The NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) recognizes that high school graduation is a very special event and an equally important milestone for students who have earned a high school diploma, or additional degree during their K-12 years. NCDPI urges districts and schools to engage families, local public health officials, and local board attorneys as events are planned. To protect the health and safety of students, families, and staff, districts must abide by requirements outlined by current Executive Orders and the StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12). Our graduation plans for 2021 were developed in collaboration with our local health department, law enforcement, and emergency management providers to ensure our plans create a set of expectations and guidelines that will keep us all safe.  We also talked with our graduates about their expectations for our ceremonies and we are pleased to be able to celebrate them and do our very best to keep everyone safe.