VHS GRADUATION INFORMATION

Q: Is the school going to have a graduation ceremony?

A: Yes we are planning on having a ceremony, but due to the parameter’s set forth by the North Central Health Department and Nebraska Department of Education, ceremonies cannot be “in person”. We also feel it is important for all those in the class of 2020 to be able to participate in their graduation ceremony, therefore VHS will be having a virtual graduation ceremony where each student will submit videos or pictures with their diploma and will be released at 4:00 on May 16. 

The Nebraska Department of education has informed us that “efforts to dismiss or subvert the Directed Health Measure may be considered a violation of school accreditation or approval rules related to health and safety and may be considered a violation of the ethical standards for certificated school officials.”


Q: Is VHS doing something to honor/celebrate the class of 2020 if the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted?

A: Yes. If the current restrictions are lifted to allow it, the school will have a day that we hope to coincide with family plans to celebrate the class of 2020. Tentatively this day is set for July 31. The students and family will be able to come into the gym and take group pictures, pictures with family, etc. 


Q: How will we be able to watch the virtual graduation ceremony?

A: The school will put out a youtube link on our website and social media. We will also be sending out hard copy versions to the students so they can share with family and friends. 


Q: Why isn’t the school doing a parade to help celebrate the class of 2020?

A: The North Central Health Department sent out the definition of a gathering and in that they listed specifically that “arenas, stadiums, gyms. . . . and parades” are prohibited under the current guidelines. 


Furthermore, the school has a responsibility to the community to not engage in anything that may have the unintended consequence of a gathering that may put stress on our local health care system. 

Access to Commissioner Bloomstedt’s correspondence to schools

North Central Health Department Public Announcement