DES MOINES, Iowa - There's a movement among parents of Des Moines Public Schools' Seniors to replace the scheduled virtual graduation with an in-person ceremony.
A Change.org petition titled "DMPS Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony” is addressed to district staff, including Superintendent Thomas Ahart. It says the class is saddened and disappointed by the decision to cancel the traditional Commencement ceremony in favor of a virtual presentation because of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
It asks the school board to reconsider its plan and suggests an in-person ceremony could be held at a later date and take place in high schools stadiums in the interest of safety. The petition says the class of 2020 has already missed out on activities such as senior trips, proms and sports events.
The decision to hold a virtual graduation was announced by Des Moines Public Schools Friday. “In some ways, this decision was harder than deciding not to reopen schools, but given the lack of clarity and transparency around the COVID-19 pandemic this is the only decision that’s in the interest of the health and well-being of our students and families," said Superintendent Ahart.
The Change.org petition has received nearly 1,500 signatures since it started circulating after the district's announcement.