shs senior newsletter april 2016

SHS SENIOR NEWSLETTER APRIL 2016
Hello Senior Parents,
We’re in the home stretch, and believe it or not, June 10 will be here before you know it.
I’m always amazed how fast time flies after Spring Break – especially for Seniors! Enjoy
these last two months, as they will be packed completely full with memorable activities.
The Class of 2016 has elected to have their Graduation ceremony outside again this year.
Let’s hope for another dry evening. The ceremony will begin at 6:00pm in the football field
rain or shine. Each Senior will be given 10 (ten) tickets for family and friends. The tickets
will guarantee a seat for the ticket holder. Seats will be available in the stadium bleachers
with additional chairs on the track and football field. There will be wheelchair seating
available for those who need additional assistance. Please see the Ticket Distribution section in this newsletter for more specific information about graduation tickets.
It is very important for Seniors to understand that they must have ALL their graduation requirements completed to be able to walk in the ceremony. That includes their credits, High
School and Beyond Plan, and HIV/AIDS assignment. Additionally, all fines must be paid
before a student can participate in the graduation rehearsal. We have two mandatory graduation rehearsals. The first one is Thursday, June 9, beginning at 12pm on the football field.
The second rehearsal is scheduled for Friday morning starting at 9am on the field as well.
Students who plan on walking in graduation must attend both practices. Please speak directly with me if there is a problem with either of these mandatory rehearsals.
Every effort is made by our counseling staff and all the teachers to ensure that Seniors and
parents are informed of current grades and credit status. However, the ultimate responsibility for passing each class and achieving all the required graduation requirements lies with
each student. All Running Start and Skills Center students will be receiving a progress verification form, and it is due to our counselors by June 1.
The end of your senior year is one of the most memorable times of your life. Please take
advantage of all the wonderful opportunities and finish your last two months at Sequim
High School strong!
Sincerely,
Shawn Langston
Principal
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April
18
Yearbooks on Sale through April 29 ($60)
23
Junior Prom, 8-11pm, Seniors Free
25
Senior Class Group Picture ~ 11am (Meet in DEN first)
Senior Ball Tickets on sale
May
9
On Time Graduation Orders, DEN distribution
Sign up for Walking Partners, Counseling Office
12
Last day to purchase Senior Ball tickets
13
Senior/Baby pictures due to Gazette
‘Special Parent Letter’ due to Gazette (see pg. 4)
15
Golf for Grads ~ Cedars at Dungeness
HIV/AIDS makeup essays DUE
23
Grad Party Tickets go on Sale ($25)
25
Scholarships Posted
27
Snow make up day—possible No School
30
NO SCHOOL ~ Memorial Day
Senior
Calendar
June
1
RS/Skills Center Verification Form Due (Counseling)
Scholarship Awards Ceremony ~ 6pm ~ Auditorium
3
Campus Day/Yearbook Distribution (after assembly)
Senior Recognition Assembly ~ Gym ~ 11:15-12:45
Library Materials Due; All fines cleared
4
Senior Ball—Kitsap Convention Center
5
Baccalaureate 5:30pm, Dungeness Community Church **updated info**
8
Finals ~ periods 4, 5, 6
Ticket Distribution (all fines must be cleared)
9
Finals ~ periods 1, 2, 3
Rehearsal ~ 12:00 – 1:30pm (Stadium)
Senior checkout slip due to main office
Locker Clean Out (after rehearsal)
10
Rehearsal ~ 9am – 11am (group cap & gown picture taken) Stadium
Meet at Middle School Gymnasium ~ 5:15pm
GRADUATION ~ Sequim High School Stadium ~ 6:00pm
Senior Party at Sequim Community Church ~ 9pm – 4am (not school sponsored)
27
Diplomas picked up in Counseling Office (RS Diplomas in District Office July 7th)
3
Daily Bulletin
The high school bulletin is posted daily on the high school website at
www.sequim.k12.wa.us. All seniors should be checking the bulletin daily for events and
schedule changes at the high school. This is especially important at this time of the school
year. You don’t want to be left out!
Student Conduct
Seniors are reminded of the school’s policy regarding appropriate student conduct as it relates to senior activities. It is important for you to know that any senior, who comes to
school, any school function, Senior Ball, graduation practice, or the commencement exercises
under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs, WILL BE SUBJECT TO SCHOOL
DISCIPLINE AND NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
Senior Sneak
Our school does not condone, sponsor, or approve any organized senior skip day and will follow through with appropriate disciplinary consequences should any senior participate. Parents can assist the school by reinforcing with their student the importance of being in class
and by not allowing students to participate in such an activity. Many seniors are attempting to complete graduation requirements and their attendance each period of each
day is important.
