Graduation

June 17, 2021

RE: Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony

Students, Parents, and Families of the Class of 2021,

Given recent changes to Department of Health requirements for outdoor graduation ceremonies, we are excited to announce to you that all social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, and health screening requirements are no longer necessary. You did it! Everything that you have helped make happen this challenging school year has made this possible!

Based on these changes, families are no longer limited to 6 guests per graduate. There is also no need to contact the Building or District with any additional guest information. Proof of vaccination and proof of negative test results are no longer required for entry. Face coverings are no longer required for vaccinated individuals, though unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear a face covering, per federal CDC guidelines. Any student who is not a member of the Class of 2021 must be accompanied by a family member.

Parking on campus and seating at the stadium will be handled on a first come, first served basis. District staff will monitor the capacity of each seating and parking area and provide necessary assistance. The majority of seating will be in chairs arranged on the turf and it will be imperative that graduates and guests dress appropriately for the weather, including wearing appropriate footwear. We recommend wearing close-toed shoes, and heels are not permitted because they can damage the turf. Additionally, attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool as much as possible. If our campus parking capacity limit is reached, the campus will be closed and vehicles will be directed to park at an off-campus location where attendees will then be shuttled to campus.

On Friday, June 25th, the main campus will be closed to all outside traffic until 5:00 pm. Please do not arrive on campus any earlier than 5:00 pm. The main campus, including the gates to the stadium, will open to Commencement Ceremony attendees at 5:00 pm. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm. All graduates will need to report to the Baker High School Large Gym by 6:00 pm.

We will be partnering with local police and fire agencies to assist with traffic flow and parking on campus. All attendees of graduates with last names A-L are asked to enter through the main campus entrance near the District Office, and attendees of graduates with last names M-Z and vehicles with handicap parking permits (regardless of graduate last name) are asked to enter through the Albert Palmer Lane entrance toward Durgee Jr. High School. Again, we strongly encourage you to please carpool with individuals in your party to help limit traffic and parking congestion.

We greatly appreciate your patience and support as we work together to celebrate the amazing Class of 2021! Please contact the C.W. Baker High School Main Office with any questions - (315) 638-6008. Once again, thank you for your support and GO BEES!

Gratefully, The Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony Planning TEAM