Livingston Schools Considering In-Person HS Graduation In July

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston’s high school seniors may get a chance to have an in-person graduation ceremony after all, officials say.

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said that New Jersey school districts will be permitted to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies with social distancing beginning July 6. The order applies to middle school and high school graduations, as well as colleges/universities.

Ceremonies must take place outdoors or be drive-in/drive-through (no indoor ceremonies will be allowed).

• See related article: NJ To Allow Live Graduations Starting In July, Gov. Murphy Says

Livingston School Superintendent Matthew Block released the following statement in the wake of Murphy’s announcement:

“Today, we heard the governor's announcement that socially distanced in-person graduation ceremonies will be permitted after July 6. We appreciate all efforts to enhance the celebration of the class of 2020 and all they have accomplished. The governor has said that the state would be providing districts with additional guidance around what those in-person events can look like, especially as it pertains to the number of participants and logistical provisions for such events. Over the past weeks we have adjusted to the reality that school district's need to be flexible as developments occur around graduations. Our current plan includes individual receipt of diplomas and a whole-class virtual ceremony in June. Based on today's announcement, we will consider supplementing those events with socially distanced, post-graduation in-person ceremonies in July.”

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