June 19, 2020
4 PM

Pinellas County Schools is aware of the positive COVID-19 cases that have been confirmed at Spectrum Field, the Philadelphia Phillies spring training facility. We spoke to venue management today to understand how this might affect our scheduled graduation ceremonies. At this time, the Phillies are thoroughly disinfecting the facility and our ceremonies are still moving forward as planned. We will continue to monitor the situation with Spectrum Field officials and will post updates as needed.

June 17, 2020
2:30 PM

2020 Pinellas County Schools Graduation Ceremonies

Dear Pinellas County Schools Families,

We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2020 and offer a blended commencement ceremony, which combines an extremely personal, in-person experience at Spectrum Field and traditional components through a pre-recorded portion, all of which will be streamed for extended family, friends and the community.

We have listened to your feedback and have been working diligently to ensure in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 to the greatest extent feasible. We thank you for your patience as we worked with representatives from Major League Baseball as they made plans for the return of baseball, which greatly impacts the venue availability for graduations.  We have also been working with the Department of Health to develop the format and protocols for our ceremonies. Our in-person ceremonies will have a special, abbreviated format that will help ensure the health and well-being of ALL participants.  

The in-person, processional ceremonies for the sixteen traditional high schools at Spectrum Field will occur during the week of July 7, 2020. Each graduate will have the opportunity to invite up to four guests to join them at the ceremony. The graduate and their guests will walk on the field together and hear the graduate’s name called.  As the graduate walks across the stage and takes a picture, guests will have a front-row experience on the field where they can capture their own pictures and memories.

This model minimizes the risks for all and maximizes the personal experiences for our graduates and their families. We are excited to join you in celebrating your students!

Families will receive additional student- and school-specific details from their principal no later than Wednesday, June 24. After that time, please contact your school administrator if additional questions arise. Updates, including safety and wellness protocols and directions for accessing digital ceremonies, will be available at www.pcsb.org/graduation. 

Please note: In-person graduation ceremonies are NOT open to the public to ensure the health and safety of all students, families and staff members.

Please see additional information below:

In-Person Processional Ceremonies at Spectrum Field (601 N Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater 33765)

• Each graduate will be allowed up to four guests to escort them onto the field, while maintaining a safe social distance (6 feet) from other families.
• No seats will be provided. The event will be a walking ceremony to ensure the safety of all in attendance.
• Guests will have the opportunity to take pictures of their graduate on stage.
• Guests will reunite with graduates off-stage and exit the field in an orderly fashion, maintaining a safe social distance.

Digital Access to Ceremonies

• Processional ceremonies at Spectrum Field will be streamed live and recorded so that friends and family can view them.
• Traditional portions of the ceremonies have been pre-recorded, including inspiring messages from principals and student leaders.
• Principals will share links to pre-recorded ceremonies, which will be available on the PCS YouTube Channel before the live ceremonies. Processional ceremony live-stream links will also be shared with families.

Spectrum Field Logistics

• The in-person, processional graduation schedule is available below.
• Schools will communicate specific arrival times, gate assignments and parking instructions for each graduate to limit crowd size and maintain safe social distancing.
• Graduates and their guests are encouraged to travel to the field in one vehicle to minimize congestion. We have worked with Spectrum Field and parking will be at no-cost to families.
• Graduates and their guests should remain in their car(s) until their specified arrival time assigned by their school to progress to the assigned gate.
• No bags/purses/backpacks will be allowed on field.
• Diploma pick up for all graduates will take place at Clearwater High School (540 S Hercules Avenue, Clearwater 33746) immediately following the processional ceremonies.
• Ceremonies may be rescheduled if severe weather occurs.

Health and Safety Guidelines

• Graduates and their four guests will be asked self-screening questions to ensure all participants entering the stadium are well.
• Graduates and their four guests will be expected to keep a safe social distance from other groups and avoid handshaking or any other forms of physical contact with others.
• All participants will need to wear face coverings/masks at all times.
  • Specially designed ‘Class of 2020’ masks will be provided for graduates. Graduates may take their mask off for their picture on the stage, if they wish.
  • Guests will be expected to provide their own masks and wear them throughout their time at the ceremony.

