From virtual ceremonies to teacher parades and yard signs, how Central Florida schools are adapting to socially distant celebrations

ORLANDO, Fla. — With the end of the school year looming and social distancing protocols remaining in place, Central Florida schools and parents are looking for new ways to celebrate educational milestones from afar.

With graduations being moved online, and end-of-year classroom celebrations canceled, students, parents and teachers have to get creative to mark the occasions.

From drive-by teacher parades to yard signs and virtual ceremonies, Central Florida teachers and students are finding ways to connect and show their appreciation like never before.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate a teacher or student in your life, here are some examples of socially distant celebrations for inspiration:

Yard signs

Walking through your neighborhood, you may have noticed yard signs popping up to recognize the teachers that live in your community.

School administrations and parent organizations have come together to drop off the signs to thank their teachers and staff for their work during the pandemic.

READ: Chalk it up: Florida teacher’s message brings students comfort during coronavirus pandemic

Car parades

Parades of cars through neighborhoods have become a popular way to celebrate in the era of social distancing. Teachers drive through neighborhoods where students live sending waves and smiles to the students they haven’t seen face-to-face in months, or students drive past schools where teachers await outside with signs.

Video: Seminole County students celebrate teachers with a socially distant parade Students from Lawton Chiles Middle School gave a parade for their teachers on Friday.

VIDEO: How students, parents are keeping teachers Central Florida Strong Families are finding unique ways to show support for their teachers.

READ: Oviedo principal, administrators share gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week

Virtual celebrations

From graduations to end-of-year celebrations, many schools are turning to YouTube, Facebook and Zoom for their gatherings.

Last week, Orange County Public Schools took its annual Super Scholars celebration virtual.

READ: ‘Adopt a senior’ Facebook group gives Volusia County high school seniors virtual celebration, encouragement

Adopt-a-senior

A mom in Volusia County created a Facebook group to help community members “adopt” graduating seniors to make the end of their senior year special, despite events like prom being canceled.

Watch the video below for the full story of how it works:

Video: Adopt a senior Facebook group gives Volusia County high school seniors virtual celebration, encouragement Graduation plans for the majority of Central Florida high school seniors are being put on hold. That includes the 4,000 seniors in Volusia County.

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