Graduation procedures 2012

 
 January 23, 2012
 
Dear Parents of Seniors,
While it doesn’t seem possible, graduation is fast approaching. Contained in this letter is important information concerning all of the events surrounding this special event in your student’s life, and we ask that you retain this letter for future reference.
 
Recently, the seniors were asked to print their names as they should appear on their diplomas. You will receive a list of names in the mail. This list will be returned to Josten’s for diplomas and used as a master list for our graduation program. Please check your child’s formal name carefully, making sure there are no errors. The standard form for diplomas is to use the first, middle, and last name. Make sure your child’s name has not been omitted from the list. If there are any corrections or additions, please let Mrs. Bari know by email or in writing by February 3, 2012. Her email address is gbari@ahastars.org.
 
There are several key events surrounding graduation:

• Friday, May 25 is graduation practice. It is also the last day of school for seniors.  All seniors are required to attend practice. A large part of the day involves making sure that the seniors are in the correct order and that they know how to process for the ceremony. Absent students add extra time to everyone else’s day, as we stop to accommodate the empty spots. At the end of the day, students will receive their caps and gowns and information for ordering the class picture and graduation video. They will also receive an envelope containing a list of any obligations to the school that have not been met and that would delay receipt of their diploma and final transcript for colleges. (see below)

• Thursday, May 31 is the Baccalaureate Mass, at 7:00 p.m. at St Peter’s Church. While this is not a required event, we encourage all of the seniors and their parents to attend one last liturgy with their classmates. Seniors will have chosen a staff member to deliver a special message at the liturgy.

• Friday, June 1 is Celebration Day, when we celebrate the accomplishments of the school community, especially those of the senior class. Seniors will dress as they would for graduation (see below) and have their class picture taken before school. They will need to be at school by 7:15 a.m. that day! Weather permitting, the ceremony will be conducted on the front lawn. The Convocation Center will be used in the event of inclement weather

• Graduation is Sunday, June 3 at 4:00 p.m. As with Celebration Day, the ceremony will be on the front lawn. This has been the tradition of the school since 1931. The ceremony will be moved to the Convocation Center in the event of inclement weather. If it is necessary to move the ceremony inside, the decision will be made very early in the day of graduation. There are no tickets needed or a limit on guests whether outdoors or indoors.

 
At all required graduation events, students are expected to respect the dignity of the event so that all can enjoy them. If a student appears under the influence of alcohol or other chemicals, they will be removed and may be disqualified from participating in graduation events and the Senior Party. We ask your cooperation in ensuring your student’s compliance in this matter.
 
We will be very particular about the attire of seniors on both Celebration Day and at the graduation ceremony. Girls should choose a white dress or slip that does not show through the rather translucent white gown. Any nylons need to be flesh tone, and shoes should be white or off-white – no flip flops. We recommend that shoes be comfortable and appropriate for walking on stairs. Shorts and t-shirts are not allowed. Boys will be required to wear dark dress pants, dress shoes, a white shirt, and a tie. Any senior dressed inappropriately will not be allowed to walk with their class.
 
 
An important part of our school’s mission is to care for God’s creation. As a reflection of this commitment, we are pleased to tell you that we will be using naturally biodegradable gowns again this year. The gowns become the property of the family and do not need to be returned.
 
Seniors are required to be up-to-date on their financial obligation to the school in order to participate in graduation. Diplomas and transcripts will be withheld from any students with outstanding tuition, fines, detention, or missing textbooks, as well as those who have not met their academic requirements. Your AHA financial statement is accessible on NetClassroom.
 
Several vendors may contact you about graduation announcements and souvenirs. Holy Angels does not endorse any particular vendor, and you are under no obligation to purchase any of these items. The only things we require are the graduation fee (as shown in your payment coupon book) and a black and white or color wallet size photo for the yearbook. All other graduation costs are included in the graduation fee.
 
AHA students who are siblings of graduates are encouraged to participate in the graduation ceremony as Honor Guard members. Information about this will be in Star Connections and the daily bulletin later in the spring.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about graduation, please feel free to contact Mrs. Bari (612-798-2644) or Mr. Melhorn (612-798-2641).
Sincerely,
 Gayle Bari, Graduation Coodinator
Mark Melhorn, Assistant Principal