Caps & Gowns
The “on-time” Cap & Gown orders can be picked up on May 9th during DEN. Students who
have not ordered a cap and gown and wish to participate in the graduation ceremony must
call National Achiever immediately at 1-800-800-4083. The Counseling Office has a few
formerly used gowns for students who need assistance.
Reminder: The cap, tassel, and gown are yours to keep.
Senior Running Start and Skills Center verification forms are due by June 1. If Running Start or Skills Center courses are needed for graduation, this form will be mailed
home. If this form is not returned by June 1, you will not walk at graduation.
Senior Ball
June 4, 2016
Old Hollywood
Senior Ball will be held at the Kitsap Conference Center at the Bremerton Harborside on Saturday, June 4, 2016. The theme is
“Old Hollywood”. Tickets will be on sale starting April 25th until May 12th. Tickets are $45 for SHS Seniors and $55 for their
guest. Guest Request forms must be filled out for all guests, even SHS underclassmen. Guest Request forms will be available
in the main office during ticket sales and are due back no later than 3pm on May 12th. All guests must be under the age of 21 no exceptions. Be prepared to sign up for a table assignment and entree choice when purchasing tickets. Photography will be
provided by Isaac Gautschi and order forms will be available during ticket sales.
TRANSPORTATION: Please be at the SHS main parking lot at 4:30pm. Buses will depart at 5pm sharp, and return at approximately 12:30 am.
All guests must ride the buses to and from the event!
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SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION
The Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Students who have
received scholarships will be recognized during this ceremony. Many scholarship donors will inform the students whom they
chose prior to this event and others wish to wait until the awards ceremony to surprise the student. On Thursday, May 25, a
list with the names of students who will be awarded scholarships will be posted in the main office. It is important for all students who appear on this list to attend the awards ceremony. Remember that this will be a proud moment for you – please
dress appropriately and show your appreciation to the generous organization that chose to support you in your future endeavors.
Some seniors have received notification from organizations and schools informing them that they have been awarded a scholarship. Congratulations! Be sure to let Ms. Sanders know if you have received ANY scholarships, including scholarship
awards from the college you plan to attend. This is to be sure that you will receive the recognition you deserve at the awards
ceremony, in the printed graduation program, and in the newspapers. Ms. Sanders will continue to update the list through the
month of May, so stop by or phone 582-3631. Do not miss out!
A brief reception will be held in the high school cafeteria following the ceremony. Refreshments will be served and this will
be an opportunity to meet and mingle with many of the scholarship donors. Scholarship notebooks will be available at the
reception for seniors to pick up.
Seniors ~ If you receive a scholarship, please be sure to send a thank you card immediately. These organizations volunteered
their time and worked hard raising the funds to award you a scholarship.
Baccalaureate
On Sunday, June 5, Baccalaureate at 5:30pm @ Dungeness Community Chur ch
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational inspirational service celebrating a time of completion and a time of looking forward.
All seniors, their parents, and the public are invited to attend Baccalaureate. Attendance at this service is not a function of, or
required by the high school. BRING YOUR CAP AND GOWN FOR THE SERVICE and please be sure they are ironed.
Leave your tassel at home as they tend to get lost and you need it for the commencement ceremony. Dress clothes are appropriate.
Ticket Distribution
Ten (10) tickets will be distr ibuted to each par ticipating (walking) senior (if all fines/fees have been clear ed) fr om the
main office beginning Wednesday, June 8, (Sorry, family & friends are not allowed to pick up tickets.) Seniors need to come
into the main office and sign for their set of tickets. No tickets will be given to students other than those seniors walking in
the graduation ceremony.
NOTE: LOST OR STOLEN TICKETS WILL NOT BE REPLACED
Ticket holders will be admitted to the stadium between 5:00-6:00pm. Seating will be on a first come basis. There will be no
reserved seating. Those wishing to attend but do not have tickets will be admitted at 6:05pm.
Sequim Gazette ‘Special Edition’
The Sequim Gazette will be publishing a " Class of 2016" Special Edition and would like a senior and baby photo of all
graduating seniors to be published in our June 8, 2016 edition.. The photos plus a "Letter to Grads" (written from parents/guardians to their senior) is due to the Gazette by Friday, May 13th. The cost is $20 (up to 100 words) $30 (up to
150 words) or $40 (up to 200 words). There is no cost for the photos. Digital photos and letters can be emailed to Denise
Webb at [email protected]. You are responsible for getting the photos to the Gazette (Professional photographers do not send them in.) If you want your pictures back, please submit a self addressed stamped envelope with the
pictures.
Please contact Marilyn Parrish at the Peninsula Daily News/Sequim Gazette 360-207-5574 for more information or any
questions you might have regarding this project.
5
Senior Clearance
Seniors will be given a final checkout slip on Tuesday, June 7 during their English class.
