April 9, 2021 – Collinsville High School announced plans for 2021 Commencement to be held in-person on Saturday, May 15, in Fletcher Gymnasium.
Based on public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Madison County Health Department (MCHD), the following modifications are necessary to allow social distancing:
- This year’s ceremony will be held in two sections: Students with last names A-L will graduate in a ceremony that begins at 10:00 a.m.; Students with last names M-Z will graduate in a separate ceremony that begins at 1:00 p.m.
- Students are strictly limited to two guest tickets. The tickets will be available for student pick-up the week of April 19th in the CHS Main Office. Remote-only students will receive instructions to come to the Main Office to get their tickets.
- Graduates’ chairs will be separated from each other; guests are required to socially distance themselves in bleacher seating.
Both ceremonies will be live-streamed to allow family and friends to watch from home.
Everyone attending commencement is required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. Families are asked to limit time in the gymnasium following the ceremony to allow staff to clean the facility; and to depart from the parking lot in a timely manner following the first session to make space for vehicles arriving for session two.
A photographer will take individual photos of each grad onsite with their diploma. A complimentary portrait, along with a composite class photo, will be sent to every graduate courtesy of CHS in a few weeks following the ceremony.
Specific instructions and rules for graduation will be shared with seniors in the coming days. In lieu of a graduation practice, all graduates will report to their assigned rooms on graduation day and receive guidance for the ceremony.
If any graduation guest has special needs requiring accommodations in Fletcher Gym during graduation, please contact the CHS Main Office. Seniors previously ordered and picked-up their caps and gowns at school. If you still need to order a cap and gown, please contact Jostens AS SOON AS POSSIBLE at 618-654-1001.
Additional Information for Celebrating the Class of 2021
Congratulatory Yard Signs: On Monday, April 19, CHS staff will begin delivering congratulatory yard signs to the homes of the Class of 2021. Watch for teachers, coaches and administrators popping up in neighborhoods throughout the community.
Academic Signing Day: Academic Signing Day will be held in-person on Monday, April 26, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the CHS Fine Arts Center. Please see Ms. Olsen in the Counseling Department if you have not received or turned in a participation form and related information.
Honors Convocation: Honors Convocation will be held in-person on Wednesday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. in Fletcher Gymnasium. Guest seating is limited to two guests per honoree to allow for social distancing. Guests and participants will be expected to wear masks during the event. Friends and family are invited to watch a livestream of the event. The livestream link will be shared on the www.kahoks.org website and on district social media. Students who have earned recognition at Honors Convocation will receive an invitation and additional information prior to the event.
For updated information between now and graduation, please check the dedicated Celebrating the Class of 2021 page on the www.kahoks.org website. It will be updated frequently and will include links to livestream events and other information for the Class of 2021 and their families.