MCPS proms canceled; Decisions about graduation format pending

Final plans for graduations expected in April

March 17, 2021 2:31 p.m.

Montgomery County high schools won’t host proms for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MCPS leaders have not yet decided between three options for graduations: traditional in-person ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies or virtual events.

In lieu of prom, MCPS is planning a possible “senior unity day” with activities that would be held outdoors on an evening or a Saturday in May.

- Advertisement -

The events would be held on high school campuses and follow gathering-size limitations imposed by the county and state health officials (now capped at 50 people), according to a presentation to the school board last week. No further information was provided.

Since January, MCPS has been preparing for the possibility of traditional indoor graduation ceremonies. Tentative dates and locations have been set and announced.
But the district still has not decided whether to hold ceremonies at those locations or to have in-person events outdoors at each high school’s athletics stadium.

If COVID-19 metrics are too high or health orders prohibit large gatherings, the district will hold virtual graduation ceremonies, like what was done for the class of 2020 last year.

During last week’s school board meeting, MCPS staff members said a decision about whether to hold traditional or outdoor ceremonies will be made by April 15. Then, a decision will be made by April 30 about whether to hold outdoor or virtual ceremonies.

MCPS is waiting to make sure it has “the most up-to-date information,” according to James Koutsos, associate superintendent of teaching, learning and schools.

Sponsored
Face of the Week

He said the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Associations created a survey that had more than 200 responses, with most respondents asking for outdoor ceremonies at their schools.

Board member Lynne Harris said each school should be able to decide which option to use, rather than mandating a specific approach districtwide. But other school board members argued that could create equity problems.

Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media

Digital Partners

Enter our essay contest