Riverside Unified School District
John W. North High School
1550 Third Street
Riverside, CA 92507
Main Office: (951) 788-7311
Fax: (951) 328-2581
Website: jwnorth.org
April, 2014
To:
The Class of 2014 and Parents
From:
Lynne Sheffield, Principal
Becky Porter, Student Activities Director
Michelle Grotness, Senior Class Advisor
Greg Schive, Senior Class Advisor
Valentina Lore, Senior Class President
The Class of 2014 will soon be involved in a number of activities that culminate with John W. North High
School’s 49th Commencement Ceremony to be held at North High School on Wednesday, June 11.
We are excited that this year’s senior class will be the first to graduate from our new stadium! This letter and
the enclosed Senior Activities Calendar will provide necessary information regarding senior activities. Please take
time to read through the packet so that you and your senior are aware of all pre-Commencement activities and
the rules that govern them.
The Class of 2014 is required to pass the California State High School Exit Exam as well as fulfill all course
requirements for graduation in order to receive a high school diploma. All seniors who meet both of these
expectations will be awarded a diploma during the Commencement Ceremony. Seniors who fulfill all course
requirements for graduation but do not pass the Exit Exam will also be included in the Commencement
Ceremony and will receive a Certificate of Completion. Please understand that all seniors who fulfill
Riverside Unified School District course requirements for graduation will be included in the
Commencement Ceremony and other senior activities.
The Senior Behavior Contract, signed earlier this year by seniors and parents, outlines North’s
expectations of senior behavior both in and outside of the classroom. Seniors who experience academic
difficulties, attendance problems, discipline problems, or outstanding fines may not be allowed to
participate in senior activities such as Prom, Grad Nite, Senior Breakfast, and the Commencement Ceremony.
All Riverside Unified School District as well as North High School rules and regulations apply to all senior
activities up through the conclusion of Grad Nite at Magic Mountain on Friday, June 13.
Parents are encouraged to review your student’s third quarter report card which will be mailed at the end of
April. In order for John W. North High School to provide activities that are both memorable and dignified,
seniors will be held strictly accountable for their behavior during senior events. It is important to understand
that very serious consequences, including suspension and expulsion from school or the denial of participation
in any of these activities, may occur if rules of conduct are violated. Although all of the information enclosed
is important, the key elements will be highlighted:
1.
The RUSD drug/alcohol policy will be strictly enforced at all North High School
events. The Riverside Unified School District will make available the canine detection unit, which
provides drug dogs for school sponsored activities. Testing for blood alcohol through the use of a
breathalizer will take place at all events for students under suspicion of intoxication. Any student
who possesses, uses or is under the influence of drugs/alcohol will be suspended from school for
five days (expelled if second offense). The police will be notified.
An International Baccalaureate School
2.
Senior Exhibition will be held on Thursday, April 24. Seniors do not attend classes on this date.
Seniors must report to campus for their scheduled appointment between 1:30 – 3:45 p.m.
3.
The Junior-Senior Prom will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Green River Golf Club in
Corona. In the past, some students have chosen to rent hotel rooms before and after this event.
It is the school’s position that students shall not be in any hotel room without the direct supervision
of their parents. A reminder that possession and use of tobacco, alcohol and/or illegal substances
will not be allowed.
4.
Caps and gowns, and Commencement tickets will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28.
Each senior will receive 7 complimentary tickets to the ceremony. Family and friends attending
the ceremony will need a ticket to enter the stadium, with the exception of children under five
years old. Extra tickets will not be available. We are pleased to announce that the Riverside
Unified School district will provide a live stream of North’s Commencement Ceremony
at www.watchrusd.org.
5.
Senior Final Exams will be held June 2 -6. Senior Checkout will take place on Friday,
June 6.
6.
The Baccalaureate Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 5. The ceremony will be held in
the North High School Amphitheatre. This outdoor setting will accommodate all participating
seniors, their families and friends.
7.
Commencement rehearsals will be held on June 9 and June 11. Attendance at both
rehearsals is required in order to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
8.
The Senior Breakfast will be held at John’s Incredible Pizza on Tuesday, June 10. Students
wishing to attend may purchase tickets the week prior to the breakfast.
9.
The Commencement Ceremony will be held in the J.W. North Stadium on Wednesday,
June 11. Commencement is a dignified ceremony. Seniors must dress and behave in an
appropriate manner. Seniors displaying improper conduct will be removed from the
Commencement Ceremony.
10.
Grad Nite at Magic Mountain will be held on Thursday, June 12. Seniors are reminded that
they must follow all Riverside Unified School District rules while attending Grad Nite. Tickets will be
sold April 14 – May 2. Due to district transportation deadlines, all buses for Grad Nite must be
confirmed by May 2. The number of buses ordered will be determined by the number of tickets sold,
therefore, the final opportunity to purchase Grad Nite tickets will be Friday, May 2.
Commencement is an exciting time for seniors and their families. As this will be the first Commencement
Ceremony to take place in our new stadium, please plan to arrive early. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m.
Campus parking will be very limited. Car pooling is recommended and additional parking will be available on
Chicago Avenue and nearby city streets.
Please discuss the information and expectations outlined in this letter and the Senior Activities Calendar.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Student Activities Director, Becky Porter, at 951.788.7311
x63247 or rporter@rusd.k12.ca.us. For additional senior information, you may also visit our website at
jwnorth.org.