Fresno Unified high school seniors will get a chance to “graduate twice - virtually and in person,” Superintendent Bob Nelson said this week in an online forum.

School officials have said traditional commencement ceremonies in June are not possible in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that shuttered schools and businesses in March. But Fresno-area schools are working on plans to honor graduating seniors in a series of virtual celebrations and have promised a traditional commencement in the future.

“We are pleased to offer our graduating seniors a special celebration that does not take the place of a physical graduation but still celebrates this milestone in their lives and gives families a chance to enjoy this special season,” Nelson said in a news release.

Nelson has said a traditional ceremony will be held at a later time when social-distancing restrictions are relaxed. In the meantime, Fresno city schools will hold “virtual senior celebrations.” The online ceremonies begin May 21 and continue through June 3.

“Each celebration will recognize all seniors and include student and staff videos; messages from the board of education, superintendent and principal; certification of graduates; and the turning of the tassel,” Nelson said in a news release.

The virtual ceremonies will be broadcast on PBS Channel 18, Comcast XFinity Channel 94, or AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, as well as fresnounified.org and will be available to download.

High schools around the nation have been wrestling to balance honoring 2020 graduates with the public health safety guidelines established to combat the spreading virus.

Clovis schools have their sights set on holding traditional graduation ceremonies in July at the Save Mart Center. Clovis Unified said traditional services are planned for July 27 and 28 – “so long as mass gatherings are allowed by the state” at that time.

Clovis schools also are planning celebrations for individual students and their families in May and June.

Nelson on Monday also announced plans for the district’s summer school programs, which will also be held online and begin June 9.

“Summer Academies will support students with ongoing learning and high school students with credit recovery so they can stay on track to graduate,” Nelson said. “Students will be identified and invited to participate in daily teacher led virtual learning activities.”

The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab on our website.

This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 9:55 AM.