Grad 2019 Information Night Introduction to your graduation experience at GMHS

Welcome Every year George McDougall High School aims to organize a unique experience for the graduating students. There are many people that are required for this endeavor: Administration Staff Volunteers Parent Volunteers Student Volunteers

Communication Graduation information can be found in the following areas: Grad Handbook: Available on our website School Website: At http://mcdougall.rockyview.ab.ca/ under Parents, and then to Graduation Information on the left. Mr. Bell’s Mustang Weekly Synervoice Messages: Time sensitive information will be sent using an automated voice message to your home phone. Staff Volunteers: Contact info is in handbook.

Key Contacts General graduation questions Administration – Gladys Brown gbrown@rockyview.ab.ca Teacher Contact Ms. Liese Reichert lreichert@rockyview.ab.ca Banquet and Decorating – Ms. Marda Wright mwright@rockyview.ab.ca Grad Ceremony - Mme. DanicaPower dpower@rockyview.ab.ca

Key Contacts Academic Inquiries Michael Reece (A-L) mreece@rockyview.ab.ca Erin Duggan (M-Z) eduggan@rockyview.ab.ca Administration Gladys Brown(Grad) gbrown@rockyview.ab.ca Gladys Brown(12) gbrown@rockyview.ab.ca Waitlist Inquiries Monique Yellowega myellowega@rockyview.ab.ca

Important Dates The Grad Handbook has a list of important dates. Students are responsible to be aware of the deadlines in order to ensure that graduation is as seamless as possible. Please follow Mr. Bell’s Mustang Weekly Synervoice messages will follow regular announcements

Important Dates Important Dates Oct 11/18, Grad Info Night (moved from October 2/18) 3rd Wednesday of the month- general meeting MAY be called November 21- Grad Speaker Selection Grad picture appointments- December 6/18(12:00-1:00pm), December 7/18(11:00- Noon). Platinum Photography will be in the Rotunda for bookings January 18/19- Grad song selection Jan 21-25, 2019- GMHS cafeteria for Graduation picture sessions February 4, 2019- Grad Fees due- $85.00 February 6/19- Last day to submit Grad gown form February 6/19 Last day to submit Ceremony opt-out form

Important Dates March 6/19- Good Standing letters distributed April 5/19-Valedictorian applications will be available April 12/19(1:00 will open)- on-line ticket purchases/seat selection – will close on April 30, Noon) https://mcdougall.inviteright.com/grad2019 April 17/19- Valedictorian applications are due April 30/19- Valedictorian selection meeting May 23/19- Valedictorian address admin review May 27/19- last day to purchase ceremony tickets

Graduation Costs There are three costs that the graduates (and their families) will incur: Grad Fee: $85.00 (down from previous years) Ceremony Tickets: 4 tickets included in grad fees (excluding grad) Banquet Tickets: TBD Grad Fee covers: Grad gown Purchasing Grad yoke maintenance Grad cap/tassel purchase Grad Composite Graduation Certificates and Cover 4 Ceremony tickets- additional tickets - 5.00 per ticket Grade 12 BBQ- last day of class

Grad Committee Meetings Grad Committee Meetings during 1st semester will be held the third Wednesday of every month, during FLT, in the Learning Commons. Second semester meetings TBD Students will be given reminders in advance through our school announcements. Please see the handbook for list of dates.

Subcommittees Banquet/Decorating: Will meet with Ms. Wright as needed to discuss and make selections on decorations at the ceremony and banquet, as well as meet with our event planner to review any other details the students want to add to the banquet to make it unique for Grad 2019. General Grad Committee: Each year the graduates of GMHS wish to make their grad special. These meetings will take place in Room 1055, as necessary, with Mrs. Reichert.

Grad Rehearsal Date: Thursday, May 30 Rehearsal time: 10:30 - 12:00noon Where: Genesis Place Student Expectations: Attendance is Mandatory

Graduation Ceremony Date: Thursday, May 30,2019 Doors Open: 3:45pm Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm Where: Shane Field, Genesis Place Cost: $5.00 per ticket- additional tickets beyond the 4 provided Graduates need not buy a ceremony ticket as they are the honored guests. Student Expectations: Be there at 3:00pm to prepare. Student Dress Code: Male students are expected to dress formally. Female students areexpected to dress formally.

Graduation Ceremony Cont’d Photographer: A professional photographer from Platinum Photographers will be at the ceremony to capture the special moment as your graduate is presented their high school certificate from Principal Bell. This complementary picture be made available before the end of the school year. As this presentation will be professionally captured, we ask that all parents and family remain seated and refrain from taking their own photos at this time. This will help to ensure optimal lighting and timing for this family keepsake.  

Graduation Ceremony Cont’d Parking: Parking is available at Genesis Place, the Grace Baptist Church, and Ron Ebbesen Arena.

Graduation Banquet Date: Friday, May 31, 2019 Doors Open: 4:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm Where: WH Croxford High School Cost: TBD/per ticket Limit: TBD Ticket cost based on: (catering, décor and lighting) Student Expectations: Arrival: Students are expected to arrive at the event site no later than 5:00pm for the Grand March. Dress: Formal attire please.

Graduates in “Good Standing” Spring of 2019 - Letters Your graduate must be in “good standing” in order to buy grad tickets for both the ceremony and banquet. What does that mean? School Fees are paid in full Regular attendance and punctuality Students will have the required credits to graduate and are not currently failing any courses. (This may only apply to the graduates eligibility for the ceremony celebration.) Overdue books have been returned or paid for Has not been removed from extra-curricular activities *It is the student’s responsibility to clear up any issues that will affect their eligibility.

Academic Recognition As in previous years, the majority of our academic recognition will take place during the Convocation Ceremony, Thursday, May 30.

Class of 2018 Valedictorian Valedictorian criteria: Grades Community and School involvement Peer recommendation Teacher Recommendation Selection process: Application form Qualified candidates will be asked to present a short speech for the selection committee.

Grad Gown Forms There is a Google form that the students will have to complete in order for us to accurately order their gowns. It takes minutes…so please visit the website for the link! Due: Monday, February 6, 2019

Graduation Opt-Out Form This Google form allows students, who know they will not be participating in either graduation celebration (ceremony and/or banquet), to inform the graduation committee. Due: February 6, 2019 Please note: This does not mean the graduate will not graduate high school but would rather not participate in the celebration.

Ticket Sales We are using an online ticketing and seat selection process

Opportunities for Parents Please watch for a volunteer information form. Opportunities for both grade 12 and grad 11 parents to volunteer. Please contact Kathy Schulze, our School Council President.

Croxford Gym- Banquet Hall

Grad Clothing Choice of Hoodie or Crew neck- $35.00- Posted on School Cashnet See display in Rotunda

Questions