The Butler Area School District is not holding a commencement ceremony or prom because of the restrictions while the county remains in the green reopening phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, the district updated its athletics plan for fall sports and summer open gym use.

The district was considering holding a traditional commencement program July 15 at the high school football field and holding the prom July 13. The prom would have been held at Butler County Community College if large indoor gatherings were permitted, or in the high school parking lot if indoor gatherings were not permitted.

However, both were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Superintendent Brian White said.

He said he is glad the district held mini-diploma ceremonies for graduating seniors June 4 through 6, and is disappointed that commencement and the prom had to be canceled, but an event to recognize the 2020 graduating class could still be held.

“I still hope to hold a Senior Recognition/Class of 2020 event in the future. We will certainly keep you posted if we are able to hold a Senior Recognition/Class of 2020 event in the future,” White said in an update on the district's website.

On Friday, White posted an athletics update that the athletics office will open Aug. 3, and no one is allowed to enter the office to drop off registration paperwork until then. Student athletes are asked to mail their registration paperwork and athletic fees to: Butler Athletic Office, 120 Campus Lane, Butler, PA 16001. Those unable to mail the paperwork and fee can slide the paperwork and payment under the athletics office door or use the drop-off box at the district administration building. The drop-off box is on the door directly to the left of the main entrance of the administration building.

To participate in summer workouts and open gyms, each student athlete must turn in the “BASD Waiver for Summer Open Gyms” to their coach before participating in summer open gyms. The form is located on the athletics office website at www.basdk12.org/athletics.

Families who can't print the registration forms and waiver can pick up copies from the back of the athletics office door or contact their children's coach.

State COVID guidelines regarding fall sports prohibit spectators at games, White said. His post includes this link to the state guidelines: https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/sports-guidance.