ROCK SPRINGS — Sweetwater School District No. 1 put an informational item forward on the Board of Education meeting agenda on Monday August 13, 2018 for a proposed change of date for Rock Springs High School graduation ceremonies.

Prior to the district issuing further information and explanation, social media comments created potential for confusion and misunderstanding.

The District is issuing this media release to provide an accurate review of the process and remaining steps to be taken prior to any change in graduation dates or plans.

It’s important to share some background and history on how graduation dates are determined. The dates are identified by the Principal of each building.

The recommended dates are then placed on the Board of Education agenda as an information item to the Trustees and community.

In this case, Rock Springs High School Principal Mrs. Fletcher and the RSHS Administrative Team spent a significant amount of time discussing options to support our students, families, and staff.

After multiple conversations, the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. McGovern, agreed to present the recommendation, with the reasoning and support information, to the Board of Education as an informational item on the agenda for Monday, August 13th.

Dates for Farson, Wamsutter, and Black Butte High School are consistent with previous years. Rock Springs High School initially had a graduation date suggested for Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. to occur in Tiger Stadium under the lights.

This is different from the previous Saturday morning commencement exercises held during Memorial Day weekend for multiple reasons.

Rock Springs High School looked at the amount of support it takes to put on a successful graduation ceremony and is problem solving on how to conduct this while teachers are still under contract versus trying to find help after everyone has been released for the summer.

The District has also previously received feedback regarding conflicts with Memorial Day weekend vacation and travel plans and graduation occurring on that Saturday.

Finally, the District wants to make sure it can have full and active participation from our band and choir who contribute to make the graduation ceremony into the celebration that it is, this has become more difficult with graduation occurring after the last day of school for all students.

Although it is suggested for graduation to occur on Sunday May 19, 2019 at 6 pm, the District and Administration understand the need for feedback and consideration of other factors.

The District thanks the community for the constructive feedback that individuals have respectfully brought to our attention. The District is listening and realize that due to the timing, the District needs to look at providing alternative options that not only accommodate our students, families, and community, but also meets the needs to successfully put on a deserving celebration for our graduates.

With this, the District is proposing the following options for feedback:

Option A: Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Option B: Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Option C: Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

The administration of Rock Springs High School and the District will host two public forums for informational purposes and the District will also open up a comment section on our District website, www.sweetwater1.org or an email can be sent to: communications@sw1.k12.wy.us to provide an opportunity for feedback or proposals for alternative dates and times.

The Board hopes to see everyone at one of the two information meetings and receive feedback so a decision can be made that attempts to best meet the needs of everyone involved and provides time for family and friends to make plans to attend RSHS graduation in May 2019.

The same information will be provided at both meetings.

Informational Meetings

• Tuesday August 28, 2018 at 7 pm, Rock Springs High School Auditorium following the RSHS Open House
•  Wednesday September 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Rock Springs High School Auditorium
  The District appreciates the support and feedback from the community as we problem solve and come to a solution for graduation 2019 and celebrate this important milestone for our students.