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April 8, 2015
Dear Seniors and Parents:
Glenbard West High School will hold its Commencement for the Class of 2015 at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015.
Our teachers and administrators are looking forward to this ceremony that will recognize the accomplishments of the
Class of 2015. We know how hard they have worked to achieve their goals and prepare themselves for life beyond
high school. Most have built relationships and connections within the school that will last a lifetime. We would like
to emphasize the importance of exiting with pride and acknowledge that the most important tradition is for our
seniors to end the school year with positive memories and enriching experiences. Our faculty and staff are hard at
work planning a commencement ceremony that will allow your graduate and family members the opportunity to
celebrate this special moment.
The administration, faculty and staff at West believe that it is important to make the end of the year special for
seniors. We know that our seniors and their parents share this objective. Toward this goal, we have worked with
student leadership and planned a number of activities that are designed to maintain expectations, celebrate the
accomplishments and recognize the achievements of our graduates.
As we look forward to this year’s culminating activities, we will maintain our expectations for serious work and
proper behavior through the last day of student attendance. There have been unfortunate times when a graduating
senior used poor judgment during these last days in high school and engaged in campus vandalism or improper
conduct. Please realize that such behavior could jeopardize that student's participation in the commencement
ceremony and/or result in more serious consequences. This year we have held meetings with senior leaders to
hear their concerns and make our expectations are known and clear. Also, remember that there are NO "ditch days"
and students who miss school for unauthorized reasons will face academic and disciplinary consequences. We
appreciate the support we receive from parents in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all students
throughout the school year.
Enclosed is important commencement information that will address everything you need to know as we
“Exit with Pride.” There are also two important forms that need to be filled out and returned to school.
The Commencement Participation Form and the Ticket Order Form are both due by May 8, 2015.
We look forward to sharing this commencement with our families and the Class of 2015. Commencement
will be an occasion where we reflect the significance of their accomplishments and the pride we all feel on
their behalf. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Chris Mitchell
Assistant Principal for Student Services
[email protected]
Commencement Guidelines
Commencement Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the commencement
ceremony:
1. Successfully complete academic and attendance requirements from Glenbard West High
School (as specified in the Castle Keys Handbook) during the first or second semester of the
2014-2015 school year.
2. Clear all financial obligations by 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015.
Responsibilities of Graduates
1. Be sure that you have ordered your cap and gown. If for some reason you have not, you may
still do so through Herff-Jones (815) 756-4743 or www.herffjonesIL.com.
2. Return the attached forms to the appropriate individuals by the due dates.
3. Complete the online Senior Survey in Naviance between April 15th – May 15th.
4. Clean out your locker by Thursday, May 28th. Anything left will be donated, recycled, or
disposed of.
5. Clear all obligations and responsibilities by Wednesday, May 27th to the appropriate personnel.
6. Attend Commencement Rehearsal. Report promptly to the commencement rehearsal in the
Field House at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd. Participation in the rehearsal is mandatory.
NOTE: Failure to participate in the commencement rehearsal may result in the student being
excluded from the ceremony.
7. Remember to wear appropriate commencement attire. Students are expected to dress in a
manner appropriate to the occasion. Boys are to wear dress slacks and dress shirts. Girls should
wear dress attire. All students are to wear dress shoes. Note: If a student arrives in
inappropriate attire, they will be asked to change or NOT march in the processional.
8. Maintain the dignity of the commencement ceremony. Be respectful, quiet and attentive during
the commencement ceremony so that parents, friends and guests have the opportunity to hear
all of
the graduates’ names being announced.
9. When taking the diploma on stage, remember to use a firm handshake; make eye contact
with
the presenter of your diploma, while taking your diploma with your left hand and shaking
hands
with your right hand. If you want to assure that your name is pronounced correctly
during the graduation ceremony, there will be an opportunity during the commencement
practice to speak to those who will be reading names.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Save cheering for after the ceremony.
Avoid gum chewing, food or use of cell phones.
Please do not bring purses. There is no place to put them, you’ll be holding a diploma.
Enjoy the ceremony!
NOTE: Seniors who do not wish to adhere to these responsibilities are entitled to not
attend graduation and to pick their diplomas from the registrar after June 5, 2015.
Responsibilities of Parents
1. Be aware of the proper forms that need to be turned in prior to graduation and take time to review this
packet with your graduate.
2. Arrive to graduation early. The gate will open at 4:30 p.m.
3. Avoid shouting out and or clapping between the reading of names. We want everyone to hear each
graduate’s name announced and this can only be accomplished if everyone remains quiet during the
ceremony. Please hold your applause until all names have been read.
