If public health conditions allow, Clovis schools have their sights set on holding traditional graduation ceremonies in July at the Save Mart Center in Fresno.

In an announcement sent Thursday, the district said traditional ceremonies now are planned for July 27 and 28 - “so long as mass gatherings are allowed by the state” at that time.

The district previously had suggested those ceremonies may be held in August, depending on the health department guidelines.

“Each of our high schools would celebrate an individual graduation ceremony over the course of these two days in July, with specific times being finalized and communicated by school sites to families by mid-May,” the announcement said.

Officials said if the July ceremonies are not possible due to the pandemic, families will be informed by July 1.

Because students joining the military after graduation likely wouldn’t be able to attend ceremonies later in the summer, Clovis schools also are planning celebrations for individual students and their families in May and June.

Those ceremonies will occur in each student’s school at a designated time. During that ceremony, graduates will walk across the stage, receive their diploma, and any awards or honors they have earned.

Only four members of the graduate’s household will be permitted at the small May and June commencements. Audiences won’t be allowed to gather during the May and June ceremonies, following social-distancing instructions.

During those smaller ceremonies, graduates will also listen to pre-recorded speeches by their class valedictorian and other performances included in the Class of 2020 graduation program.

Each school will have its own schedule and location for the special ceremonies.

Clovis schools will also take the unusual step of buying caps and gowns for all graduating seniors. Typically, students rent them.

Clovis High and Clovis East

Clovis High and Clovis East High will have their May graduation ceremonies at the Lamonica Stadium. Each family will have a specific time and date.

Clovis High graduations will take place the week of May 26. Clovis East High will have their celebrations the week of June 1.

Clovis West, Clovis North, and Buchanan

Clovis West, Clovis North, and Buchanan will have their celebrations at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Intimate graduation ceremonies for Clovis West will take place the week of May 26.

Clovis North and Buchanan high schools will have their celebration the week of June 1.

Clovis Online School, Gateway, and Community Day School ceremonies will occur after May 26, but final dates had not been set as of Friday.

Changes to free meal pick up

Additionally, Clovis announced a change to its lunch program distribution.

“Starting Wednesday, May 6, meal delivery will move to a weekly model, with students receiving a meal box with five breakfasts and five lunches during meal service each Wednesday,” the announcement said.

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This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 4:38 PM.