Special Accommodations

• Please communicate directly with your school administrator if any graduate or guest needs accommodations or an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, so arrangements can be made.

Congratulations!  We are so very proud of all you have accomplished.  The Class of 2020 is truly unforgettable.

Sincerely,
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Pinellas County Schools

 

Spanish Translation (PDF)

Pinellas County Schools and Spectrum Field will take the following health precautions to ensure the safety of graduates, their guests and school district staff:

• The Florida Department of Health is being consulted during the planning of graduation ceremonies.
• Anyone entering the stadium will be asked to complete a self-screening survey.
• The ceremony area will be disinfected daily.
• Everyone will be required to wear a mask, including graduates.
• Graduates may bring up to four guests. Limiting the number of guests will ensure social distancing.
• Graduates and their guests will stand together as a group, six feet apart from other groups during the procession.
• There will be no handshakes.
• Ceremonies will be condensed to just the processional to limit exposure.
• Graduates, guests and staff members are being reminded that graduation ceremonies are not mandatory. Anyone who does not feel safe should not attend.
• Pinellas County Schools Police will be on site to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will graduates receive their instructions for the ceremony?

School principals will send students instructions for the ceremony, including appropriate[DJ1]  attire as determined by the school and student code of conduct, parking, entry and arrival time information.

How will graduates receive their regalia for the ceremony?

Caps, gowns and cords have already been distributed on a drive-through basis at each school. If you have not picked these up, please contact your school directly.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes, everyone in attendance will be required to wear a face covering. Graduate will receive a custom Class of 2020 mask as they enter the stadium gate. Each graduate will be allowed to remove their mask to take a photo at home plate. 

How will graduates be celebrated?

Each graduate will have his or her name called. Graduates will cross the field to a stage near second base to have their photo taken with their principal (social distancing will be required in photos). Each graduate will appear on the stadium’s jumbotron. Graduates who have not already received a diploma cover will receive it at this time.

Will valedictorians and salutatorians still give speeches?

Valedictorians and salutatorians will not give speeches at the stadium. However, a virtual graduation ceremony will be posted online for each school that will include speeches from the principal, student leaders, the superintendent, a School Board representative and any special guests invited by the school. The virtual ceremony will also include individual recognition of each graduate, a turning of the tassel ceremony, and additional elements that each school may have provided.

What should I wear?

Students should wear their full graduation regalia, including their cap, gown and any honor cords or stoles they have been issued. There will not be a place to change at the stadium.  Graduates will receive instruction from their schools regarding appropriate attire.  The ceremony will take place outdoors, so attendees should wear comfortable clothing, appropriate for the occasion and climate.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

All graduates and guests should wear flat shoes. Guests will be walking across a grass field. Flat shoes are the most appropriate and safe choice.

Will concession stands be open?

No.

How will I receive my diploma?

Following each ceremony at Spectrum Field, students are asked to go directly to Clearwater High School (540 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33764) to pick up their diploma in a “drive-through” process.

For Educational Alternative Services schools whose ceremonies are taking place at Largo or Lakewood High Schools, graduates will receive their diploma immediately after the ceremony on those premises in socially distanced areas (principals will inform graduates as to how that will happen at the ceremonies).

Students who do not attend a ceremony should contact their school principal to request their diploma via certified mail.  Students can also make an appointment to pick up their diploma at their school. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.

Will ceremonies be livestreamed?

Yes. The ceremonies at Spectrum Field will be livestreamed on the school district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/pinellascountyschoolsvideos. Ceremonies at other locations will not be livestreamed.

What do I do if I need ADA accommodations for myself or a guest?

If you or a guest needs an ADA accommodation, including an ASL interpreter, please contact your school principal as soon as possible to make them aware of your need. If a guest or graduate requires a wheelchair, walker or other mobility assistance device for the processional, they will need to bring their own equipment to the ceremony. Please share this information with your principal prior to your scheduled ceremony date so you can be directed to the appropriate parking and gate entry.

