The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) recently released guidelines allowing limited, in-person school graduation and transition ceremonies.
The Department had previously canceled all large, in-person social gatherings for the remainder of the school year with the exception of graduation and commencement ceremonies.
Since then, the Department has worked with partner agencies, the Governor’s Office, county mayors and schools to find options for safe and viable options to honor and celebrate the graduating class of 2021.
“Our school leaders have shown they are able to implement and enforce the protocols that have kept our staff and students safe. While we cannot prevent exposure to COVID-19, the Department has systems in place to immediately address cases and has avoided transmission of the virus at HIDOE facilities to date,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said.
According to regulations, ceremonies must be held outdoors or in a venue with adequate ventilation and graduates will be allowed to bring a maximum of two members from their household with schools having the authority to reduce this number based on certain conditions.
Larger schools that may have difficulties hosting safe, in-person ceremonies are encouraged to consider alternative options for ceremonies including a blend of in-person and virtual ceremonies, staggered drive-through ceremonies, or drive-in format.
The full list of guidelines can be viewed here.