Dear Students and Parents of the Class of 2013, It is hard to believe that Graduation 2013 is quickly approaching! We are extremely proud of our graduates and look forward to honoring each member of the Class of 2013 for reaching their goal of earning a high school diploma. Please understand that participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege. Students do have the option of receiving their earned high school diploma without participating in the ceremony. Please read and review the ceremony requirements. Dress Code – All seniors will be expected to dress accordingly to make graduation a formal ceremony. o Girls must wear slacks or a dress/skirt. o Boys must wear a dress shirt and pants. o No shorts or jeans will be permitted. o Shoes must be worn – sneakers and flip flops will not be permitted. o Appropriate attire must be worn including cap, gown, white collar (for girls), and tassel to participate in the ceremony. Alterations to cap and gown are prohibited. o The dress code for seniors will be evaluated and no student will be permitted to participate in the ceremony unless they have met the requirements of the dress code. Students not in compliance with the dress code will be instructed to go home to change in order to participate in the ceremony. Behavior during the Ceremony – o It is important that every student participating in the ceremony receive recognition and honor. For this reason, students, parents, and guests should refrain from posing distractions to the speakers on stage or while names are being read for diploma distribution. o Cameras will be recording behavior. o Disorderly conduct may result in police action. o Destruction of school district property may lead to restitution for the damage and police contact. (ex. harm to the artificial turf because of silly string) End of year Behavior – o Discipline occurrences at the end of the school year that lead to out of school suspension or expulsion may result in exclusion from the graduation ceremony. Search before the Ceremony – o A search of senior belongings will take place before the ceremony. Administrators will ask seniors to empty purses and pockets in an effort to protect against distracting items being brought into the stadium. Our school resource officer will be present for the search. Cooperation with school officials is expected to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. Inclement Weather – o Up-to-date information on whether graduation will be held at the football stadium or in the gymnasium will be available on the district website, www.sgasd.org and via Global Connect phone contact. This information will be posted on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 12:00 pm. o Students will be issued 6 graduation tickets during their commencement practice. If the ceremony is held indoors, these tickets will be required for admission to the gymnasium. o Close circuit television will be available in the high school auditorium for family and friends without tickets if the graduation is held indoors. Graduation Practice – Thursday, 5/30/13 at 10:00 am (meet in the gymnasium) o Attendance is mandatory to participate in the graduation ceremony. Diploma Procedure – o Graduates of the Class of 2013 will receive their diploma jacket in a white envelope during the 2013 graduation ceremony. Graduates will not receive their diploma during the graduation ceremony. After the graduation ceremony, students should report to the cafeteria of Spring Grove Area High School by 9:00 pm to receive their high school diploma. Students must show identification to receive their diploma. o If a student causes a disruption during the graduation ceremony, the student and his/her parent will receive the student diploma during a scheduled meeting with Dr. Cugliari during the week of June 3rd. Please contact Mrs. Nell to schedule an appointment if this is necessary. Graduation Information – o If the ceremony is held at Papermakers Stadium, a ticket will not be required for admission. A transport vehicle will be available at the gate of the football stadium for audience members who need extra assistance. o Handicapped parking is available. A state issued handicapped sticker is necessary to park in the specified parking places. o Shuttle buses will be available from all parking areas to the stadium. o Doors / gates will open at 6:00 pm. o Graduates should park in the student parking lot behind the high school and use the Lake Road entrance to the campus. o Graduates should report to the gymnasium (outdoor ceremony) or music wing (indoor ceremony) by 5:30 pm. Graduation is a special event for everyone. Our 2013 graduates are outstanding young adults who have demonstrated their high character during their senior year. I am confident that the graduates will make a positive difference in all of their pursuits after high school. The graduation ceremony will honor and reflect the achievements and celebrations of the class of 2013. Audience courtesy toward ceremony participants is expected. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the ceremony or your part as a participant or audience member. Forward the attached signature page to Mrs. Nell in the Spring Grove Area High School main office. Your signature indicates your wish to participate as part of the ceremony and that you are in agreement with the requirements. Please return completed form to Mrs. Nell by May 24, 2013. _______ Yes, I wish to participate in the graduation ceremony 2013 (pending qualification for high school diploma) and will adhere to the requirements specified in this document. _______ No, I do not wish to participate in the graduation ceremony 2013. _____________________________________________ Signature of Graduate _____________________________________________ Signature of Parent / Guardian