LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk announced the school system is hoping to hold virtual graduation ceremonies at Rupp Arena for 2020 high school seniors.
"We hope to hold an in-person graduation for our seniors at some time in the future," said Caulk.
“If we can get the blessing from the health department and our governor,” he said. “We are absolutely committed to every safety precaution and would not hold an event without permission. But we have placed a hold on dates at Rupp Arena in July, September, and December,” Caulk said of his plan to try to give the class a proper graduation ceremony.
In all, two dates in each of those months have been reserved to accommodate six graduation ceremonies per day. The December dates would likely coincide with the winter break schedules most universities adhere to.
He also mentioned they hope for this only if they receive the blessing from the Lexington Fayette County Health Department and Governor Andy Beshear.
"We are absolutely committed to following every safety precaution and we will not hold any event without permission," Caulk added.
FCPS is looking at July, September, and December as possible months to hold the ceremonies. Exact dates are still to be determined.
FCPS also announced that it has teamed up with AT&T and T-Mobile to provide roughly 2,000 internet hotspots for Fayette Co. families who struggle to get reliable internet services.
This stems from a higher demand of virtual instruction between students and teachers.
"While we know nothing takes place of a teacher in the classroom and the relationships that are built through person-to-person instruction, our teachers are working diligently to make sure every student can continue to learn at the highest level," said FCPS Technology Director Bob Moore.
FCPS will also have a center help desk to assist anyone who has trouble with district technology. They will be available Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm.
The school system also announced the launch of VirtuREAL Read, which will connect volunteer community readers to students.
For more information on how the program will work, click here.
