Updated: February 11, 2013

To: The class of 2013, their parents and families

GRADUATION 2013

SPECIAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE END OF THE YEAR AND GRADUATON EVENTS

Graduation is Thursday, May 23, 2013 @ 8PM

Graduation is rapidly approaching and we want you to have information regarding some important dates and the ceremony itself.  Please pay close attention to the Schedule of Events included in this packet and to the following information.  Graduation is a special night for seniors and their families, and we are excited about our graduation ceremony.  Our graduation committee which consists of students, student government members, staff, and faculty has helped to shape the events and plans for this year's commencement activities. It is very important that all seniors concentrate on meeting graduation requirements and comply with the schedule of events.  Any student who fails to meet academic graduation requirements, fails to comply with the schedule of events, and/or chooses to not follow the guidelines for demeanor and dress will not be allowed to participate in, or attend, the graduation exercises as a member of the Class of 2013.  They may however appeal to receive their diploma at the high school office after graduation requirements have been completed, or during regular school hours, beginning the Tuesday after the graduation ceremony has been held.  It is important to note that graduation practice is mandatory for any student planning to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Taking part in the Senior Honors and Awards Program and Commencement Exercises is a privilege that we hope our seniors will take advantage of. The State of Arizona and the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board do not permit students to receive diplomas unless all requirements have been fully met. 

Communication with your child and his/her teacher(s), to ensure passing grades, is essential.  The graduation ceremony will be held at 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the Verrado High School Stadium.  A section of seats on the field will be reserved for ticketed guests only.  Each senior will be given 2 tickets for seats on the field.  There will be an additional handicapped seating area on the east side of the field on the track. Pictures/video may be taken from seats only.

Duke photography will be taking pictures of each graduate receiving their diploma that will be available for purchase.

The ceremony is scheduled to be streamed live at aia365.com/Verrado.  DVD’s of the broadcast will be available for purchase.

***Please be aware that senior trips or senior ditch days are not condoned or endorsed by Verrado High School or the Agua Fria Union High School District and are NOT school sponsored activities. 

***In addition, please be certain that your son or daughter has paid all fees prior to Senior Check Out on Thursday, May 16^th, and Friday, May 17^th. Diplomas are not issued to students until all fees have been paid, and all other obligations to school have been resolved (lost texts, uniforms, equipment, etc.).  If you are having financial difficulties please stop by the principal’s office to discuss a payment plan.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SENIORS AND PARENTS

GRADUATION SPEAKERS:  There will be three student speakers in the graduation ceremony.  Any student interested in trying out for this honor should sign up with Mr. Huffman’s secretary by 3:30 PM on Friday April 12^th.  Tryouts are scheduled for the 23^th and 25^th of April.  Speeches should be approximately three minutes in length.  Further information will be available at sign up.

SENIOR CHECK OUT: Seniors will check out with their Guidance Counselors on Thursday May 16 from 12:30 – 3:00 PM and Friday May 17 from 8:00 AM – noon.  All debts must be taken care of, and equipment, uniforms and/or materials must be returned before a student will be cleared to participate in graduation.  Once the senior has checked out, he/she is not to be on campus until the graduation practice unless conducting official school business.

DRESS FOR THE GRADUATION CEREMONY PRACTICES:  Clothing worn to practices and school events must be in compliance with the Verrado dress code.  Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or hats for graduation practice. It is usually very warm on that morning.

PICTURES FOR PURCHASE: Duke Photography will be taking candid pictures as each student receives their diploma. You will receive information from Duke Photography regarding the optional purchase of these pictures.

DRESS FOR THE GRADUATION CEREMONY AND HONORS PROGRAM: All graduates will wear official school recognized graduation caps and gowns at the graduation ceremony. 

The cap should be worn straight and level and pulled down slightly on the forehead.  Tassels are to be worn on the left.  Caps and gowns are not to be altered in any way or to have any writing, emblem or insignia on them.  Each student will be checked as they arrive at the graduation ceremony to ensure compliance with the dress code.  Students out of compliance will be asked to change prior to the ceremony.

Dress for the honors assembly is semi-formal as would be common at a winter formal dance.  Any honors tassels/pins are welcome to worn at this program only.

LADIES: Wear dresses or dress pants (black preferred).  Dresses should not hang below your graduation gown.  Denim of any color and/or shorts are not acceptable.  Dress or formal type shoes must be worn (black recommended).  Beach sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, etc. are unacceptable. You will be walking across a grass field, so spiked heels are strongly discouraged.  If you have a question regarding dress, please contact the office.  

GENTLEMEN: Wear a dress shirt (short or long sleeves) with appropriate traditional necktie (recommended) and (black preferred) dress slacks.  Denim of any color may not be worn.  Dress shoes (black recommended) and socks must be worn.  Sandals, flip-flops, tennis shoes or beach shoes, etc. are unacceptable.  If you have a question regarding dress, please contact the office.

PARKING: Parking on campus is very limited.  The east and west school parking lots will fill up very quickly, so please try to carpool and arrive early. 

GRADUATION SEATING: Bleacher seating is first come, first serve.  Tickets are not required for bleacher seating.  Gates will open at 6:30 PM.

FIELD SEATING: Each graduate will be given 2 tickets at Senior Check-Out for parents, family, or friends to use for field seating.  Admission to field seating will be by ticket only.   Field ticket holders must arrive and be seated no later than 7:50 PM.  There will be no field access after this time.  Field ticket holders are to remain in their seats throughout the ceremony as standing along the fence and track area prohibits family and guests from viewing the ceremony.  We appreciate your cooperation.

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: Appropriate behavior and procedures were addressed at the Senior Assembly during the 2013 Spring Semester.  If any student is disrupting the graduation ceremony, he or she will be removed from the field. This is an important night in the lives of our students and we want the ceremony to reflect the dignity of the occasion.  Disruption to the Graduation Ceremony and/or any other Graduation related events could lead to a student's diploma being held.  Any graduate whose diploma is held may make an appointment with an administrator beginning Tuesday May 28, 2013 to discuss his/her diploma status.

PRE-GRADUATION LINE UP: Graduates must be in the gymnasium by 7:00 PM to line up for the ceremony. 

Only Graduates are allowed in the gymnasium prior to the Graduation Ceremony!! No purses, backpacks, camera bags, food, drinks, or any other kind of container will be allowed in the gymnasium.  Water will be provided for the graduates.  Anyone not in the gym for line up and attendance will not be permitted to be a part of the commencement exercises.  Graduates will not be allowed to leave and then re-enter.

DIPLOMA PICK-UP:  During The Graduation Ceremony, seniors will be issued a Diploma cover.  Graduates will be able to sign for and pick up their diploma at a table in the southeast corner of the field immediately following the Ceremony. Family members or friends will be prohibited to sign for the graduate’s diploma.  

 Additional Info:   

*** Courtesy and respect for all graduates is expected by the guests.  The family and friends of each graduate deserve the opportunity to hear their child's name being called to the stage to receive his or her diploma.

*** Students from the Agua Fria JROTC will be presenting colors once the graduates are in their seats.  Please stand and remove your hats at that time. 

*** Free programs will be available at the commencement ceremony. 

We look forward to joining you in celebrating the commencement of your son or daughter.  Please feel free to call the school if you have any questions pertaining to Graduation or other events.

ONE Verrado,

Tom Huffman

Principal

*** All times, dates, and information are accurate at this time, but are subject to change***

GRADUATION EVENTS CALENDAR