Wichita schools cancel indoor graduation ceremonies again due to coronavirus pandemic

Wichita high school seniors in the class of 2020 have lost their graduation ceremonies for a second time because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Due to the continuing public health issues in the Wichita community and to keep students, families and staff safe and healthy, WPS will cancel indoor commencement ceremonies scheduled for the end of July,” Wichita Public Schools officials announced Wednesday evening.

“Though we know this will come as a disappointment to our graduating seniors, we believe it to be the best decision for the safety and health of our students, families and staff,” district officials said in a statement.

However, each USD 259 high school will hold its own in-person celebrations on the same weekend at the end of the month, officials said. Detailed information on those gatherings was not released. More information on the announcement is available at www.usd259.org/seniors2020.

The decision came the day after district officials told the school board that they plan for students and teachers to return to their classrooms in August for the next school year.

The cancellation comes as the coronavirus pandemic is worsening in Kansas. In Sedgwick County, the percentage increase in cases on Wednesday was double what it was for the state as a whole. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have also seen a significant increase, the local public health officer said.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 7:50 PM.