RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL C/O 2014 END-OF-YEAR SENIOR EVENTS & EXPECTATIONS April 2014 Dear Senior Students and Parents, Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and being part of the 2014 graduating class of Ridgewood High School! We are giving you the following information and guidelines to ensure that the end- of- year activities will be a proud memory for all graduates. Please review the following information and share it with your family. IMPORTANT DATES: Friday, April 4 th Friday, April 25 th Monday, May 5 th Friday, May 16 th Friday, May 2 nd Friday, May 16 th Monday, May 19 th - Wednesday, May 21 st Tuesday, May 20 th Wednesday, May 21 st Thursday, May 22 nd Prom @ Palace Grand Spring Hill, FL 6:30PM - 11PM Grad Bash @ Universal Studios Orlando, FL 3PM Please remember the dress code and other rules for the evening. Advanced Placement Exams Online Classes Completed to be Eligible to Participate in Graduation Senior Yearbook Signing Party (6 th period) Senior Semester Exams May 19 (Exams 1, 3, 5), May 20 (Exams 2, 4, 6), May 21 (Make Up) Senior Scholarship Night in GYM @ 6:00PM Last Day for Seniors Senior Make Up Exams Senior Checkout Day 1 Caps & Gowns will be distributed. Recognition of Excellence Academic & Athletic Awards in GYM @ 1PM Senior Countdown in Cafeteria @ 2:45PM Senior Grades Due Mandatory Graduation Practice/Checkout Day 2 in GYM @ 8:30AM Friday, May 23 rd Mandatory Graduation Practice/Checkout Day 3 in GYM @ 9:30AM Tickets will be distributed. Senior Picnic in RHS Stadium immediately following Graduation Practice Tuesday, May 27 th Friday, May 30 th Final Graduation Notification Graduation in RHS Activities Center (GYM) @ 6:30PM (doors open for guests at 5:45PM) Seniors must report to the RHS Cafeteria by 5:30PM with cap & gown in hand. 1

YEAR END CONDUCT: The RHS Administration and Faculty have always been very proud of our students and their behavior. We expect this outstanding behavior to continue. As a warning, any student who participates in year- end pranks or vandalism will face serious consequences, which may include arrest, suspension, and non- participation in graduation and/or other senior events. We take pride in our school and pranks are unacceptable. Students have been reminded of these expectations during assemblies in August, December, and February. Parent letters have also gone home in December, February, March, and April. Note: All Prom limos, party buses, and other vehicles are subject to search as they arrive at the Prom. Any student who arrives in a limo, party bus, or other vehicle that is found to have alcohol in the vehicle or who have consumed alcohol, will be excluded from the Prom. Parents will be contacted and the student will face suspension from school and will be excluded from all graduation activities. There will be NO REFUNDS. PROM: The Class of 2014 will be hosting the Masquerade Prom at the Palace Grand in Spring Hill on Friday, April 4 th from 7:30PM 11:00PM. Tickets will be $65 each and will be on sale until March 28 th. All students will be required to sign an RHS Prom Expectation Agreement. Any student bringing a guest who does not attend RHS must complete and submit to the front office the RHS Guest Request Form no later than March 27 th by 3PM for administrative approval. SENIOR CHECKOUT: The last school day for seniors will be Wednesday, May 21 st. Students will be given a checkout form prior to the last day in which they need to meet all obligations. Senior Checkout will take place on May 21 st - May 23 rd. Transcript requests should be submitted to the registrar (Mrs. Leonard) prior to the last day. The charge for transcripts is $1.00 for each set. All seniors are required to clear their account with the bookkeeper (Ms. Boise) prior to graduation. (Account balances may include lost books, lost uniforms, unpaid course fees, athletic participation fees, etc.) CAP AND GOWN: If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please see Ms. Boise in the front office as soon as possible. In April, the senior graduation fees are $90, $60 (w/o gown). The last day to order a cap and gown is Thursday, April 17 th. Our goal is that all seniors receive their caps and gowns at the end of checkout on May 21 st. Caps and gowns will be distributed once all checkout materials are completed and obligations have been satisfied. Students should try on their cap and gown immediately to be sure that it is the correct size. The gown should be carefully pressed for graduation. If the student owns the gown, then it does not need to be returned. If the gown is on loan, then the student must return the gown prior to receiving their diploma on May 30 th. HONOR CORDS: All graduates who qualify will be provided with an honor cord upon receiving their cap and gowns. In order to be eligible, you must have a weighted cumulative GPA of a 3.2000 or higher for the first seven semesters of high school. All honor students will also be recognized in the graduation program. SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS CEREMONIES: The College, Career, & Life Readiness breakfast for those students who have tested college- ready will take place on???. Students will receive invitations for this event. The Scholarship Ceremony** will take place on Tuesday, May 20 th at 6:00PM, in the Ridgewood High School gymnasium. Invitations will be sent to seniors who are receiving community scholarships and local awards. The Recognition of Excellence Academic & Athletics Awards Day Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21 st in the gym at 1PM. Students will receive invitations for this event. 2

