According to Airnow.gov’s air quality index (AQI) online measurement tool, the Ambler area currently sits at a 270 AQI and is considered “Very Unhealthy.”

The tool’s suggestions read:

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens:

• Avoid physical activities outdoors.

Everyone else:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Keep outdoor activities short.
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

As a result, Wissahickon School District announced today that the high school’s commencement ceremony scheduled for Thursday will be held on Friday at 6:00pm.

From their announcement:

Due to the air quality still being in the unhealthy range, and the advice of health professionals to limit/avoid outdoor exposure, the District has determined it is in the best interests of our school community to postpone graduation until tomorrow night, Friday, June 9 at 6 PM in the WHS Stadium. Seniors should report to the auditorium by 5 PM. The event will be recorded and available on YouTube next week.

If there are still air quality concerns about being outdoors tomorrow night or if there is inclement weather, we will move Commencement indoors to the WHS Round Gym. In this case, attendance will be limited to two guests per graduate (pink tickets). However, the ceremony will be live-streamed to allow the community to watch it in the comfort and safety of your own home.

Commencement will be held tomorrow regardless of it being indoors or outdoors. We will send a follow-up message to the community Friday morning to confirm our plans.

Thank you! We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2023!