Commencement Plans for the Class of 2020

This week was the previously scheduled time for commencement ceremonies. At the regular Board of Education meeting on May 11, Superintendent Mike Fulton and Board members expressed regret that our community will not be watching seniors walk across the stage this week.

Governor Laura Kelly’s order to close schools through the end of the school year included a prohibition on in-person ceremonies being held before May 29, 2020. 

The district has made alternative plans for graduation ceremonies to celebrate our seniors’ many accomplishments. We do not know when guidance will be provided regarding the possibility for large in-person gatherings in July. It is very important to note that any final decision about gatherings large enough to schedule in-person graduations will be made based on guidance from federal, state and local authorities. In the meantime, we join all in our community extending our support and congratulations to Shawnee Mission seniors for all they have accomplished.

Feedback was used in conjunction with the Governor’s guidance to develop two plans for graduation.

The plans are as follows:

Plan 1: In-person ceremonies, scheduled as follows:

Arrowhead - July 13th @ Arrowhead 7 p.m.
East - July 14th @ North 8 p.m.
South - July 14th @ South 8 p.m.                  
North - July 15th @ North 8 p.m.
West - July 15th @ South 8 p.m.
Northwest - July 16th @ North 8 p.m.
Horizons - July 16th @ Horizons 7 p.m.

Plan 2: Video produced ceremonies, which would take place the same week.

In order to produce a successful video production of graduation in support of Plan 2, work is underway. While the district hopes to host in-person graduations, a decision will need to be made by June 15, 2020. As more information is gathered, the district will continue to share updates.