Graduate Attire
Graduates may not add decorations of any kind to the formal cap and gown (e.g. corsages, decorations, honor cords or other regalia). Students are encouraged to wear long dress pants, collared shirts, ties, a dress or skirt, dress shirt or blouse, dress shoes, socks, or dress sandals.
Students who are wearing jeans, shorts, gym shoes, boots, or sport/casual sandals (e.g., Birkenstocks, Toms, rubber shower shoes, flip flops, etc.) or other inappropriate attire will NOT be allowed to participate in graduation. Students must remain in the proper attire for the duration of the ceremony.
Instructions for Parents and Students
Your Placard
Parents and guardians will receive a placard in the mail no later than Saturday, May 31st. This will include each graduate’s name, their guidance counselor name and their assigned parking spot where their vehicle will be staged prior to joining the drive-through line.
It is very important to bring your placard to graduation.
Entrance to Campus and Staging
Cars will enter campus through the Willow entrance. Families will be directed to their assigned spot and can wait there until directed to proceed to the front of the building. Families are expected to bring ONLY ONE car onto campus for this event, unless permission has been received prior to the event through Dr. Holland’s office. To request permission for a 2nd car, please contact Donna LaVitola (
dlavitola@lfschools.net) no later than Thursday, June 4th.
All family members are expected to remain in their cars during this time. Once the procession begins, cars will be directed around to the front of the building single file.
Students Exiting Cars
Once cars reach the front steps, the graduate will be asked to exit the car and cross the west lane to the front lawn, where a ramp to the stage will be located. All remaining family members are expected to remain in the car.
Queuing of Cars While Graduates Receive Diplomas
Once the student has exited their car by the front steps, cars will be directed forward to a spot in front of the stage. There they will have a good view of their graduate receiving the diploma and can take photographs/videos. Once the student has had their professional photograph taken, the car will be directed past the stop signs at the curve to a designated point where the graduate will get back into the car. Cars will exit campus onto McKinley Road.
Students Receiving Their Diplomas
Graduates will be lined up on the ramp at a socially responsible distance from one another. A flower will be handed to the graduate at this point. Prior to crossing the stage, the graduate will provide an assigned staff member the sheet of paper that has their name on it. The staff member will verify the student’s name with Mr. Goldstein, who will announce the graduate. Once announced, the graduate will proceed across the stage and pick up their diploma booklet from the table. They will pose on stage for a professional photograph with their diploma and flower, then exit stage right and proceed to their car.
Expectations
Graduate and Family Expectations
This commencement ceremony is being conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Public Health. As such, LFHS staff will make every effort to adhere to social distancing for all who participate in this event. We ask that all families cooperate with us to ensure this special occasion remains a safe one. In partnership:
- Please arrive in one car, unless previous permission has been granted. No one will be permitted to enter campus by any means other than by car and through the Willow entrance. Walk ups will be turned away by the Lake Forest Police
- Please remain in the car for the duration of the ceremony, with the graduate exiting to receive their diploma as the only exception
- While taking pictures of your graduate on stage is acceptable, please do so in a manner that assists staff with maintaining a safe pace
- Graduates and families are not required to wear personal protective equipment, but may do so if they feel more comfortable
- Please drive slowly throughout the parking lot
- Horn honking and loud music are not permitted
- All rules and policies of the school will be enforced at the ceremony. Use or possession of alcohol or drugs at the rehearsal or the ceremony will result in removal from the event by the LFPD. Smoking is prohibited on school property
- Respectful and civil behavior is expected throughout the ceremony. Spectators or graduates who choose not to conduct themselves in accordance with these guidelines will be asked to leave the ceremony
Staff Expectations
LFHS staff are excited to conduct this ceremony as a special way of honoring the Class of 2020. In order to ensure that this ceremony remains in compliance with Illinois Department of Health guidelines:
- Only essential staff will be permitted to attend the ceremony
- Staff will wear PPE during the ceremony
- Staff will remain safely spaced from one another during the ceremony
- Staff will supervise graduates to ensure that they remain safely spaced from one another
- Staff will work to maintain a safe yet efficient pace that adheres closely to our stated start times for families
In Case of Inclement Weather
As with every graduation on the lawn of LFHS, our hope is that the show will go on – even with a little rain. Should weather reports project threatening conditions, the decision will be made by 6:00 AM CT on June 6 to postpone the ceremony until the following day, Sunday, June 7, using the same schedule planned for June 6. The safety of our students, families and staff is our first priority. If there is rain but the ceremony is not postponed, students are asked to bring their own umbrella to the ceremony.
And Finally
Things to Remember and Bring
- Bring your placard – IT IS IMPORTANT for parking and when you receive your diploma
- Come dressed in your cap and gown
- Wear shoes that are appropriate and safe for the weather conditions
- Should weather conditions suggest rain, please bring an umbrella
- Bring a smile!! We are excited to celebrate with you!!
