Penncrest High School
134 Barren Road
Media, Pennsylvania 19063
Telephone 610.627-6200
Fax 610-891-0898
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
Ralph Harrison
Acting Principal
March 1, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2015:
Graduation is rapidly approaching and with it comes the multitude of times, dates, and responsibilities for seniors and
their parents. The Senior Awards Assembly, Senior Garden Party, and our 57th Commencement Ceremony represent the
culmination of years of hard work and achievement, and it is these occasions that make us proud to be parents and
educators. Penncrest High School has always enjoyed a dignified and memorable graduation ceremony, and we eagerly
anticipate continuing this rich and time-honored tradition for your children as well.
In order to ensure a thoroughly memorable graduation process, we are informing you of all senior-related activities
leading to commencement, and invite you to the appropriate activities. Please review the following information with your
senior and stress your support for an elegant closure to their high school years.
The Class of 2015 will hold its Senior Awards Assembly on Friday, June 5th at 9:30 am in the Auditorium. You are
cordially invited to attend this special event as we recognize, honor, and celebrate the many achievements of the Class of
2015. Seniors are invited to the Senior Garden Party immediately following the awards assembly during which time
they will receive their 2015 Yearbooks.
Senior final exams will take place on Monday, June 8th, and Tuesday, June 9th.
Wednesday, June 10th marks the final day to make up exams and settle all other outstanding obligations in order to be
eligible for participation in graduation exercises.
Finally, on Thursday, June 11th, at 10:30 am, the Class of 2015 will celebrate the 57th Commencement of Penncrest
High School at the Pavilion at Villanova University. The Penncrest High School Commencement is an event where
graduates, parents, educators, and invited guests come together to participate in and recognize this important tradition.
Your child’s respectful behavior and appropriate dress will ensure a memorable commencement experience for all. We
look forward to the family and friends of all graduates sharing in the pride and prestige that commencement alone can
bring.
We appreciate your support and look forward to your participation in the celebration of your son’s or daughter’s final
steps towards young adulthood. For your convenience, the following pages provide greater detail regarding events related
to graduation. A copy of this letter and schedule is also available on the Penncrest website.
Sincerely,
Ralph Harrison
Acting Principal
Thursday, April 9, 2015, 11:59 pm: Local Scholarship Application
 The deadline to complete and submit the Local Scholarship Application is 11:59 pm on
Thursday, April 9, 2015. The Local Scholarship Application form is available on-line. The Guidance
Department encourages seniors to visit the link on the Penncrest home page. Students interested in being
considered for any of the local scholarships must complete the application. Only students who complete the
form will be included in the discussion for a local scholarship.
Saturday, May 2, 2015, 6:30 pm: Senior Prom
 The Senior Prom will be held at Drexelbrook Catering and Banquet Facility in Drexel Hill.

Seniors MUST BE IN SCHOOL on Friday, May 1, 2015 in order to attend the Senior Prom.

Seniors will not be granted excused early dismissals for prom preparation.

Students must have a signed dance contract on file in order to be permitted to purchase prom tickets.

Please note that seniors who have not met the following graduation requirements will not be permitted to
purchase tickets to the Prom: School and Community Service, and the Graduation Project.

Students must also have all other obligations cleared to purchase a prom ticket, including academic, cafeteria,
library, and athletic obligations.

As is the policy for all school dances to ensure the safety of all students, each student and his or her guest will
be subject to a, “Breathalyzer.”

Students should park in the designated parking lot at Drexelbrook.

Students will have the opportunity to have professional photos taken at the Prom. Students will need to pay
for their orders at that time. Although pictures will be taken throughout the evening, it is suggested that
students have the photos taken upon arrival to Drexelbrook.
Sunday, May 3, 2015, 12 am: AM Prom
 All seniors and their guests will be invited to attend the AM Prom at Penncrest High School beginning at
midnight and ending at 5:00 am. Seniors who are not planning to attend the Prom are welcome to attend the
AM Prom.

Additional information will be distributed to students as the event draws closer. Parents and members of the
community have donated countless hours of preparation and set-up to this wonderful and memorable
tradition.
Tuesday, May 26 – Thursday, May 28, 2015: Cap and Gown Distribution
Eligible seniors will receive their cap and gown in accordance with the following schedule:
Tuesday, May 26th
Wednesday, May 27th
Thursday, May 28th
Students with last names beginning with A-I
Students with last names beginning with J-R
Students with last names beginning with S-Z
Wednesday, June 3, 2015: iPad Collection
Seniors will be called to the Auditorium on Wednesday, June 3 via voice signal. Upon arrival to the Auditorium, the
technology department will expect to receive three items:
1. iPad (issued by the district to the specific senior listed to that device) that is in-tact and without damages
2. Apple brand power cord for the iPad
3. Apple brand charger block for the iPad


Please note: if the iPad issued to a senior is damaged in any way, proper insurance paperwork MUST
be submitted PRIOR to collection day.
Please note: if any of the three items listed above are not submitted at the time of collection, the cash
equivalent for that item must be paid at the obligation station there that day.
o iPad:
$750
o Apple brand power cord: $20
o Apple brand charger block: $20
Friday, June 5, 2015, 9:30 am: Senior Awards Assembly and Garden Party
Senior Awards Assembly
 The Senior Awards Assembly will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, June 5, in the Penncrest High School
Auditorium. Students will report to the Auditorium via voice signal from their classes at that time.

Parents are cordially invited to attend this impressive celebration of the many successes of the members of the
Class of 2015.
Senior Garden Party
 The tradition of the Senior Garden Party continues! Seniors will congregate after the Awards Assembly,
receive their yearbooks, and enjoy the rest of the day with a nice lunch and good friends.

