CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- In-person classroom instruction is over for the rest of the academic year in Illinois, but there is still the issue of graduations. Area school districts are making dual-track plans to have virtual graduation ceremonies and in-person ceremonies, depending upon when groups of people will be allowed together in the weeks and months ahead.
School districts have graduations coming up in the next month, and according to the Daily Herald, districts such as Northwest Suburban High School District 214 are planning for both in-person and virtual graduations.
District 214 Superintendent Dave Schuler said the district is planning a virtual ceremony for each of its six high schools on May 20, while in-person ceremonies, complete with caps and gowns on football fields, could be held in June, July, or August, depending upon what is allowed. Schuler also indicated there's still a chance for some type of special event to recognize seniors as late as Thanksgiving, and he also held out hope for a senior barbecue.
Each graduating senior also is getting a personalized, school-specific yard sign, Schuler told the Daily Herald.
"We fully recognize our obligation to do well by each Class of 2020 graduating senior in our district, and it's our commitment to do just that," Schuler wrote in a letter to families.
Maine Township High School District 207 announced Monday that a virtual graduation is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 17, for all three of its schools. But Superintendent Ken Wallace also said Sunday, Aug. 2, is being held as a possible in-person graduation date. If state and federal health guidelines don't permit it, a backup date is being considered for the fall, he said.
Wallace also said it is still possible that in-person proms could occur the last weekend of July, along with other events like senior breakfasts.
District 207 will also release a virtual senior honors night ceremony recording at 7 p.m. on May 13.