Weekly roundup: Innovative graduation ceremonies, a virtual prom, school reopening plans, and more

With light shows, car parades and special gifts, school districts throughout Orange County are taking innovative approaches to high school commencements during the pandemic.

Most are planning to host virtual ceremonies to honor the Class of 2020, but some are exploring in-person options like drive-throughs with social distancing measures in place.

The Orange County Register recently reached out to local districts to put together this graduation roundup.

And here are some of the other stories we’ve been tracking:

  • Perhaps as early as next week, the state is expected to release its guidance for reopening schools, and the Orange County Department of Education and its district partners will follow suit with local recommendations. But, as the Orange County Register reports, each district will set their own policies under their locally elected school boards and superintendents.
  • EdSource, previewing a draft of the state’s guidance, reports that school districts will have flexibility on multiple fronts and that students will be encouraged to wear face coverings when schools reopen, but they won’t be a requirement.
  • Students from Trabuco Hills High School recreated their entire campus using the popular game Minecraft. Now they’re inviting the entire student body to attend a virtual prom.
  • High school football coaches in Orange County remain cautiously optimistic that their players will take the field for the upcoming season.
  • Tesoro High choir students typically end the school year with a pops concert that culminates with “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent. This year, they planned and staged a virtual rendition.

This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking the OCDE Newsroomsubscribing for emailed updates and following us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.