Dear Class of 2020 Students and Parents,

Our plans to celebrate the Class of 2020 are taking shape and we are excited to share them with you.

We have developed a plan to provide an opportunity to photograph seniors at school. We know how important a graduation photo is for students and their families to mark this important milestone. This process was developed based on current data and guidance from the Fairfax County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  It includes specific practices for social distancing and steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We ask for everyone’s cooperation to make sure all seniors and their families have a safe and enjoyable experience during their scheduled time. The photo op event will be hosted outside. It will be facilitated in an expedited drive-thru fashion (5 minutes per student) over multiple days. Graduates (dressed in cap and gown) and their families will remain in their vehicle until it is time to be called to the set-up area. All photographs must be taken within a 5-minute time frame to allow for seamless transition to the next student. Graduates and their family who choose to walk to the school will be accommodated.   

If students receive their diploma and cover prior to the photo opportunity day, please remind them to bring them to the photo opportunity.

We will be reaching out to provide more detail about scheduling a time for your family and more logistics for your photo opportunity when available.

Health and Safety Requirements: 

We will follow all health guidelines as provided by the Health Department.

• Students and family members (in one vehicle) will have a health survey completed by a staff member on the scheduled day of their photo op.
• Social distancing of 6 feet or more will be maintained at all times.
• Photo-op will last no more than 5 minutes.
• Per CDC guidelines, students and family members will wear facial masks until the time that they have their photo taken.  
• Per CDC guidelines, there will be no more than 10 persons total permitted at the photo location including FCPS staff.
• Persons over the age of 65 will not be permitted at the photo op UNLESS they are currently residing within the student’s household. 

Staff members (1-2) will be present at the informal photo opportunity. For the safety of our graduates, families and staff will not be able to shake hands or engage in physical interaction. A professional photographer will be available to take a photo of graduates/families.  Families will be able to order photos and purchase through the photographer at a later date.

We will continue to provide updates and information about graduation activities, and we look forward to honoring the senior class in the weeks to come.

Sincerely, 

Fairfax County Public Schools