GRADUATION 2009

Graduation is being held at St. Mary's College of Maryland in St. Mary's City on May 29th, 2009 at 6 pm.

Graduation Coordinator: Mrs. Gisèle Schrader

Class Sponsors: Mrs. Debbie Kole and Mrs. Sandra Denham

MAY 2009 CALENDAR

GRADUATION HANDBOOK 2009

Awards Assembly: We invite parents and graduating Seniors to attend.  Scheduled for May 26th,2009.

Cap and Gowns: orders are being placed Girls on November 20th, Boys on November 21st during lunches in the cafeteria.  See our Jostens reps for more details.  CAP AND GOWNS ARE INCLUDED IN CLASS DUE FEES.  *Packages purchased with announcements and clothing are at the choice of the graduate...CAPS AND GOWNS ARE FREE IF DUES ARE PAID!  After November 21st, see Mrs Kole in the Media Center to order your cap and gown.

Class Dues:  ONLY FOR THE CLASS OF 2009 *other classes see School Bank link.  ALL DUES FOR GRADUATION MUST BE PAID BY MAY 15th, 2009 IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION
Questions? Contact Ms. L. Snyder
Senior year                   $60 by 12/19, $65 after winter break
Junior year                    $55
Sophomore year           $40
Freshmen year              $25
Total of all 4 years        $180 by 12/19, $185 after winter break

Cords: Certificate of Merit Cords are provided free of charge. Check with Guidance to see if you have met all requirements.  The following organizations have cords or stoles which are provided (some at a cost or rental) for graduation: NJROTC, FBLA, NHS, SGA, National Technical Society, Thespian and International Thespian Societies, National Art Society, 4 year Athlete.

Diplomas: See Mrs. Duran in Guidance to verify spelling of name for the diploma.  Guidance orders diplomas ahead of time.  It is important that you check at some point during the year.

Exam Dates and Schedules:

Golden Graduates: Our tradition at GMHS includes the return of our 50 year alumni.  We celebrate their return on graduation night each year.  Are you a 50 year graduate? Please email for more information to gmschrader@smcps.org

Graduation Announcements: orders are being placed on the same dates as above.  If you miss the deadline then there are additional fees. If someone does not graduate anything that is personalized cannot be refunded.  If the students do not have the money to pay for announcements now, they may order them anytime up until the cut off date in March online at www.Jostens.com

Graduation Dress Code:
Your gown should be kept on a hanger. The gown should extend down to the mid-calf area. Gowns from previous years are from different dye lots and are not to be used. Nothing extra will be permitted to be hung, pinned, or attached in any way to either the cap or the gown.
On the night of graduation, women are to wear white or black dress shoes and an appropriate dress or pant suit. Classy, not tacky! High heels are discouraged but not prohibited, no slip-ons or platforms. Men are to wear a white dress shirt, a dark tie, dark dress trousers, dark socks, and black dress shoes. Please do not wear denim trousers, jeans, tennis shoes, or sandals. You will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony if you are improperly dressed!

Graduation Parking: Special needs (Handicapped parking) is arranged with Ms. Schrader.  General parking areas are indicated on maps which will be provided to students.

Graduation Photography and Video: Any photography must take place from your seating.  We ask families and friends to remain in seating during the duration of the Graduation Ceremony.  Professional photographers will be taking photos of each student as they cross the stage.  DVDs and Videos will also be available for puchase ahead of time.  DVDs or VHSs from Northeast Photo Network 410-789-6001
 
Graduation Practices: These are mandatory practices.  Students who choose not to attend practices will not be graduating on May 29th.  Students who have conflicts must see Mrs. Tracey Heibel ahead of time to be excused.

Graduation Tickets: There are two types of tickets, Main Arena and Auxiliary Gym.  The Main Arena is where graduates are located "live", the Auxiliary Gym will have a live broadcast (or "feed").  Additional tickets may be requested in written form to Mrs. Tracey Heibel by the beginning of May and handed in to the Main Office to Sandy Seek.  Seating is on a first-come basis.  Only wheelchair or assisted seating is reserved in advance of May 29th.

Hall of Fame: Our tradition at GMHS includes induction of a Hall of Fame member each year.  The Hall of Fame recipient must be a graduate of GMHS.  Application for Hall of Fame.

Senior Information: make certain that all contact information is correct in Guidance.   This information is used for Official Transcripts, Videographer, Photographer and Alumni Steering Committees.

Senior Picnic: Scheduled for May 26th in the afternoon after the Senior Awards Assembly.  Check out procedures will occur after the assembly. 

Yearbooks: On sale later in the school year.  Check the website for Yearbook link for more information.  If you want to have photos in the yearbook, please see Ms. Liddick in room E01.  
Senior Recognition Ads for the 2009 Yearbook are now available!  A Senior Recognition Ad is an absolutely wonderful gift for any graduating senior. The Personalized Ad will be Published in their Yearbook, and cherished for years to come! Congratulate your Senior with a special Yearbook Recognition Ad. Senior Ads are available in Full-Page, Half-Page, Quarter Page, and Eighth Page options. The Last Day to Purchase a Senior Recognition Ad is January 30^th, however there is Limited Space Available. For further Layout, Personalization, and Purchasing information contact the School Bank or lfsnyder@smcps.org or caliddick@smcps.org 
prices are:
full page    $275
1/2 page    $150
1/4 page    $ 75
1/8 page    $40