Princeton Continues Virtual Plans As Live Graduations Allowed

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools is continuing to move forward with plans for a virtual high school graduation after Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that he is allowing New Jersey school districts to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies with social distancing beginning in July.

"We will make plans as we learn more about what this means as far as restrictions. We are going ahead with virtual plans. Best case scenario is that we would have both virtual and in-person graduations," said Jessica Baxter, principal of Princeton High School.

The district is continuing to look at the social distancing guidelines for July graduations.

Superintendent Steve Cochrane said that Princeton Schools "will always make safety our first priority."

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Murphy made the announcement on Twitter, saying the ceremonies, which can begin July 6, must "comply with social distancing – ensuring the health and safety of all in attendance." Read More: NJ To Allow Live Graduations Starting In July, Gov. Murphy Says

The order permitting outdoor graduation ceremonies applies to middle school and high school graduations, as well as colleges/universities, a news release from Murphy's office said Tuesday. Specific guidance would be released by the state Department of Education and the Secretary of Higher Education on Wednesday.

The guidance will include the following requirements, state officials said Tuesday:

• Must take place on or after July 6;
• Must take place outdoors or be drive-in/drive-through (no indoor ceremonies will be allowed);
• Must adhere to the relevant capacity limitation in place at the time of the ceremony (this may require districts to hold multiple ceremonies held over a period of time to ensure capacity restrictions are not exceeded);
• Districts and institutions must determine the minimum number of staff and faculty necessary to facilitate commencement ceremonies and adjust attendance requirements accordingly;
• Caps, gowns, diplomas, and other materials must be mailed to individual student homes, sent electronically where possible, or otherwise distributed in a manner that complies with social distancing guidelines;
• All activities must be coordinated in consultation with municipal officials, such as the local Office of Emergency Management, local law enforcement, first responders, and local health officials.

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

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