They will need to keep this slip to check out of all classes on Wednesday (6/8) and Thursday
(6/9). Teachers will list the student’s fines, if any, on this clearance sheet. Please note that
seniors must have all fines paid by Friday, June 3, in order to participate in the graduation
rehearsal and before participating in Commencement. SENIORS MUST TURN THEIR
CHECKOUT SLIP IN BY THE END OF THE DAY ON THURSDAY, JUNE 9th, TO THE MAIN
OFFICE.
Final Testing Schedule for Seniors
Final exams for seniors will be given on Wednesday, June 8th and Thursday, June 9th. We
will be on a regular bell schedule with testing as follows:
June 8 ~ Testing periods 4, 5, 6
June 9 ~ Testing periods 1, 2, 3
Fines Cleared ~ June 3th Deadline
Seniors must have all fines paid by Friday, June 3. The list will be posted on the front office
window and is updated regularly. Please be sure and check for your name.
Graduation Rehearsals
Rehearsals for graduation will be Thursday, June 9 from 12:00 to approximately 1:30pm
and Friday, June10, from 9am to approximately 11am at the stadium. Be sure to bring
your cap and gown for Friday’s rehearsal (Do not bring tassels). Seniors, Running Start,
and Skill Center Seniors are required to participate in rehearsals – All fines must be
cleared before this time; attendance will be taken. See Mr. Langston for any emergency
absence.
Diplomas
The diploma cover handed out during the ceremony will be empty. Seniors may pick up their
actual diploma in the Counseling Office Monday, June 27. Running Start seniors who are
completing graduation requirements spring quarter may pick up their diplomas July 1 at the
District Office. We will not release diplomas for those graduates with outstanding fees/fines
or for those who did not turn in a clearance form. PARENTS: PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR
SENIOR STUDENT TO TURN IN ALL SCHOOL ISSUED BOOKS AND MATERIALS. A REMINDER THAT ALL LIBRARY MATERIALS ARE DUE BY Friday, June 3.
Senior Final Transcripts
Most colleges, universities, and technical institutes require a final, official transcript from applicants sometime after completion of second semester. Seniors should see Ms. Brittell in the
Counseling Center prior to graduation to sign a release and provide her with the address of
the institution where the transcript needs to be mailed. Parents may not request the final
transcript.
6
The Commencement Ceremony
Seniors are to report to the Middle School Gymnasium by 5:15pm graduation evening.
Do not forget your cap, gown and tassel! Commencement is a formal ceremony! In
keeping with the dignity that your graduation deserves, we expect appropriate attire to be
worn under the gowns, which should be worn about mid-calf length. Ladies: dresses or
skirts/dress pants and blouses with appropriate shoes. Be cautious about high heel shoes
if you are not accustomed to wearing them. “Marching” and climbing up and down the
risers is challenging enough without wearing high-heeled shoes. Gentlemen: Attire such as full length slacks or
casual pants, shirts with collars, and appropriate shoes. The following are some things to remember so that your
graduation ceremony is a reflection of your awareness, maturity, and good taste:
 The mortarboards (caps) were designed to be worn with the “board” (flat of the cap) PARALLEL to the floor.
The points go in the front and back and the tassel hangs on the right side. The caps and gowns are a traditional design, hundreds of years old, and universally recognized as a symbol of education. Please wear them correctly. (Don’t forget bobby pins to keep the cap in place if your hairstyle is such that the cap may easily fall
off or will not stay in place.)
 Your hands should be at your sides except for ladies’ hands carrying the flowers.
 While seated, keep your feet flat on the floor and do not cross your legs.
 Remember that this is a CEREMONY in which the school presents you to the community.
The CELEBRATION comes afterwards.
Please be cautious when pressing your gown as the material scorches easily. The ladies will be car r ying
flowers and the gentlemen will be wearing boutonnieres that will be purchased by the senior class and delivered to
the gymnasium before the ceremony. Please deliver flowers and/or gifts to students AFTER graduation since students may not carry them into the ceremony.
Immunizations
Many colleges and universities require certification of immunization status. Please pick up your immunization
records from the nurse’s office . After a student gr aduates, immunizations r ecor ds ar e no longer kept.
Class Photo
The Senior Class Group Photo will be taken on Monday, April 25. Seniors are to be in front of the ‘Old’ Pool
Bldg. by 11:00am sharp. Students will report to their DEN class before the photo is taken.
Commencement Photos
A group picture of the senior class and individual pictures in cap and gown will be taken at rehearsal (9am) on
Friday, June 10. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CAP AND GOWN. GradTrak by Graduation Images
will be taking the pictures. If you have any questions, please contact GradTrak at 1-800-211-0434 or email [email protected].