As with the AM Prom, a great number of parents and the community have worked hard to create this
memorable event for the Class of 2015.
Monday, June 8, 2015 – Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 7:44-11:08 am: Senior Final Examinations
7:30-7:40 am
7:44-9:24 am
9:28-11:08 am
June 8th
Homeroom
English
Science
June 9th
Homeroom
Social Studies
Math
June 10th
Make-up Only
Make-up Only
Make-up Only
** Please note that students must arrange times for make-up exams with teachers prior to the time of the exam.
On June 8th and 9th, bus transportation will be provided in the morning as usual. Buses will also be available to take
students home at 9:30 am (for those that do not have a second final) and at 11:08 am (for those who do have a second
final). If a senior does not have a math or science exam, they are permitted to leave after taking the first exam of the day.
Students who do not have a first final in the morning may take the bus or arrive to school at the regular time. They must
remain in a designated location until the 9:28 am final begins. If students drive, they are permitted to park and arrive in
time for the 9:28 am final.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015: Make-up Day:
Students are welcome to arrive to school by bus or they are permitted to drive. There is no 9:30 or 11:08 transportation
home available that day.
**Students are required to take final exams in order to pass the course unless they have been notified they qualify
for an exemption. Students must take required finals in order to maintain academic eligibility for graduation**
Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 11:45 am: Commencement Rehearsal
 Mandatory rehearsal will be held at 11:45 in the Penncrest High School Kaufman Gymnasium. Students
must attend rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. If your daughter/son does not attend
rehearsal, s/he will not participate in commencement. All instructions for the ceremony will be discussed
and procedures will be practiced. Students must arrive on time for graduation rehearsal.

Students are reminded to eat lunch prior to arrival.

Ten admission tickets will be issued to each graduate for distribution to family and friends. Tickets are to be
used for admission to the Pavilion at Villanova University. Please note: Commencement tickets will NOT
be distributed to seniors with outstanding obligations.

Yearbooks may not be brought to commencement rehearsal.
**Please note: Commencement tickets will NOT be distributed to students with outstanding obligations. Seniors
with obligations are strongly encouraged to use the morning of June 10th, if necessary, to settle any obligations**
Thursday, June 11, 2015, 10:30 am: Penncrest High School’s 57th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2015!
 Commencement begins promptly at 10:30 am at the Pavilion at Villanova University.

Students are to report to the Jake Nevin Field House no later than 9:30 am in preparation for the ceremony.
School personnel will line up the students for the procession. Students should be wearing caps and gowns
(tassels to the right!) prior to assembling in line. Nothing else is to be brought to commencement, as there
is no place to store personal items.
Appropriate Graduation Attire
 Students who are not dressed in appropriate attire will not be permitted to participate in commencement.
Students with difficulty meeting the requirements listed below should see Mr. Silva as soon as possible.
Commencement is a solemn and dignified ceremony and we expect students to dress and act accordingly.
o
No decorations or flowers are to be worn in the cap, gown, or person.
o
Young men must wear a shirt with a collar, tie, trousers, socks and dress shoes (no sandals or
sneakers).
o
Young ladies should wear a light-colored dress. The graduation gowns are a light material, and
patterned or dark dresses show through the gown. We recommend that young ladies also wear flat
shoes (preferably white). Flip-flops are not permitted.

Upon receiving the cap and gown package in May, students need to make sure all parts of the graduation
regalia are included in the package (cap, gown, and tassel). Hang the gown to remove the wrinkles; steaming
the gown works best. If you iron the gown, use very low heat and be very careful.

Students and guests are expected to be polite and courteous during the ceremony. We expect our graduates
and their guests to afford all involved in the ceremony the respect and dignity they deserve. Parents and
guests are reminded that signs, banners, balloons, noisemakers, air horns, etc. are not appropriate for
commencement ceremonies and are not permitted in the Pavilion. We appreciate your cooperation. We
want every student to have his or her moment in the spotlight.
Miscellaneous Information
 Seniors who have not satisfied their graduation requirements cannot participate in the commencement
ceremony. There are no exceptions to this rule. These students will be notified as soon after final
examinations as possible.

Students participating in graduation will be given ten tickets for family and friends. The tickets are to be used
for admission to the Pavilion. Only guests with tickets will be permitted to enter the arena. Each person will
be required to have a ticket regardless of his or her age.

The front row on each side of the arena and seating in the back of the arena is reserved for spectators who are
elderly or handicapped.
**Please note: Commencement tickets will not be distributed to students with outstanding obligations.

Villanova does provide handicapped parking and a drop-off for elderly and handicapped spectators. Please
see directions below.

Admission to the Pavilion will begin at 9:30 am for all guests and family members possessing tickets.

Photography is permitted during the graduation ceremony, but must be taken from your seat only. We will
have a professional photographer from Lifetouch Studios taking pictures of each graduate as they receive their
diploma. You may view and purchase this photograph if you choose. Please be aware of your impact on
other guests.

Directions to Villanova University (please allow at least 60 minutes travel time):
o
o
o

Exit the Blue Route (I-476 North) at Exit #13 (St. David’s/Villanova)
Turn right at the first traffic light onto Rt. 30/Lancaster Avenue.
Follow Lancaster Ave. past Villanova’s main campus to the light at Ithan Avenue.
 Senior citizens and handicapped citizens turn left onto Ithan Avenue and proceed to the
entrance of the Pavilion (second right) for drop off in front of the building.
 All other traffic, turn right onto Ithan Avenue and park in either of the large lots.
If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Harrison at 610-627-6202 at your earliest convenience. We are
anticipating a wonderful 57th Commencement Ceremony and are glad you will be with us!