**DRESS CODE FOR SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP & GRADUATION CEREMONY Males Females Dress pants with belt Dress pants Dress shirt and a tie Skirt or Dress (appropriate length) Socks Blouse Dark Dress Shoes (Black looks best!) Dark Dress Shoes (Black looks best!) ALL GRADUATES: Absolutely, NO JEANS, SHORTS, SNEAKERS, OR FLIP FLOPS. Students who are not properly attired will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Leave purses, cameras, cell phones, and all other personal items with a parent or friend in the audience; they may NOT be taken in during the processional. Note: The mortarboard (graduation cap) is to be worn flat with the tassel over the left eye. Once the seniors are declared graduates, the tassel is moved to the right side in unison with the class. Mortarboards are to look like they did when received from the company (no additional decorations). Only those items issued by the school may be worn on the outside of the gown (i.e. honor cords, medallions). STUDENTS NOT HAVING A MATCHING CAP AND GOWN AND WHO ARE NOT DRESSED APPROPRIATELY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. Please carry your cap and gown into the RHS Cafeteria on graduation day. SENIOR COUNTDOWN: The traditional senior countdown will be Wednesday, May 21 st, at 2:45PM in the cafeteria. GRADUATION STATUS/REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION PARTICIPATION: Any student who does not meet graduation requirements will be officially notified by May 27 th. Students must satisfy state and district graduation requirements by the graduation date in order to participate in graduation ceremonies. Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Special Diploma, Performance Based Diploma, College Placement Test (CPT) Eligible Certification of Completion and GED Early Exit Option- Senior Assistance Program students who have met their program requirements are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies. Please discuss your graduation status with your parents/guardians. If you have any doubts about this status, please do not hesitate to contact Student Services at 727-774- 3900. The guidance counselors will be developing the final list of graduates through the morning of Tuesday, May 27 th. This is a tedious process that requires, in some cases, refiguring grades from the final quarter and/or semester. If you do not meet all of the requirements, you will be notified by phone no later than May 27 th. GRADUATION PRACTICE - MANDATORY: Practice will be held Thursday, May 22 nd from 8:30AM until approximately 12:30PM and on Friday, May 23 rd from 9:30AM until approximately 12:30PM in the gym. Seniors will not be permitted in the main building during regular school hours. Seniors will be asked to leave campus after practice. The only exceptions will be for seniors who need to make up one or more of their exams. Students must be dressed according to the Pasco County School District Dress Code. Students will be sent home to change if they are out of dress code and this may jeopardize their participation in graduation. THESE PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY: You must be in attendance for all practices and stay for the entire time in order to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive graduation tickets. Work schedules, doctor appointments, etc. need to be scheduled around graduation practice. 3

IF AN EMERGENCY BEFORE 8:30AM NECESSITATES NON- ATTENDANCE, PLEASE NOTIFY MRS. MURPHY PERSONALLY BEFORE PRACTICE. FOR THOSE STUDENTS NOT PARTICIPATING IN GRADUATION, DIPLOMAS MAY BE PICKED UP ON MONDAY, JUNE 2 nd, FROM 8AM TO 2PM FROM MRS. MURPHY. DIPLOMAS WILL NOT BE MAILED. TICKETS FOR GRADUATION: Each senior will be allowed five graduation tickets for family and friends. Due to the number of graduates, tickets are extremely limited. Please REMEMBER only those who are holding a ticket will be permitted in the gym during graduation. Small children of walking age will require a ticket. There will be overflow rooms available for guests who do not have tickets where they can view the ceremony through closed circuit television. Tickets are not to be bought or sold. They may be given away. Please remind your guests to check their tickets before leaving home. Tickets for graduation will be given out ONLY AFTER ALL ACCOUNTS ARE CLEARED. Final account totals will not be available until after final exams. This includes but is not limited to media fines, lost books, club dues, cafeteria fees, athletic participation fees, etc. If there is a dispute as to whether the account is clear, the fee should be paid by the student. Any fees paid in error will be refunded upon presentation of receipt. Tickets will be given out at the end of graduation practice on Friday, May 23 rd. Students who are absent from practice or leave early will receive fewer tickets. SENIOR PICNIC: The Senior Send- Off Committee will be hosting the annual Senior Picnic on Friday, May 23 rd after graduation practice at the RHS Stadium. This event is included as part of the senior fees. We will be serving lunch and snacks, water slides, dunk tanks, bungee