Dear Parents of the Class of 2019,
Can you believe your child will be graduating in 8 weeks? This letter details the plans for graduation and year-end senior celebrations. Please mark your calendars and pay close attention to the important information shared here.
We are pleased to confirm that our commencement ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The last day of exams for RHHS seniors is Wednesday, May 22nd. Additionally, RHHS has scheduled many events that will lead up to graduation; attendance is required at any mandatory events as scheduled in the chart. Times listed indicate what time the event begins. Regular bell schedules will be in place. Please have students arrive 10-15 minutes before the time listed so they are ready to begin rehearsals and special events on time.
Other common questions about graduation are addressed below:
Request for Additional Tickets- All seniors are provided eight (8) tickets to the graduation ceremony. Seniors may request up to six (6) additional tickets (form enclosed). All requests are due no later than May 10, 2019 to Mrs. Carr. General admission and additional tickets will be distributed on May 22nd during the mandatory rehearsal. Tickets will not be distributed to students with outstanding obligations.
Please ensure your senior and guests are aware of the following guidelines for a successful commencement:
Note any inclement weather may result in a limited number of days of instruction in the final marking period for seniors. Therefore, this final marking period may have serious implications for any student earning an “E” or “D” in a course required for graduation. A student with an “E” in the 3rd and 4th quarter in any course automatically fails that course (even if he/she had “A’s” for the first two quarters).
Please help monitor your child’s progress so that he/she satisfies all course requirements for graduation; in other words, students who fail required courses or are denied credit in a class for excessive absence or lateness are in jeopardy of not graduating. Seniors participate in the graduation ceremony ONLY if they have completed ALL requirements for graduation.
Please contact Mrs. Peterson in the front office to determine if your student has any outstanding obligations at amanda_peterson@hcpss.org. If your child has an unpaid obligation he/she will not receive tickets to the commencement ceremony.
Seniors are reminded that all school rules and HCPSS policies are in effect at all senior events, both at school and at school-sponsored events. In the past, we have experienced some students making errors in judgment relating to “senior pranks” which have led to suspension and exclusion from graduation ceremonies. I would ask all parents to caution their students in this regard.
Please be aware that air horns/noise makers are not permitted at Merriweather, and guests bringing balloons must sit in the back rows to avoid obstructing the view of others. We want to set a dignified tone at the graduation ceremony and hope to avoid "cheering sections."
Graduation Attire: All graduation gowns are dark blue. Students who have earned academic honors (i.e. honor societies) may wear graduation stoles. Graduates should wear solid colors since the robes are somewhat transparent and prints may show through the robe. Our seniors are asked not to wear sneakers, tennis shoes, flip-flops, deck shoes, or other similar types of casual footwear. The young ladies, especially, will want to consider low-heeled shoes due to the distance they process and the steps they navigate.
Diplomas are not awarded on stage. Diplomas/certificates and final report cards will be distributed immediately following the ceremony. Students who do not pick up these items will have the opportunity to collect them from Mrs. St. George the next school day in the Guidance Office.
Special access for handicapped guests is available at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Wheelchairs are NOT provided by RHHS or Merriweather Post Pavilion. One additional group member may sit with the guest requiring accommodations. The remainder of the family’s party should plan to take general seating. To make arrangements for handicapped seating please contact Mrs. Carr at 410-313-7120 by May 10th, to reserve a space. Handicapped parking is available at Merriweather and is on first-come, first-served basis
Interpreters for guests and graduates are available. Please contact Mrs. St. George at 410-313-7120 by Friday, April 26, 2019.
Lost & Found items will be collected and brought back to RHHS. Feel free to call or stop by the main office to pick up any items you may have left behind.
Commencement ceremonies are public events and may be photographed or videotaped. Lifetouch is the official event photographer. The company will send proofs of the diploma photos to families electronically and in the mail. Families may wish to preregister using the website below, but preregistration is not required in order to receive the proofs. The website will also allow families to view and purchase candid shots. More information will follow regarding the broadcasting, streaming, and purchasing of graduation DVDs. http://events.lifetouch.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to call. We look forward to sharing this special time with all seniors and their families. If you are able to volunteer to assist with the Senior Breakfast or the Senior Picnic, please contact the Senior Class Sponsor Terri Bradford at terri_bradford@hcpss.org or Debra Shannon at debra_shannon@hcpss.org.
Sincerely,
Kathryn S. McKinley
Principal