West Springfield High School

Class of 2009
Graduation Information & Schedule
(UPDATED May 26, 2009)

Dear Seniors and Parents:

There is an abundance of information contained on this web page to help you keep track of all the dates, times of Senior events – culminating in our graduation ceremony on June 15th.This information is posted to provide you with the details leading up to and including exams, the senior trip, prom and other festivities surrounding graduation -- where possible contact names and phone numbers have been included should you have any questions. Please note that some activities have very specific time requirements.

Parents, you are encouraged to talk with your senior(s) about the importance of appropriate behavior at the graduation ceremony and safe and responsible behavior while celebrating afterward. We hope to see all of you at the All Night Graduation Party at Lee District Recreation Center.

I am so pleased to have been your Class Administrator for the past four years! I would like to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you. Each of you has matured and grown since you left middle school four years ago and are now ready to embark on the next phase of your life’s journey. As an educator and a member of this Spartan community, I would like you to know I am proud of you.

And, as you prepare to take on your next set of challenges and opportunities, I sincerely hope that you’ll
          Be Well, Do Good Work & Keep in Touch!

Sincerely,

Becky Brandt
Administrator, Class of 2009
becky.brandt@fcps.edu

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The graduation ceremony is a formal recognition of four years of successful academic work. Graduation is an occasion for joy, reflection and dignity. The faculty and staff have made every effort to ensure that your commencement ceremony is worthy of your accomplishment. It is expected that you will do your part to make the 2009 graduation ceremony one of which we may all be proud. The administration, faculty and staff extend to the graduating class our best wishes for a dignified ceremony. Location/Lineup Graduation will take place on Monday, June 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Patriot Center on the campus of George Mason University. Students should report to the loading dock area no later than 7:45 a.m. In the loading dock area they will proceed through the inspection stations to be checked for inappropriate items. Graduates will enter with their gowns over their arms and carrying their caps. Males will have their pants pockets turned inside out. Do not bring purses, cameras, cell phones, pagers, cigarettes, lighter or any valuable items since secured storage is not provided. The only items you will be allowed to keep are your keys. Safety pins and bobby pins will be supplied.

Once students have gone through the inspection stations, they will proceed to the appropriate tunnel to be checked-in by a faculty line leader who will sit with you during the ceremony. Once in line, please stay in your correct location.

If it is raining when you arrive, you should come into the Patriot Center through the loading dock. Signs will be posted (orange to the left and blue to the right) on the walls of the tunnels circling the floor of the Patriot Center.

Each senior will be informed of seat assignments at rehearsal. Graduation traffic will be heavy. Please plan for this and arrive on time. To ensure that your ceremony starts on time and goes smoothly, please listen to instructions carefully.

Appropriate Dress
Seniors are expected to arrive at graduation appropriately dressed and carrying their caps and gowns. Ladies should wear dresses or skirts that are not excessively full or long and dress shoes. Men should wear white dress shirts, ties, dark pants, dark socks and dress shoes. No sunglasses, flip-flops or sneakers are to be worn. No jeans allowed. Do not decorate or place signs on caps or gowns. Use common sense and defer the party attire and party attitude for the All Night Graduation Party.

Security
Members of the security staff will be stationed throughout the Patriot Center and can be identified by their orange security badges. Graduation assistants will be stationed at the portals to provide general assistance when needed, and will be wearing blue tags.

After graduates have reported for roll call, they will proceed through the inspection stations to be checked for inappropriate items. Graduates will enter with their gowns over their arms and carrying their caps. Males will have their pants pockets turned inside out. Do not bring purses, cameras, cell phones, pagers, cigarettes, lighter or any valuable items since secured storage is not provided. The only items you will be allowed to keep are your keys. Safety pins and bobby pins will be supplied.

Appropriate behavior is expected by all participants and guests before, during and after the ceremony. Inappropriate behavior or possession of any inappropriate items (i.e., beach balls, balloons) by graduates or guests will result in the individuals being removed from the graduation ceremony and the Patriot Center.

Photos
Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take a picture of all graduates as they receive their diplomas from Mr. Wardinski. These pictures will be available for purchase from the photographer and will come in the mail a few weeks after graduation. Guests must remain in their seats during the ceremony. Those who wish to take close-up pictures should use a telephoto lens. The Patriot Center requires that only handheld, battery operated video cameras are used and that they be used from the seating area only.

Memories, a prefessional videography company, will make DVDs of the graduation ceremony available for sale. Download the application if you wish to purchase a DVD.

Handicapped Accessibility
At graduation, special seating arrangements will be available. To facilitate these arrangements, please call Mr. Ukele, WSHS security specialist, at (703) 913-3902, or send an e-mail to mike.ukele@fcps.edu. Handicapped persons in wheelchairs will view the ceremony from the concourse level overlooking either side of the stage at the north end of the Patriot Center. If needed, one attendant may accompaly a person in a wheelchair. Also available will be services for the hearing impaired.

Absences
If a student finds it necessary to be absent from rehearsal or graduation, please inform Ms. Brandt in person as soon as possible. All seniors are encouraged to participate in graduation; but since graduation is extracurricular, attendance is not required. If a senior chooses not to participate in graduation, he/she may pick up the diploma in the counseling office on Tuesday, June 16.
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June 15 - All Night Grad Party
Lee District Park

Kerry Maxwell is the contact person for the All Night Grad Party at Lee District Park. The party begins Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:00 p.m. and ends at 5:00 a.m. For information, contact wsgradparty09@yahoo.com or 703-644-3998.
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