After a year like no other, Graduation ceremonies in Tama County are returning to somewhat normal.

Schools are also tasked with taking into account COVID-19 protocols mulling decisions like whether or not to limit guests, whether to hold an outside or indoor ceremony and the requirement of masks.

Schools in Tama County will be holding graduation ceremonies over the next two weeks.

The following is a breakdown when graduation is and what each school in Tama County has decided:

GMG

GMG’s graduation will be held Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. in the high school gym.

There will be no limitation on guests but guests are required to wear a mask.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck

Baccalaureate will be hosted at Peace Lutheran Church Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. in the high school gym. Masks are required. There will be no limitations on guests. Graduation will be livestreamed on Facebook and the school web page.

Meskwaki

Graduation will be held Sunday, May 29 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will be held outside weather permitting. There is no rain date. Masks are required, social distancing will be observed, no guest limitations. The graduation powwow is canceled for this year.

North Tama

Graduation will be held Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. In the gym. Masks are required. There will be no guest limitations.

South Tama

South Tama will host graduation at Trojan Field Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m. There will be no limitation on guests and masks are encouraged as social distancing may not be possible.

According to principal Mark Groteluschen, the decision to hold the ceremony outside was in large part due to the students advocating to have unlimited guests.

If it rains Sunday afternoon the school plans to access the radar for later in the evening on the 23rd.

Graduation was held outside last June with students sitting in the stands and standing as their name was called. This year students will be seated along the track and will get to walk across a stage.Guests will be seated in the homeside stands.

If anyone has concerns related to handicap parking Groteluschen encourages individuals to reach out to the high school.

Union

Graduation will be held Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m. In the gym. Masks are required. There will be no limitations on guests.

Public Health Recommendation

“The safest option is to hold outdoor ceremonies because it provides for more space and better ventilation,” Public Health Director Shannon Zoffka said.

If schools choose to hold ceremonies indoors Zoffka recommends limiting guests so each family group could be six feet apart.

The CDC is still encouraging masking if you are indoors and in a large group of people.

Tama County is currently sitting at 3.6% for the 14 day positivity.