Updated 6/22/21
As a result of newly announced New York state guidance governing end of the year graduation ceremonies, we are now permitted to have unlimited guests attend our outdoor commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 24 at 6 p.m.
Further guidance also removes the need to plan rain dates in the event of inclement weather. Indoor graduation capacity allowances have increased to a number that supports an immediate shift to our auditorium, if needed.
Please note that each graduate will be given six tickets at graduation rehearsal: 4 gold tickets, and 2 white tickets.
In the event of an indoor graduation, each graduate is permitted to have 6 guests, and the gold/white tickets will be used for entry to the auditorium.
For an outdoor graduation ceremony, preferred bleacher seating will be provided for the parents/guardians of each graduate, and tickets distributed at rehearsal will also be used for seating in the bleachers. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for all guests, but seating in the bleachers will be prioritized based on tickets. Ticket collectors will be positioned at each entry point to ensure compliance and provide guidance. Guests will be admitted as follows:
5-5:30 p.m.: Entry for Gold Ticket holders(4 per graduate for parents/guardians/preferred guests).
5:30-5:45 p.m.: Entry for White Ticket holders (2 per graduate for additional guests).
At 5:45 p.m., all non ticket holders will be permitted to enter the bleacher area. However, we encourage use of the entire facility, including standing along the fence and/or bringing your own seating/chairs to enjoy the ceremony.
The following are specifics related to both the outdoor and indoor ceremonies.
Mandatory graduation rehearsal
Wednesday, 6/23/21 at 9 a.m.
- All seniors walking in the ceremony should report to the all-purpose turf field with caps and gowns for a class picture prior to the start of rehearsals.
- In preparation, rehearsals will include a walk-through of both the outdoor and indoor ceremonies.
- Six graduation tickets will be distributed to each graduate (required in the event of an auditorium ceremony).
All-purpose turf field ceremony
Graduation Location and Arrival
- Graduation will begin promptly at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, on the FFCSD all-purpose turf field.
- Graduates are to arrive no later than 5 p.m. and meet in the gym (enter through auditorium doors).
- Tickets are no longer required for entry to the outdoor graduation ceremony.
Parking/Entry
- A-J park in the High School lot, enter/exit on the high school side.
- K-Z park in the Elementary School lot, enter/exit on the elementary school side.
- Please contact the HS office if handicap parking is required. Accommodations will be provided on the High School side of campus.
- All guests shall proceed to the all-purpose field by walking down the side of their designated school building.
- Gates will open for guests at 5 p.m.
- Bleacher seating is non-reserved. Spectators can also stand along the fence or bring a chair to view the event.
Auditorium Ceremony (if needed)
- Graduation will begin promptly at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, in the FFCSD Auditorium.
- Graduates are to arrive no later than 5 p.m. and meet in the gym (enter through auditorium doors).
- Six guests per graduate; tickets provided to graduates at graduation rehearsal.
- No admittance without a ticket. Tickets will be numbered for distribution purposes only.
- Graduates are to arrive no later than 5 p.m. and meet in the gym (enter through auditorium doors).
Parking/Entry:
- All parking will be in the HS/MS main lot.
- Auditorium doors will open at 5 p.m.
- Tickets must be presented upon entering the auditorium lobby.
- Auditorium seating is non-reserved. (Tickets are numbered for distribution purposes only.)
- The CDC has recommended that all non-vaccinated guests wear masks for indoor events.
If a change in location is required due to inclement weather (all-purpose field to the auditorium), it will be communicated as soon as possible.
Each graduate will also receive a professional photo taken at the time of diploma presentation. Please stay seated throughout the ceremony.