One of the most-lamented changes that the COVID-19 pandemic brought last school year was the cancelation of graduation ceremonies, but, this week, the Long Beach Unified School District confirmed that it is in the planning stages of hosting in-person high school graduations this year at Veterans Stadium.

“Details are beginning to come together, including for traditional graduations (at reduced capacity with ticket limits),” said LBUSD spokesperson Chris Eftychiou.

The district doesn’t yet have a firm schedule but is targeting the week of June 11 to 16. A number of possibilities are in play depending on what’s allowable by health department guidelines. The district has looked at hosting multiple, smaller graduations by high school pathways/academies as well as larger ceremonies.

“Graduations may look a little different, with reduced capacity and other safety measures, but we’re all excited at the prospect of celebrating in person with our graduates,” said Eftychiou.

Last year, the LBUSD held drive-through campus graduations on several of its high school campuses. The district also distributed yard signs to its high school graduates, a tradition that has been repeated this year as well.

Last week, LBUSD superintendent Jill Baker also said that in-person elementary and middle school promotional ceremonies are being planned as well.