runs, jousting, and other games in this last chance to be together as a class before graduation. Seniors will need permission forms signed by parent/guardian to participate in the water events. Permission forms will be distributed at senior checkout on Wednesday, May 21 st. Parents, if you would like to help, please call Ms. Leonard at 774-3934. GRADUATION: Commencement exercises will begin at 6:30PM on Friday, May 30 th, in the Ridgewood Activities Center (gym). The doors will open at 5:45PM. All seniors must report to the cafeteria by 5:30PM. Please be prompt. You will need this time to change into your gowns and line up for the ceremony. IF YOU DO NOT SHOW UP ON TIME, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PLACE IN LINE AND YOUR NAME WILL BE PULLED FROM THE LIST. Please see the graduation dress code requirements on page 3. STUDENTS NOT HAVING A MATCHING CAP AND GOWN AND WHO ARE NOT DRESSED APPROPRIATELY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. There will be disabled/wheelchair accommodations available. Only one family member will be able to sit with a disabled family member in the marked area. If you wish to reserve accommodations, please call Ms. Leonard at 774-3934 and/or make a verbal request no later than Wednesday, May 28 th. Please REMEMBER only those who are holding a ticket will be permitted in the gym during graduation. Small children of walking age will require a ticket. For those who wish to view the graduation ceremony via closed circuit television, room V- 5 will be set up for that purpose. Entrance may be gained to this area without a ticket. BEHAVIOR: Graduation is a momentous occasion not only for the seniors, but also for their parents, families, and friends. For that reason, the ceremony is to be held with dignity and courtesy to others. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for the occasion, including the manner in which you walk across the stage. Any inappropriate behavior may result in your diploma being held pending a meeting with administration. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not receive his/her diploma and/or will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement officials. This will prevent them from participating in the graduation ceremony. 4

DIPLOMAS: We recommend having a pre- arranged meeting place set with your graduate and family following the ceremony. Graduates will first have to pickup their diplomas following the ceremony in the area reserved for graduates only, and then will be able to meet at a spot immediately following this process. Any student not meeting the behavioral requirements or whose financial record is not cleared will not receive their diploma. All diplomas not picked up at graduation will be available from Mrs. Murphy on Monday, June 2 nd from 8AM to 2PM. Just a reminder, if your diploma is withheld because of disciplinary reasons, you will be required to meet with administration. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: All seniors and their parents are requested to use the student parking area and the Marchman Technical Education Center parking lot on graduation. Parking will be a problem, so if possible, please carpool. Your help in reducing the parking problem will be greatly appreciated. DO NOT PARK in any area posted as a reserved area. All bags brought in by guests will be searched. Noisemakers of any kind (including, but not limited to, bull horns, cowbells, whistles, and air horns), or laser pointers will NOT be allowed in the RHS Activities Center. Cell phones should be turned off during the graduation ceremony. Family and friends should remain seated throughout the ceremony (with the exception of the processional, recessional, National Anthem, and Pledge of Allegiance) as a courtesy to other graduates and their family and friends. Seniors will be photographed individually as they receive their diploma and congratulations from the principal. The photographer will notify seniors when the pictures are ready; purchases are optional. No one other than the graduates is permitted in the RHS cafeteria area (staging area) or on the floor near the graduates. There will be many opportunities before or after graduation to take family pictures. GRADUATION VIDEO: Graduation ceremony videos are on sale for $20. Senior videos are on sale for $20. You may purchase both for $35. These will be sold during graduation practice/senior checkout. You may fill out the form below and return it with cash or check to Mrs. Nystrom in the front office. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please contact: Mrs. Murphy (Principal) amurphy@pasco.k12.fl.us (727) 774-3901 Ms. Jones (Senior Class Administrator) hjonespo@pasco.k12.fl.us (727) 774-3918 Ms. Damato (Senior Guidance Counselor) sdamato@pasco.k12.fl.us (727) 774-3912 Mr. Delgardo (Senior Graduation Coach) ddelgard@pasco.k12.fl.us (727) 774-3848 Sincerely, Angie Murphy 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CLASS OF 2014 - Video Order Form Student Name: Student #: Home phone: Cell phone: I want to purchase the Senior Video for $20. I want to purchase the Graduation Video for $20. I want to purchase both the Senior Video and Graduation Video for $35. Videos must be pre- ordered. Videos will be available for pick up in the front office after June 25, 2014. ***The music on the Senior Video and the Graduation Video will be "copyright free."*** 6