Clark Considering Multiple High School Graduation Plans

CLARK, NJ — Clark is considering multiple high school graduation plans due to the coronavirus. A decision on what kind of graduation will occur has not been set since the state's social distancing restrictions continue to change.

"Please know that we have created various plans to celebrate our students. However, it is very difficult to commit to any given plan at this time with the ever-changing State guidelines," Clark Public Schools Superintendent Edward Grande said in a letter to students on Thursday.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Wednesday New Jersey high schools will be allowed to hold outdoor graduations — so long as participants remain in their cars. Read More: Gov. Murphy: Outdoor NJ Graduations Can Happen – In Your Car

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Grande said he is awaiting guidance and clarification from the State regarding the outdoor graduations before a plan can be set.

"I could never stress enough how the best interests of our students at the different grade levels and schools has and always will be at the forefront of our planning. Fortunately, the guidelines are seeming to become a bit less restrictive over the course of this week," Grande said.

Here is what schools must do for the in-car graduations to work:

• Attendees must remain in their same car throughout the gathering, unless 1) an occupant needs to get out of the vehicle for their health or safety or 2) an occupant needs to use the restroom.
• Vehicles must remain closed at all times unless 1) there is 6 feet of distance between vehicles or individuals or 2) an officer, public official or guard requires the vehicle to open. There is a further exception allowing the opening of the vehicle if necessary for health or safety;
• Individuals organizing the gathering who are not in vehicles must follow social distancing and wear cloth face coverings.

"This process will be a fluid one as we move ahead due to these changing guidelines, but we will be certain to share more information as soon as doing so is possible," Grande said.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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