 

	Start Time	End Time	Location
TUES. 7/7/2020
Tarpon Springs High	7:00 AM	9:00 AM	Spectrum Field
Pinellas Park High	9:30 AM	12:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Countryside High	4:00 PM	6:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Osceola Fundamental High	7:30 PM	9:30 PM	Spectrum Field
TUES. 7/7/2020  Educational Alternative Services Schools  View EAS Graduation Information
Bayside High	8:30 AM	9:30 AM	Largo High Auditorium
Pinellas Virtual School	9:15 AM	9:30 AM	Largo High Auditorium
Pinellas Gulf Coast	10:00 AM	11:30 AM	Largo High Auditorium
Lealman Innovation	8:00 AM	9:30 AM	Lakewood High Auditorium
Disston Academy	10:00 AM	11:00 AM	Lakewood High Auditorium
WED. 7/8/2020
Seminole High	7:00 AM	9:00 AM	Spectrum Field
East Lake High	10:00 AM	1:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Lakewood High	4:00 PM	5:30 PM	Spectrum Field
Clearwater High	7:00 PM	9:00 PM	Spectrum Field
THURS. 7/9/2020
Boca Ciega High	7:00 AM	9:00 AM	Spectrum Field
St. Petersburg High	10:00 AM	12:30 PM	Spectrum Field
Northeast High	4:00 PM	6:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Palm Harbor University High	7:00 PM	9:30 PM	Spectrum Field
FRI. 7/10/2020
Gibbs High	7:00 AM	8:30 AM	Spectrum Field
Largo High	9:30 AM	12:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Dixie Hollins High	4:00 PM	6:00 PM	Spectrum Field
Dunedin High	7:30 PM	9:30 PM	Spectrum Field

Visit the links below to watch the in-person graduation ceremonies on the PCS YouTube channel.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Tarpon Springs High @ 7:00 AM Pinellas Park High @ 9:30 AM Countryside High @ 4:00 PM Osceola Fundamental High @ 7:30 PM Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Seminole High @ 7:00 AM East Lake High @ 10:00 AM Lakewood High @ 4:00 PM Clearwater High @ 7:00 PM

Thursday, July 9, 2020 Boca Ciega High @ 7:00 AM St. Petersburg High @ 10:00 AM Northeast High @ 4:00 PM Palm Harbor University High @ 7:00 PM Friday, July 10, 2020 Gibbs High @ 7:00 AM Largo High @ 9:30 AM Dixie Hollins High @ 4:00 PM Dunedin High @ 7:30 PM

Please use the links below to visit the PCS Youtube page to view the Virtual Graduation Ceremonies.

 

Bayside High

https://youtu.be/P846ewVwgmg

 

Boca Ciega High

https://youtu.be/Ew-xhdqj5J0

 

Clearwater High

https://youtu.be/KEBrVbbI7eI

 

Countryside High

https://youtu.be/ae1Vrffmpn0

 

Disston Academy

https://youtu.be/iTsY88HKfhI

 

Dixie Hollins High

https://youtu.be/zC3-DMSXlOA

 

Dunedin High

https://youtu.be/oLJ0RsfUBeY

 

East Lake High

https://youtu.be/E8gxFG5eg9M

 

Gibbs High

https://youtu.be/ghdVTFgRYxI

 

Lakewood High

https://youtu.be/fQ2mVYHXV0k

 

Largo High

https://youtu.be/EOAFktpDC2w

 

Lealman Innovation Academy

https://youtu.be/DvJBQEkeRoQ

 

Nina Harris

https://youtu.be/CPhZ0g_A1eA

 

Northeast High

https://youtu.be/Dtk_p5N9etM

 

Osceola Fundamental High

https://youtu.be/G_DUikF7aKo

 

Palm Harbor University High

https://youtu.be/R2TFv99e6Bg

 

Paul B. Stephens School

https://youtu.be/j2HQUTlA5R4

 

Pinellas Gulf Coast Academy

https://youtu.be/5pN9Vb1qObk

 

Pinellas Park High

https://youtu.be/AfLdgk4d1Uo

 

Pinellas Virtual School

https://youtu.be/w4ukn14shTU

 

Seminole High

https://youtu.be/eeP6MtT3kLg

 

St. Petersburg High

https://youtu.be/tUYjJZOQmkI

 

Tarpon Springs High

https://youtu.be/hb_-guh2jNg