The Jefferson City School District has postponed its graduation again and canceled its prom.
Social distancing guidelines continue to make a single in-person graduation impossible, Jefferson City High School Principal Bob James wrote in a letter to senior parents Friday.
Although there is no statewide or local public health order in effect, it is still recommended that Missourians limit activity and interactions and continue to maintain social distancing, according to Missouri's Show Me Strong Recovery Plan. The CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet apart from other people.
The next proposed graduation date is 7 p.m. July 31.
"We are hoping that future phasing and social-distancing guidelines will make it possible to hold a commencement commensurate with your expectations for fanfare and tradition," James wrote.
July 31 will serve as the final attempt for a traditional single-group commencement.
If that date is not viable, there will be a split commencement Aug. 1. Students with names in the first half of the alphabet will attend a 9 a.m. ceremony and the latter half will attend a 7 p.m. ceremony.
The district will inform families July 10 whether the July 31 date is viable. If a split commencement is necessary, the details will be communicated with families that day.
Baccalaureate has been scheduled for July 26, the National Honor Society induction ceremony for July 28, and the awards ceremony for July 29. These events will be at the JCHS main gym.
"Our hope and intent is to have adapted ceremonies for each; more details will be available as we draw nearer the dates," James wrote.
While the district began allowing activities in smaller groups with safety precautions in place, holding a prom will not be possible while adhering to these precautions, James wrote. About 500-700 students typically attend prom.
"We share your disappointment in the loss of this milestone event for our students, families, and our community; we will truly miss creating the lifelong memories associated with this special night," James wrote.