ThunderRidge High School Class of 2019 Graduation Countdown WELCOME SENIOR PARENTS!

Agenda Welcome Calendar of Events Graduation Parental Support

March 2019 March 1st: Deadline to pay fees Due date for 2nd semester fees and any outstanding balances other than book fees, which will be posted May 11th. All fees must be paid in order to complete Senior Checkout on May 10th. March 4th: Cap and Gown orders complete March 25th: Graduation Speaker Auditions 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the Main Conference Room Sign up in the main office by February 20th March 26th: Graduation Performer Auditions 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Any and all information regarding your student’s fees can be found on Infinite Campus or contact the finance office.

March 2019 March 18th – 22nd : Enjoy a fun and relaxing Spring Break! Take advantage of this time to complete Community Service hours. Remember, 20 hours of community service are required, five of which can be at TRHS. March 29th: Senior Class Meeting Discuss graduation during Seminar

April 2019 April 13th: Senior Prom $35 includes After-Prom Location will be revealed to students at a later date 8:00-11:00 p.m. April 13 - 14th: After Prom Bowlero, Lone Tree 11:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m. After Prom Committee – We are looking for parent Volunteers. Contact Tom Sullivan at tmsullivan@dcsdk12.org

After Prom Bowlero – 11:30p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 9255 Kimmer Dr. Lone Tree, CO 80124 $35 per person – included in the cost of your prom ticket or $15 at the door All students will need to complete a District waiver and After Prom form to enter. If your student chooses to leave prior to the end of the event, then a text message will be sent to parent notifying them their student left early. No re-entry. Students will be checked in and screened prior to entry. What is included with entry? Why have after prom? Reason why not to host a party at your home on prom night? Volunteers and donations?

April 2019 April 8th: Senior Project Portfolio Due April 12th: Senior Boards Seniors will attend at appointed times in the afternoon for their presentation. First presentation begins at 12 noon. April 8th – 12th: State Mandated Testing Week Testing schedule for the week is posted on the TRHS website under State Mandated Testing. Seniors are strongly encouraged to use the morning time to prepare for Senior boards!

April 2019 April 19th: Due Date for Community Service & Senior Surveys Minimum of 20 Community Service Hours – to be completed and turned in to the Counseling Office. Students must also complete 3 Senior Surveys: the Graduation survey, the Naviance survey, and district survey. April 26th: Senior Sneak Official ditch day to participate in the pre-planned Senior class activity Details to Come There are no ”unofficial” Senior Skip days

May 2019 May 3rd – May 24th: IB Testing Mission Hills Church and ThunderRidge High School Mission Hills: 620 Southpark Dr. Littleton CO 80120 Check IB Exam schedule for each test location May 6th – 17th: AP Testing Check AP Website for each test location

May 2019 May 6th – 9th: Senior Final Exams Textbook return Must resolve AP Exam/Final Exam conflicts Exams must be taken by noon on the 17th unless granted special permission by administration May 10th: Senior Check Out Cap/Gown distribution BBQ, Moving Up Ceremony, and Last Blast May 13th: Senior Awards Night 6:30 p.m. in the Main gym Those honored at the ceremony will receive an invitation On May 10th your Senior will receive their cap and gown. Parents are encouraged to take any and all family photos prior to Graduation. There are limited locations to take private family photos and returning the cap and gown needs to be timely.

Senior Check-out: May 10th In order for Seniors to complete Check-Out and receive their cap and gown on Friday, May 10th they must: Turn in all textbooks, novels, and library books checked out during the school year Have no outstanding fees, including textbook fees Meet the 20 hour Community Service requirement Complete Senior Surveys on Naviance Have a minimum of 24 credits Schedules for these days are available on the TRHS senior page**

May 2019 May 14th: Graduation Day 2:00 p.m. DU Magness Arena/Ritchie Center 12:00 p.m. Students at TRHS 12:30 p.m. BUSES WILL LEAVE FROM THUNDERRIDGE NO RETURN TRIP! Rain or Shine!

Important Graduation Information Graduation Cap and Gowns: Orders due by March 4th! 76 seniors have not yet ordered their caps & gowns for commencement exercises. If you have not, please do so. Go to www.uniquerecognition.com Transportation Students will ride the bus to Graduation on May 14th and must provide their own transportation after the ceremony. Parents that ALL this information can be found on the TRHS senior page! Go to the TRHS home page, click on the student tab, then click on seniors

Inappropriate Clothing DIGNIFIED CEREMONY Appropriate clothing is an important factor in maintaining a dignified ceremony Appropriate Clothing Inappropriate Clothing Ladies should wear dresses/dressy pants low-heeled shoes Gentlemen should wear dress slacks dress shoes Tennis shoes, flip-flops, shorts, muscle shirts, t- shirts, etc. May jeopardize the student’s participation in the ceremony Should anyone needs assistance to comply with dress code, please see me (Jenn Carroll)

DIGNIFIED CEREMONY Students are not allowed to have the following items during the graduation ceremony: Backpacks, purses, or bags Electronic devices and/or cameras Hats Food or drink (water will be provided) Beach balls, noise makers, or other items that would disrupt or distract from the dignity of the ceremony

Graduation Procession There is a Jumbo-tron, so every seat is a good seat. Be sure to check the TRHS website for the map.

Second Semester Focus Parent support is needed in these specific areas to help keep your student focused: Senior Project Attendance remains critical – there are no unofficial Ditch Days Senioritis – maintaining student focus Colleges have rescinded acceptance of high school students’ applications for poor performance in the second semester of their Senior year.

Stay updated! Visit the Senior page on the ThunderRidge website All up-to-date information is on our school website.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where can students check completed community service hours? A: Check the “Assessment” tab in Infinite Campus for Community Service hours status or check with the Counseling Office. Also, I have a list. Q: Do Seniors attend school on Senior Boards Day? A: Seniors do not attend school in the morning. They only need to report at their assigned time in the afternoon to present their Senior Project.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will TRHS ever do away with Senior Project? A: We find the Senior Project to be a valuable capstone experience to a student’s education. This sentiment has been shared time and time again by graduates who return to share the value of the Senior Project. The intent of the Senior Project is to provide students the opportunity to explore an area of interest in depth. While it is a challenging experience, it can be a deeply rewarding experience for those students who commit to the process and timelines.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can students use a previously purchased cap and gown? A: No. ThunderRidge has new beautiful custom designed gowns. Q: How long is the graduation ceremony? A: Approximately 2 hours

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will the graduation ceremony take place regardless of weather? A: As this is an indoor venue, weather will not impede the ceremony. Q: Do Seniors have to ride the bus to graduation? A: Yes, all Seniors are expected to ride the bus to the graduation ceremony. Students will leave with their families after the ceremony.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is handicapped parking and seating available at the graduation ceremony? A: Yes, both are available. Parking maps will be available on the Senior page of the ThunderRidge website starting in March. Q: Is there a charge for parking at graduation? A: Parking is $10 per vehicle

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is there a limit to the number of family members allowed at the graduation ceremony? A: No, the arena will accommodate all interested parties. Q: What time will parents be allowed to enter the arena? A: The arena doors will open at 1:00 p.m.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is there a graduation rehearsal? A: Yes, there is a rehearsal scheduled for Tuesday May14th, at 11:30. We will bring the escorts by bus to DU. Q: Who needs to attend the rehearsal? A: In addition to the adults responsible for graduation, only Junior Escorts, speakers, and performers need to attend rehearsal.

FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will pictures be taken while students are accepting their diplomas? A: Yes, arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to provide this service. Online ordering instructions will be available soon on the TRHS website. Under the “Student” tab, click “Seniors.”