June 29, 2020
In This Issue
Greetings Class of 2020, 2021 and Families! 

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy. Below you will find updates regarding prom and seated graduation. Each of these events are unique in their requirements regarding health protocols per the recommendations of the Greene County Health Department and the vendors hosting the events. The protocols are also subject to change.
Prom, July 24
Republic High School will host Prom on Friday, July 24 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield, MO. 

ATTENDANCE:
  • 2019-20 juniors and seniors will be able to attend this event for free! 
  • Due to capacity restrictions 400 students can be inside the venue at a time. That said, depending on the number of students who register to attend we may either host the event from 8:00-11:00 p.m. or divide the attendees into shifts. This will be decided and communicated on July 21. Should shifts need to be implemented, a shift sign-up form will be distributed.
  • To attend, students MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE BY JULY 17 per the form link below. No walk-ins will be permitted.
  • The registration form includes an event waiver that must be agreed to in order for participants to attend Prom.
  • No tickets will be distributed. The registration form will allow RHS to create a check-in sheet as an alternative.
  • A personal photo ID (school ID or drivers license) will be required when checking in.
  • Students are able to bring outside guests, but to do so must first register your guest with RHS using the below registration link. Further details are within the registration form.
HEALTH PROTOCOLS:
  • All attendees will sign in upon arrival and sign out upon leaving.
  • Temperatures of all attendees will be taken upon arrival. Those with 100 degree temperatures or higher will not be permitted. However, rescreens will be done after 15 minutes to account for outdoor temperatures and dress clothes that may artificially raise body temperatures.
  • Anyone ill should stay home and not attend the event.
  • Masks are encouraged, but not required.
  • Three feet of social distancing is recommended. 
  • Limited food and drink items will be provided at no charge.  
Seated Graduation, August 1
RHS enjoyed hosting a drive-through graduation event on Saturday, May 9. Professional photos can be downloaded for free at https://brashers.shootproof.com/.

Our seated graduation ceremony has been scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at JQH Arena on the MSU campus beginning at 1:30 p.m. RHS will continue to monitor recommendations from the Greene County Health Department along with requirements set by JQH Arena over the coming weeks leading up to seated graduation. That said, below are some general important items for the event. Additional details will be shared as the event date gets closer.

GRADUATION PRACTICE:
* Graduation practice will take place on July 31 at 10:00 a.m. at RHS. Logistical details are being discussed to allow social distancing of students. However, attending graduation practice is a requirement in order for students to participate in the seated graduation ceremony.
* Additional graduation day protocols will be shared at this practice.

DAY OF SEATED GRADUATION:
* Students should arrive to Hammons Student Center by 12:45 p.m. on August 1. Security will be at the entrance to check students in.
* Caps and gowns should be brought, but not yet worn. No alterations (decorations) to caps and gowns should be made.
* Business casual dress is preferred. Males must wear ankle-length pants.
* All personal items (phones, purses, keys, etc) should be left with a family member or in your vehicle.
* Doors to JQH Arena will open for guests at 12:00 p.m.

* A certificate will be distributed to graduates during the ceremony since diploma covers and diplomas were already distributed during the drive-through graduation event.
* Graduates are reminded to uphold behavior standards as any disruptions would lead to removal.
* Photos will be taken and free digital copies will be available for download following the ceremony.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS:
* JQH Arena requires that all graduates and employees participating in the event must wear a mask. Graduates and employees will be provided a district logo mask to wear. However, graduates will be able to remove their mask to receive their certificate and if speaking at the podium.
* Graduates will be socially distanced.
* Spectators are highly encouraged to wear masks.
* JQH Arena has determined that each graduate will be provided 8 tickets for guests to comply with capacity rules. Tickets will be distributed to graduates at graduation practice.
* For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed. More details on this are forthcoming.
* JQH Arena ushers will escort spectators to their seats to ensure distancing guidelines are taking place.
* Families will be asked to exit the facility using multiple exits and to adhere to social distancing when meeting up with graduates outside of the building. Guests are not allowed on the event floor.
* To limit contact, graduation programs will not be distributed at seated graduation. However, these were distributed during the drive-through graduation event in each graduate's packet. One extra copy per graduate is also available for pick-up at RHS after seated graduation, and a digital version of the program will be sent to families and posted on the RHS website in July.
For questions or comments please contact Republic High School by calling 417-732-3650.
  
Sincerely,
  

Tyler Overstreet

Republic High School Principal