Graduation information for Niwot High School

Niwot High School has announced plans for an official graduation ceremony for the class of 2020.

In a letter sent out to students and parents, NHS principal Eric Rauschkolb thanked everyone for their support through health concerns and the unconventional end to the school year.

"We know that this year did not end in the way that anyone expected, however, as we look ahead to our official graduation ceremony, we could not be more excited to celebrate the outstanding students in our 2020 graduating class," Rauschkolb said in the letter.

He stated that through working with local health authorities, the plan for the graduation event has been approved for 9 a.m. on July 25 at the Niwot High School football field, located at 8989 Niwot Road.

There are, however, stipulations to the event, including the following, as listed in the letter from the school:

*"Graduates will be limited to two guests per student. To ensure we stay within our approved event capacity and social distancing restrictions, guests should reside in the same household as their graduate. It is important to know that District leadership has been negotiating the graduation process for weeks with our local health department and strongly advocated for multiple scenarios which would have allowed for more guests in the stadium during the graduation. Ultimately, this is the plan that met BCPH's mandated social distancing space calculator, and allowed for our seniors to graduate together in one ceremony in the safest manner possible. Our only other option was to include more guests, but split the graduating class into separate smaller groups with multiple ceremonies.

*"All graduates, families, and staff must wear face coverings when entering and exiting the stadium and during any transitions within the ceremony. We have ordered special masks for our graduates to wear that celebrate their school pride.

*"Due to strict county health agency restrictions, all seating will be assigned at this year's graduation and graduates will sit on the field with their two household guests. Per Boulder County Health Department regulations, all household groups will be spaced a minimum of 12 feet apart. This spacing allows for the movement of graduates during the ceremony.

*"We ask that any students, staff, or family members who are exhibiting symptoms of any illness to remain at home.

*"Students and staff will arrive in the graduation robes and caps to eliminate the need for gathering before the ceremony.

*"Per county health agency regulations, congregating before or after the ceremony will not be permitted on district property.

*"Per county health agency regulations, we will not be able to hold a practice ceremony and will be sharing detailed logistical information for students and their household guests once it has been finalized.

*"The graduation event will also be live-streamed for students or family members who cannot attend, are exhibiting symptoms, or who may be sensitive to the July heat. Live-stream links will be provided closer to July 25."

Rauschkolb said that any questions can be directed to the school at 303-652-2550.