District mulls graduation plans

SPRINGDALE — The Springdale school district is exploring options to hold graduation ceremonies in the spring.

During a Springdale School Board workshop, Shannon Tisher, assistant superintendent for eighth through 12th grade curriculum, instruction and innovation at the Springdale School District, shared initial discussions for commencement and proms.

Archer Learning Center is exploring having graduation for its 220 graduates at a to-be-determined time May 16 at Bulldog Stadium at Springdale High, she said. Graduates wouldn’t be limited on the number of invited guests, she said.

Tyson School of Innovation is discussing having two ceremonies from 12-1 p.m. and from 2-3 p.m. on May 16 in the school’s Performing Arts Center, Tisher said. Families would be limited to inviting six family members each, she said.

Springdale and Har-Ber high schools are discussing having multiple ceremonies on May 15 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Tisher said.

The board favored having ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for Springdale and 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. for Har-Ber.

Having a ceremony at Bud Walton may limit guest participation to six people per graduate, Tisher said. The arena also has covid-19 guidance in place preventing choir performances, would prohibit a traditional processional and would require students to exit the arena upon receiving their diplomas, among other restrictions, she said.

No decisions have been made on holding the ceremonies at the arena, Tisher said. The district is awaiting feedback on how covid-19 restrictions may be modified March 31, when Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced the public health emergency in the state will end, she said.

All Springdale high schools will have a senior event of some kind May 1 in lieu of prom, Tisher said.

The events will only be open to seniors, she said, and may resemble red carpet events.