4. Avoid bringing large bouquets, latex or Mylar balloons or umbrellas please.
5. Once the home side bleachers are filled to capacity or after 6:00 p.m. all spectators will be asked to sit
on the visitor’s side or the air-conditioned Auditorium where closed-circuit viewing is available.
6. Be aware that should there be inclement weather and graduation is held indoors, only the GREEN (all
admission) and WHITE (handicapped) tickets will be recognized in Biester. All other tickets (gold) will be
designated for the auditorium.
7. The complete ceremony will take approximately 1½ hours.
IMPORTANT
Cap and Gown
Cap and gowns will be distributed at the Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal on
Wednesday, June 3th. There will be a $50 charge (cash only) for anyone who purchases a
cap and gown on this day.
Most students have already ordered a cap and gown. If you have not ordered a cap and
gown, please contact Herff-Jones immediately at (815) 756-4743 www.herffjonesIL.com.
Mandatory Senior Meeting – Wednesday, April 15th
Mandatory Senior Meeting in the Auditorium periods 7 & 8. The Senior Class group picture
(panoramic photo) will be taken following the meeting by Lifetouch. The cost of the
panoramic photo is $25 and can be ordered online by visiting events.lifetouch.com. Also
included in this packet you will find information on ordering a graduation DVD
produced by the professional company Communications Resource Management . You
may pre-order your DVD by contacting:
http://comresource.net/gbw/2015_grad_dvd.htm
All Forms Due Friday, May 08, 2014
Commencement Participation Form (Pink) (Return to Ms. Rosario – Student Services)
Provided there are no outstanding
obligations and the student is otherwise
eligible to participate in the commencement
ceremony.
Commencement Extra Ticket Order
Form (Green)
(Return to Ms. Quirk – Student Services)
Tickets will be given to each student at the
Cinco de Mayo on Circle Drive – Friday, May 08, 2015
Cinco de Mayo dance will take place on Circle Drive from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Senior Honors Convocation – Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Senior Honors Convocation is in the Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to attend this
assembly to recognize the many academic achievements of the Class of 2015.
Final Exams for Seniors – Monday, May 22, 2015
Final Exams for Seniors
Final Exams for seniors in danger of failing a course will be given in the Library on Monday,
May 22, 2015.
Seniors Last Day - Friday, May 29th, 2015
Senior Class Picnic and “Senior Most” Awards (11:56a.m. – approximately 2:00 p.m.)
Administration reserves the right to change or cancel events due to senior conduct.
Senior Picnic – Starting period 6 on northeast corner behind Duchon field. Students are
expected to attend classes up until the end of period 5 and then go directly to the picnic
area. Seniors will leave campus by 2:00 p.m. Senior students who participate in a senior
prank that endangers others, disrupts the educational process or disrespects our school will
face serious consequences including removal from graduation.
“Senior Most” awards will take place at the senior picnic.
Rehearsal Day – Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Mandatory rehearsal for commencement will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. in Biester Field
house. ATTENDANCE AT REHEARSAL IS MANDATORY. Seniors will receive
graduation tickets, cap and gown and participate in a detailed commencement
practice. Rehearsal is expected to end at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Commencement Day – Friday, June 5, 2014
Arrival of Graduates
Students must report to the Field House
promptly by 5:00 p.m. Students should
report to their assigned seats promptly in
order for attendance to be taken.
Commencement Ceremony
6:00 p.m.
Duchon Field
(Report to Biester Gym in case of inclement
weather.)
Obligations
Students who fail to clear obligations by 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27,
could jeopardize participation in the Commencement Ceremony
Graduating seniors must clear all obligations by 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27,
2015. An obligation includes, but is not limited to, school registration fees, loaned books,
installment plans, library fines, athletic equipment or uniform, a loaned PE uniform, or a
book borrowed from a department.
Obligations should be paid and cleared in the appropriate department. Families can pay these
obligations through PowerSchool with a credit card or can pay at school with CASH
ONLY (no credit or checks). Questions regarding obligations should be directed to the
appropriate department.
ATHLETIC OFFICE
Ms. Zartmann
Biester Gym
(Athletic Fees, Equipment, Uniforms)
BOOKKEEPER
Gail Kaminski
Main Office
(School Related Fees)
LIBRARY
Ms. Cerabona
(Library Book Return & Fines)
BOOKSTORE
Ms. Redmond
(Book Rental Return & Fees)
Textbooks
Students must return all textbooks directly to the Bookstore. Credit will be given to the student who originally
checked out the book. Late fees and replacement costs will be assessed if books are not returned by
Wednesday, May 27th by 2:45pm.