photos will be provided to families).

  • Hand sanitizer will be available in every location for general use by participants outside each vehicle.

  • Each graduation “stage” will be cleaned frequently.

  • Graduates will continue to receive updated details and information as confirmed.


Part III:

Neighborhood “Clap Out” Celebration - 4:00-4:20:20 pm on Saturday, May 23, 2020

  • Starting at 4:00 pm, graduates will have the opportunity to drive-thru their neighborhood to be recognized by our commUNITY during a senior “clap out”.

  • Graduates and families are encouraged to decorate their cars.

  • NAPLS families and community members will be encouraged to wear their favorite Eagle Pride wear and “clap out” our graduates to celebrate their neighborhood seniors.

  • The neighborhood “clap out” recognition will last for 20 minutes and 20 seconds to symbolize the Class of 2020.

  • All social distancing requirements must be adhered to during this neighborhood “clap out” celebration. Please maintain at least six (6) feet of social distance from your driveway/sidewalk to others.


We are grateful the Ohio Departments of Health and Education have shifted their guidance to permit us to celebrate and recognize our outstanding Class of 2020! We thank you for your patience and understanding as we have navigated this unprecedented health crisis. We appreciate you! Go Eagles!


Sincerely,


Ken Kraemer, Principal


Shirley Hamilton, Director of Secondary Education


Michael Sawyers, Superintendent

Our Purpose

The New Albany-Plain Local School District is committed to creating a culture of accountability that achieves the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student.