MCPS Announces Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions for Graduation, Allows for More Traditional Celebration

MCPS announced yesterday relaxed COVID-19 restrictions on senior graduations, allowing seniors more than two guests and rendering masks optional outdoors. 

How many additional guests seniors can invite will be dependent on the outdoor capacity limits of each school’s venue; Blake seniors will be able to have four guests total at graduation. 

Unlike before, seniors will no longer have to fill out the guest registration form for their guests because contact tracing is no longer necessary. However, seniors themselves must RSVP to graduation using this link. Each senior will automatically receive four tickets for graduation. Seniors will pick up these tickets along with their caps and gowns May 26. May 26 is also the date for material return. Items can be picked up and dropped off from 9 AM – 3 PM.

Additionally, staff members, who formerly had to reserve one of a limited number of spots for graduation, are now all expected to be in attendance (or on leave) like in a normal year. “I am looking forward to our staff being able to celebrate this great event with our students and families,” says Principal Bob Sinclair. 

No decision has been made yet about whether or not the band will be performing. Mr. Sinclair acknowledges the band has not had the opportunity to prepare for a graduation performance like they normally would have, but is currently discussing performance possibilities. 

The guest graduation speaker has been announced as Blake alumna and singer-songwriter Bibi Bourelly, best known for having written Rihanna’s “Higher” and “B**** Better Have My Money.”

In light of the relaxed restrictions, seniors will be having an in-person graduation rehearsal June 9 at 8 AM. Seniors should report to the auditorium by 8 AM that morning and the rehearsal should end by 10 AM. 

All classes for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will be cancelled June 11.

All other information pertaining to graduation such as dress code (heels will not be allowed), parking information, arrival time, etc. can be found in this document Mr. Sinclair will be sharing later via email.