AAPS: Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2021 announced
The following information is from Jeanice K. Swift, Superintendent of Schools / Ann Arbor Public Schools
Hello, Class of 2021 Students, Parents and Community,
Thank you for your partnership and support this year, as we have come a long way through this COVID global pandemic. We understand this time has been particularly challenging for our students and families in the Class of 2021.
We are excited to welcome students and families back to school buildings this spring and remain focused on a strong wrap-up to the 2020-21 school year.
Importantly, we are all thrilled to celebrate and honor the Class of 2021.
As has been true throughout this COVID time, the health and safety of our students, staff and families remain our top priority. We have been diligently working with local authorities, events administration at venues and our school teams to determine how best to plan for the end-of-year celebrations for our students.
Recent changes to the MDHHS participation limits for indoor and outdoor events provide us with greater opportunities as we plan for graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 and other senior-year celebrations. At this time, local participation limits would not allow for our full traditional graduation ceremonies, proms, awards ceremonies, etc., to be held indoors. Yet, we remain hopeful that the state will issue revised limits, so we are planning now for some important events.
Graduation Ceremonies, Class of 2021
Here is what we can confirm today. For Huron, Pioneer and Skyline, with the cooperation of the events management team at Eastern Michigan University, we are planning for a traditional graduation ceremony to be held outdoors in the EMU stadium.
Current participation limits will impact the number of spectators allowed for the event. Still, we remain hopeful that limits will increase, and each graduate will receive a set number of tickets for family members to attend. An inclement weather plan is also being worked out. The tentative dates for these ceremonies are:
- Huron – Wednesday, June 2, 6:30 PM
- Pioneer – Thursday, June 3, 6:30 PM
- Skyline – Monday, June 7, 6:30 PM
At Community and Pathways, our teams are also planning for an outdoor commencement ceremony, and the details will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks so we can share them with parents.
AAPS Class of 2021 Graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed so they are accessible for those who may not be able to attend in person.
AAPS Class of 2021 Yard Signs
As we did last spring, ALL of our Class of 2021 students will be receiving a celebratory YARD SIGN. Schools are beginning the design and ordering process this week, and students and families will receive information soon about the delivery of the senior sign.
Other Senior Events
High School teams are in the planning phase for an outdoor senior celebration event. We also continue to monitor the ongoing situation with proms and other traditionally indoor events that prove more complicated due to current limitations on indoor gatherings. More information will be shared with students and families in the next couple of weeks so that appropriate planning can occur for these celebrations.
All other events, such as awards ceremonies and other recognitions, will be virtual through the end of the school year.
Over the coming weeks, Class of 2021 students and parents can expect regular updates from their school team on graduation and other end-of-year events.
As we emerge from this COVID pandemic time that has impacted our students and staff, families and community in so many challenging ways, we are excited to come together in joy and celebration to honor our impressive graduates of the AAPS Class of 2021.
Congratulations to our inspiring seniors on their progress through this challenging COVID time. We are encouraged that this is a time of hope that better days are just ahead.