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education
The State Mandated HIV/AIDS Prevention Education was taught in DEN on February 22. Those seniors who did
not attend must pick up an HIV/AIDS information packet at the main office and return the essay by May 15. This
is a requirement for ALL graduates.
The 1988 Washington State Legislature mandated that an AIDS Prevention Program be presented to public school
students. This includes the Running Start program. The Sequim School District adopted an appropriate program
of AIDS prevention education with the advice of educators, parents, and community members. Parents had to
have attended the HIV/AIDS education night on October 7 and 13 in order for a student to be excused from participation. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse at 582-3630.
7
Who:
When:
Where:
Tickets:
Class of 2016 Sequim High School Seniors – including Alternative, Running Start, and OPA
Seniors.
Doors open between 9:00pm-10:00pm June 10th; the party continues until 4:00am;
Please note – doors will close promptly at 10:00pm.
Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave.
$25, on sale starting May 23rd. Please listen for announcements. No ticket sales at door of
event.
UPCOMING PLANNING MEETINGS:
April 11 in the SHS Library at 6:30pm
May 9 in the SHS Library at 6:30pm
*Parent volunteers still needed!!
SLIDESHOW:
Limit 5 photos per student; anything from baby shots to high school to team photos
CD due to Sequim High School Office No Later than Friday, May 13 th at 3:00pm OR submit digital images, saved
in JPEG format, by May 13th to: [email protected], questions call 360-912-4086.
PINK FLAMINGOS:
Be on the lookout for the pink flamingo flocks during April! If you should wake-up to a flock in
your front yard, please help the flock migrate through Sequim to support the senior party. Contact
Audrey Lato: 360-824-1807 or [email protected].
2016 GRADUATION PARTY GOLF TOURNAMENT:
When:
Sunday, May 15 – 8:30 player registration, 10am Shotgun Start
Where:
Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Rd, Sequim
Anyone wishing to play in the tournament or sponsor a hole is invited to contact Bill
Shea: 360-775-0714 or [email protected]
Additional information is available through the Cedars at Dungeness. Contact Garrett
Smithson, Head Golf Professional at 683-6344 ext.4 or email: [email protected]
SUPPORT THE CLASS OF 2016:
Donations are welcome and appreciated to help make this a memorable
and special event for the Class of 2016.
Checks payable to: Sequim Graduation Party 2016
Sequim Graduation Party
PO Box 220
Carlsborg, WA 98324
Any other questions please contact Cheryl O’Mera at 360-460-6385 or [email protected]
Our Non-Profit Tax ID# is:46-4634299
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_____Cap & gown ordered
_____ HIV/AIDS Presentation ~ (Feb 22)
_____Senior Class Group Photo ~ Mon., April 25 @ 11:00am (Meet in DEN first)
_____Graduation Order Pick-Up in DEN ~ Mon., May 9
_____Sign up for walking partner in the Counseling Office ~ Monday, May 9
_____Sr. Ball Tickets on Sale April 25 through May 12 (by 3pm)
_____Sr. Ball Guest Request Forms due by May 12 (by 3pm)
_____ Sr. graduation picture & baby photo due to Gazette ~ Fri., May 13
_____Golf for Grads May 15 @ Sunland Golf Course
_____Senior Party Tickets on Sale ~ select dates, starting May 23
_____ RS/Skills Center Verification Forms Due to Counselors, Wed., June 1
_____ Scholarship Awards Ceremony Wed., June 1 @ 6:00pm Auditorium
_____Library materials due by Fri., June 3
_____Clear any past due fines by Fri., June 3
_____Sr. Ball Saturday, Sat., June 4, Kitsap Conference Center, Bremerton Harborside
_____Baccalaureate 5:30pm Sun., June 5, Dungeness Community Church **updated**
_____Pick Up Graduation Tickets in the Main Office ~ Wed., June 8
_____Final Tests on Wed., June 8 for periods 4, 5, 6
_____Final Tests on Thurs., June 9 for periods, 1, 2, 3
_____Turn in check-out slip to the main office before 3:00pm on Thurs., June 9
_____Attend Graduation Rehearsal ~ Thurs., June 9 ~ 12:00-1:30pm (Stadium)
_____Locker Clean Out After Rehearsal ~ Thurs. June 9
_____Attend Graduation Rehearsal ~ Fri., June 10 ~ 9:00-11:00am (Stadium)
_____Bring cap & gown to rehearsal on Fri., June 10 (Grad Images taking pictures)
_____Meet in the Middle School Gymnasium @ 5:15pm on Fri., June 10
_____Graduation @ 6:00pm ~ Friday, June 10 ~ SHS Stadium
_____Senior Class Party @ Sequim Community Church ~ 9:00pm - 4am. June 10
_____Pick up your Diploma in the Counseling Office Monday, June 27. Running Start students may pick
up their Diplomas July 1 at the District Office.