SENIOR NEWSLETTER 
CLASS OF 2018 
 
 

Chris Mitchell,
Assistant Principal for
Student Services
Dear Seniors and Parents:
 
Glenbard West High School will hold its Commencement for the Class of 2018 at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018.  Our teachers and administrators are looking forward to this ceremony that will recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2018.  We know how hard they have worked to achieve their goals and prepare themselves for life beyond high school. Most have built relationships and connections within the school that will last a lifetime.  We would like to emphasize the importance of exiting with pride and acknowledge that the most important tradition is for our seniors to end the school year with positive memories and enriching experiences.  Our faculty and staff are hard at work planning a commencement ceremony that will allow your graduate and family members the opportunity to celebrate this special moment.
 
The administration, faculty and staff at West believe that it is important to make the end of the year special for seniors.  We know that our seniors and their parents share this objective.  We have worked with student leadership and planned a number of activities that are designed to maintain expectations, celebrate the accomplishments and recognize the achievements of our graduates.  

As we look forward to this year's culminating activities, we will maintain our expectations for serious work and proper behavior through the last day of student attendance.  There have been unfortunate times when a graduating senior used poor judgment during these last days in high school and engaged in campus vandalism or improper conduct.  Please realize that such behavior could jeopardize that student's participation in the commencement ceremony and/or result in more serious consequences.  This year we have held meetings with senior leaders to hear their concerns and make sure our expectations are known and clear.  Also, remember that there are NO "ditch days" and students who miss school for unauthorized reasons will face academic and disciplinary consequences.  We appreciate the support we receive from parents in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all students throughout the school year.  
 
We look forward to sharing this commencement with our families and the Class of 2018. Commencement will be an occasion where we reflect the significance of their accomplishments and the pride we all feel on their behalf.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,
Chris Mitchell
Assistant Principal for Student Services

Important Dates 
 
Wednesday, April 4 - Mandatory Senior Meeting during periods 7 & 8  (Auditorium) 

Friday, April 27 - All Graduation Forms Due to Student Services

Saturday, April 28 - Prom 2018 and Post Prom (see below for more information)

Monday, May 7 - Complete Senior Exit Survey and Graduation Survey in Naviance

Friday, May 11 - Final Exams for Seniors in Danger of Failing

Monday, May 14 thru Thursday, May 17 - Textbooks and iPads returned to Bookstore

Tuesday, May 15 - Senior Honors Convocation 7:30 p.m. (Auditorium)

Wednesday, May 16 - All financial obligations due

Friday, May 18 - Last day for Seniors/Picnic

Wednesday, May 23 - Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal 11:30 a.m. (Field House) 

Friday, May 25 - Commencement Day.  Students report to the Field House by 5:00 p.m.  
 
Senior Information
 
TextBooks/iPads:
Seniors need to return all rented books and iPads before Thursday, May 17.  Students who do NOT return books/iPad will be fined. 

Mandatory Senior Meeting: Mandatory Senior Meeting on April 4 in the Auditorium periods 7 & 8.  Seniors will hear important graduation and end of the year information.  The Senior Class group picture (panoramic photo) will be taken following the meeting by Lifetouch. The panoramic photo can be ordered online at events.lifetouch.com. 
 
Cap, Gown & Commencement Tickets: Seniors with all obligations resolved will be issued their cap, gown and commencement tickets following the Graduation Rehearsal on May 23.  If you have not ordered a cap and gown, please contact Herff Jones immediately at (815)756-4743 or   www.highschool.herffjones.com .
 
Commencement DVD: Communication Resource Management will be providing a DVD of Commencement for all interested parties.  To order your copy please visit: http://mygraduationvideo.com/.
 
Photographs: Grad Images is the official photographer for the Commencement Ceremony. Each graduate will be photographed and the proofs will be available for viewing soon after the event at www.gradimages.com.
 
Senior Picnic: Starting period 6 on May 18, the entire senior class will come together to enjoy sharing memories, looking forward to graduation and eating some delicious picnic food. "Senior Most" awards will take place at the end of the picnic and Seniors will leave campus by 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Each senior participating in commencement will have four (4) tickets.   Students
can request up to four (4) additional tickets by completing and returning the extra ticket form by April 27.


