Graduation Letter to Parents

March 23, 2015
Dear Senior Parents and Graduates:
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, the Class of 2015, and your parents/guardians.
As we move closer to graduation, there are several events that will take place specifically for
graduating seniors. This letter is provided for you and your parents to help answer any questions
as you prepare for graduation. Please take the time to read the information and mark these
important dates on your calendar.
Graduation from high school and Commencement exercises are a once in a lifetime event. It is
not a requirement to participate in the graduation ceremony, but rather a privilege. With the
cooperation of the seniors and parents, the Senior Ceremony and Commencement will honor our
students and families in the Tradition, Pride, and Excellence of Longmont High.
It is our expectation that graduates and spectators recognize the Commencement Ceremony as a
time for celebration, but not a time to exhibit behavior which would detract from the formality
and seriousness of the ceremony. Prior to the Commencement Ceremony, and to respect the
decorum of this significant event, graduates may be checked for items that would detract from
the ceremony. Graduates found in possession of such items may be excluded from the
ceremony. In addition, graduates may not bring purses, bags, or backpacks to the gym or field
during Senior Ceremony or the Commencement Ceremony. In respect of all graduates and their
families, we ask that spectators refrain from throwing anything on to the field, using air horns
and other noise making devices. With your cooperation and adherence to these requests, all of
our students and families will enjoy these special ceremonies.
Sincerely,
Rick Olsen, Principal
Longmont High School
The following includes dates, times, information, and procedures for events pertaining to the
Class of 2015 as they proceed through the end of the year activities:
PARENT AND GRADUATES MEETING - Wednesday, April 29, 2015
It is highly encouraged that all graduates and a parent attend this informational meeting. This
meeting will be held at 6:30p.m. in the Auditorium. You will receive information about what to
expect and plan for at Senior Ceremony and the Graduation Commencement Ceremony.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR SENIORS - Thursday, May 14, 2015
After this date, seniors will not attend classes at Longmont High School.
REHEARSAL - Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Rehearsal for the Senior Ceremony and Commencement will begin in the Main Gym at 9:30a.m.
During this rehearsal, the seating order and programs for the Senior Ceremony and
Commencement will be discussed. If you are not going to participate in the ceremonies, you
must let Mr. Olsen know.
CAP AND GOWN DISTRIBUTION - Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Following the rehearsal, caps and gowns will be distributed in the gym lobby. Students must pay
any outstanding fees before picking up their caps and gowns. The caps, gowns and cords are
keepsakes; they do not need to be returned. AP stoles may be purchased for $30.00, MBSA
collars may be purchased for $25.00. If you are not purchasing these, you must return stoles or
collars prior to picking up diploma. Only district approved caps, gowns, cords and stoles
may be worn at Senior Ceremony and Commencement. Caps and gowns may not be
altered or decorated. Additional adornments designating National Honor Society, National
Art Honor Society, National Forensics, Medical Bio Science Academy and Advanced
Placement Diploma recipients may not be shared.
SENIOR CEREMONY - Thursday, May 21, 2015
Senior Ceremony begins at 6:30p.m. in the Main Gym. Seniors need to assemble at 6:00p.m. in
the auxiliary gym to line up for the Senior Ceremony. Seniors are required to wear their caps and
gowns. Please make sure your gown fits properly before the ceremony.
COMMENCEMENT - Saturday, May 23, 2015
Seniors will assemble in the Main Gym at 9:15a.m. Prior to entering the Gym, students will be
checked for items which would detract from the formality of the ceremony. Students must pick
up their name card prior to entering the gym. Students will then assemble in the Main Gym to
prepare to walk to the stadium.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the event of inclement weather, the Commencement Ceremony will be moved to the Main
Gym. A decision will be made by 8:00a.m. Saturday morning for alternate plans. A call will go
out via the automated calling system with the changes. Check your phone number to make sure
it is correct in our database. Each graduate will receive four wrist bands with their Cap and
Gown to be used for an indoor ceremony. Due to limited space, all attendees will be required to
have a wrist band for admittance.
SENIOR CEREMONY AND COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AUDITIONS
Students who have volunteered to be speakers at Senior Ceremony or the Commencement will
be notified the first week of April.
SENIOR SLIDE SHOW – SENIOR CEREMONY
Pictures for Senior Slide Show must be submitted by May 1st. Send electronic images to
[email protected] You may submit one baby, 1 senior, and 1 friend photo.
COMMENCEMENT PICTURE
GradTrak Photography will take a photograph of each senior as they receive their diploma. In
order for GradTrak to contact you regarding ordering your photo after the
Commencement Ceremony, students must put their address and/or email on the name card
they receive Commencement morning. Unauthorized persons, including family members of
the graduates, are not allowed on the field with cameras during the ceremony.
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMA INSERTS
Diplomas will be distributed in the gym lobby immediately following the Commencement
Ceremony. We will distribute Diplomas for 30 minutes immediately following the ceremony.
During the ceremony, students receive only the cover for their diploma.
FEES
Seniors will be expected to pay any fees they have incurred over the past four years at LHS
before taking part in Senior Ceremony or Commencement. CAPS AND GOWNS WILL NOT
BE ISSUED IF FEES HAVE NOT BEEN PAID!! It will be the student’s responsibility to
check Infinite Campus or with Holly Zilling in the main office and pay their fees before
Wednesday, May 20th.
FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
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Transcripts: If you are going to a college or university, notify Linda Westerlind before
May 8th and she will mail this last transcript. The school will provide the first transcript
to schools or Universities without charge. After May 8th there will be a $2.00 charge.
Scholarships & Awards: It is each senior's responsibility to let Linda Westerlind, in the
Counseling Office, know if you have received any scholarships or awards. These
students will be recognized at the Senior Ceremony only if the counseling office is
notified by May 8th, 2015.
Participation: Seniors will not be permitted to participate in the senior ceremony or
commencement ceremony if they fail to complete the School District's minimum
graduation credit requirements.