NBHS CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION INFORMATION
The New Britain High School Class of 2020 will hold four identical graduation ceremonies on July 30 and 31. The class will include more than 500 seniors from NBHS, the NBHS Satellite Careers Academy (SCA), and Brookside School. We know that you may have numerous questions regarding the ceremony and how it will take place. Below, you will find the most commonly asked questions. Additionally, you can view our news release, which includes other details.
When will the Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony be held?
The New Britain High School Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony will be held on July 30 and 31. There will be four identical ceremonies, with two of them taking place on July 30 at 9 AM and 12 Noon, and two taking place on July 31 at the same time.
Where will graduation ceremonies take place?
Graduation ceremonies will take place at Willow Brook Park and streamed live on CSDNB’s media platforms.
How will I know what graduation ceremony I am supposed to attend?
The graduation ceremonies will be split into the following manner:
• Thursday, July 30 at 9 AM: Students with the last name A through C (Yellow Parking Pass)
• Thursday, July 30 at Noon: Students with the last name D through K (Red Parking Pass)
• Friday, July 31 at 9 AM: Students with the last name L through P (Blue Parking Pass)
• Friday, July 31 at Noon: Students with the last name Q through Z (Green Parking Pass)
What time will I be able to enter the parking lot?
The parking lot
will open at 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM ceremonies and at 11:30 AM for the 12:00 Noon ceremonies. Each senior has been given one parking pass for their vehicle to use on the day of the ceremony. This pass is required for entry into Willow Brook Park. Vehicles that do not have a parking pass will not be admitted into the ceremony. Recreational vehicles and mini busses will not be permitted as they may obscure the view of other families.
Where should I park?
As you enter the park, attendants will direct you to a parking space. In order to avoid traffic jams, families must park in the space designated by the attendants. Spaces will be left vacant in between vehicles to ensure safety. Please remain in your car. Please refrain from playing loud music. Masks must be worn.
How many people can I bring to the graduation ceremony?
Due to space restrictions and social distancing recommendations, only one vehicle per family is permitted.
What kind of vehicle can I bring to the graduation ceremony?
Attendees can only arrive in standard vehicles. No recreational or oversized vehicles will be permitted.
What if I don't have a vehicle?
If you don't have a vehicle, we will make alternate arrangements with you. NBHS students can email NBHS Associate Principal Mr. Billy: Billy@csdnb.org. SCA students can email Principal Mr. John Mayette: MayetteJ@csdnb.org.
If I am in my car, how will I be able to see the stage and hear the speakers?
We will have large LED screens and amplified speakers throughout the lot. Cars will be assigned specific parking spaces and will be separated from each other by at least one parking space.
Will everything be done virtually, or will there still be parts of the ceremony that take place in-person?
The ceremony will include both virtual and in-person speakers, as well as performances.
Will students be allowed to walk across the stage to receive their diploma?
Yes! We know how important this tradition is for students. At the end of the ceremony, parking attendants will direct cars to exit Willow Brook. Cars will process by the stage. As they approach the stage, attendants will beckon the graduate to exit the vehicle to cross the stage and receive their diploma cover. Only the graduating senior may exit the vehicle. All vehicles will exit via Karbonic Way.
Will social distancing guidelines be enforced?
All attendees are asked to maintain proper social distancing guidelines, as outlined by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. There will also be signs throughout the parking lot to remind everyone of these standards.
Will I receive my diploma?
Traditionally, students who graduate NBHS collect their actual diploma in the days following the ceremony. This is done because we are such a large school, we want to ensure that each student receives the correct diploma. We will be posting a series of dates and times that students may come by the high school to retrieve their diploma. Students must have a photo ID in order to retrieve their diploma.
