To the Deer Park Seniors and Families,
Last week, we announced the official approval to proceed with a modified in-person graduation. We want to thank the Hamilton County Public Health Department and the Deer Park Police Department for working with us for our seniors.
In case you missed last week's announcement or if you'd like to reread it, please refer to this link for the full press release. This email will provide further details for the evening. Please read through these thoroughly to ensure a safe, orderly, and enjoyable evening.
DATE AND TIME:
This event will take place on Thursday, May 21st. We are asking that cars arrive in the back parking lot of Deer Park Jr/Sr High School starting at 4:40 p.m. and arrive no later than 5:00 p.m.
WHO:
2020 Graduating Seniors and their immediate family members only. We are limited to one car per graduate. Only the graduate and the student's immediate family are permitted in the car.
ARRIVAL AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS:
Cars will be directed to a staging area consisting of multiple rows of cars. Please follow the direction of all parking attendants.
While cars are in line awaiting their turn in the procession, all graduates and their family members must remain in their car. While we understand the natural desire to greet friends outside of the cars, the Hamilton County Public Health Department and the Deer Park Police Department require all attendees to remain in their vehicles.
There will be police and administrative presence in the back parking lot to enforce the mass gathering order from the governor. If this request is violated, unfortunately, we will have to ask that family to leave.
ATTIRE:
As this event is the closest we will be able to get to a traditional graduation ceremony, we are asking that all graduates wear their caps and gowns.
Additionally, all graduates will be required to wear some sort of mask covering their nose and mouths. While we understand that this may cause some inconvenience and/or uncomfortableness for graduates, this is also part of the requirements from the Hamilton County Public Health Department.
GRADUATION PROCESSION:
At approximately 5:00 p.m., we will begin directing one car at a time around the north side of the school building by the bus compound. Seniors will "check in" with a district administrator near the front auditorium entrance. Upon direction, the vehicle will proceed along the sidewalk in front of the building toward the front steps of the Jr./Sr. High School.
At this point, our seniors only, will exit the vehicle in their cap and gown and will receive their diploma from Deer Park Administration. We will have a photographer on site who will be taking a picture of each one of our students as they receive their diploma. The diagram below shows the staging area as well as the flow of traffic for the event.
After receiving a diploma cover and a rose, the graduate will return to his/her car, and the car will proceed down the front sidewalk towards Donna Lane. Before exiting onto Donna Ln., we will ask each senior to exit the car for a photo that will be taken in front of a Deer Park backdrop. At this time, the student may remove his/her mask for the photo. The photographer will be masked and will maintain social distancing protocols for the duration of the photo.
This photo will be used for the virtual graduation that will be airing on one of the WKRC-TV affiliate stations (Local12, Star64, or the CW).
ADDITIONAL GUESTS:
Unfortunately, we are unable to permit any additional family members, friends, or guests from gathering around the Deer Park High School campus. This includes sidewalks in front of and across the street from the building. Deer Park Police and Sycamore Township will be present to help enforce this requirement.
LIVE STREAMING VIDEO:
We will be streaming the event live on social media for grandparents, extended family members, friends, and faculty to be able to view. This will also be viewable through the Deer Park website.
DIPLOMA PICK UP:
Deer Park Jr/Sr High School hands out only diploma covers during the actual graduation ceremony. Official diplomas will be given to seniors as part of the year end check-out procedures.
On Friday, May 22nd, graduates will be able to pick up their actual diploma. Before receiving the physical diploma, all Class of 2020 students must return their gown as well as any other items he/she may still possess (such a school issued Chromebooks). Lastly, all outstanding fees must be paid off, including fees for any non-returned Chromebooks or chargers.
NOTE: Seniors may come to the building throughout the week of May 18th to return items and/or pay fees ahead of time.
On Friday, May 22nd, students will enter into the front of the building. Staff will be on hand to direct the students to return their items and pay any fees as needed. This will be completed based on last names using the following schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Adams through Crosby
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Damron(s) through Hall
- 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Huff through Russell
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Sansone through Young
Only the graduate may pick up his/her diploma unless prior arrangement has been made.
We thank you all for your support and help with this process, and we look forward to seeing our seniors on May 21st!