Commencement Guidelines
 
Commencement Eligibility
           
Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony:  

1. Successfully complete academic and attendance requirements from Glenbard West High School (as specified in the Castle Keys Handbook) during the first and second    semester of the 2017-2018 school year.

2. Clear all financial obligations by 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. 
 
Responsibilities of Graduates
  1. Be sure that you have ordered your cap and gown.  If for some reason you have not, you may still do so through Herff-Jones (815) 756-4743 or www.highschool.herffjones.com
  2. Complete with parent the Commencement Participation Form by April 27.
  3. Complete the online Senior Survey in Naviance between April 13th - May 7th.
  4. Clear all obligations and responsibilities by Wednesday, May 16, 2018 to the appropriate personnel.
  5. Attend Commencement Rehearsal.   Report promptly to the commencement rehearsal in the Field House at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.  Participation in the rehearsal is mandatory.   NOTE:  Failure to participate in the commencement rehearsal may result in the student being excluded from the ceremony.
  6. Remember to wear appropriate commencement attire.  Students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to the occasion.  Students should wear dress attire.  All students are to wear dress shoes.  Note:  If a student arrives in inappropriate attire, they will be asked to change or NOT march in the processional.
  7. Maintain the dignity of the commencement ceremony.  Be respectful, quiet and attentive during the commencement ceremony so that parents, friends and guests have the opportunity to hear all of the graduates' names being announced.
  8. When taking the diploma on stage, remember to use a firm handshake; make eye contact with the presenter of your diploma, while taking your diploma with your left hand and shaking hands with your right hand.  If you want to assure that your name is pronounced correctly during the graduation ceremony, there will be an opportunity during the commencement practice to speak to those who will be reading names.  
  9.  Save cheering for after the ceremony.
  10. Avoid gum chewing, food or use of cell phones.
  11. Please do not bring purses.  There is no place to put them, you'll be holding a diploma.
  12. Enjoy the ceremony!    
NOTE: Seniors who do not wish to adhere to these responsibilities are entitled to not attend graduation and to pick their diplomas from the registrar after June 1, 2018.   
                  
Responsibilities of Parents
  1. Complete the Commencement Participation Form by April 27.
  2. Be aware of the extra ticket request form if needed, this form is due by April 27.  
  3. Arrive to graduation early.  The gates will open at 4:30 p.m.
  4. Avoid shouting out and or clapping between the reading of names.  We want everyone to hear each graduate's name announced and this can only be accomplished if everyone remains quiet during the ceremony.  Please hold your applause until all names have been read.
  5. Avoid bringing large bouquets, latex or Mylar balloons or umbrellas please.
  6. Once the home side bleachers are filled to capacity or at 6:00 p.m., all spectators will be asked to sit on the visitor's side or the air-conditioned Auditorium where closed-circuit viewing is available.
  7. Be aware that should there be inclement weather and graduation is held indoors, ONLY the GREEN (all admission) and WHITE (handicapped) tickets will be recognized in Biester.  All other tickets (gold) will be designated for the auditorium.
  8. The complete ceremony will take approximately 1½ hours.
PROM 2018
 
Location: Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018

Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Dinner service at 7:00 p.m.
                (students must be at Prom by 7:00 p.m.)


TICKET SALES SCHEDULE
Tickets will only be sold during all lunch periods on The Bridge.

April 3-6: VIP Package only ($60 per person/$120 per couple) tickets
April 9 and 11: VIP Package only ($65 pp/$130 pc) tickets
April 12 and 13: VIP Package, Prom only ($50 pp) & Post-Prom tickets ($15 pp)
April 16-20: VIP Package, Prom only & Post-Prom tickets
April 23-27: Post-Prom only

What is the difference between the VIP Package and Prom only ticket options?
 
The VIP Package include all the following privileges and extras: 
Tickets to the dance
Tickets to Post-Prom at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center
Transportation to and from Prom on luxurious coach busses
The opportunity to choose seating for your party at Prom during dinner and "fast pass" entry into the dance.
 
The Prom only ticket includes all the following:
Dinner at the dance
An opportunity to choose where you sit during dinner service at Prom on April 24 and 25, after the VIP Package attendees have made their choices. Seating preferences will be made after school in the Cafe.
 




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Glenbard West High School
chris_larsen@glenbard.org
http://www.glenbard.wesths.org