The 2017 Senior class of Desert Ridge High School Announces its Commencement Exercises Tuesday afternoon, May twenty-third Two Thousand Seventeen four o clock Wells Fargo Arena Arizona State University 600 E Veterans Way Tempe, Arizona 85281 There is currently no limit to the number of guests you may bring to the ceremony. No tickets are needed; all seating is first come, first served. Handicapped seating is available in the arena on a first come, first served basis Doors open to the public at 3:00 pm Handicapped parking is available on a first come, first served basis. ASU parking assistants will be available in Lot 59 to assist visitors. For our Seniors and Parents, Please see the following pages for all the specific details you need to know about Graduation and what s coming up in the months before!
Class of 2017 Graduation Ceremony Information It is our sincere pleasure to congratulate the graduating class of 2017, and share the following important information as it relates to Graduation and Baccalaureate. This packet is for information purposes only and does not guarantee a student s participation in the graduation ceremony. Final confirmation regarding participation will be determined by student s grades, test scores, and behavior. Baccalaureate and Commencement are both special occasions that are intended to celebrate the achievements of our Desert Ridge High School seniors. Both ceremonies are planned as formal events with specific expectations for student dress and behavior. Baccalaureate: Baccalaureate is an inspirational ceremony that has proven to be very meaningful to our graduates. Although the ceremony is optional, students are encouraged to attend and experience this uplifting celebration. It will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at 3:00 pm in the Desert Ridge High School Auditorium. Students who plan to participate need to report to the cafeteria by 2:30 pm. Students should wear their cap and gown. Graduation Rehearsal: Rehearsal for graduation will be held in the DRHS Auditorium on Wednesday April 26, 2017, from 9:15 am to 10:30 am. REHEARSAL IS MANDADORY! If you are not at rehearsal, you may not participate in the ceremony on May 23rd. All AM EVIT students will receive a Home School Activity pass at the end of the rehearsal, to excuse their absence from EVIT. Students who have a conflict and cannot attend graduation rehearsal, must get prior approval from Mrs. Weis in the Admin Office. Seating/line assignments will be posted on the day of rehearsal, in the Library, Cafeteria, Administration Office, and on the Career Center windows. Check the list to find your row number, North or South side, and your line leaders name. Initial next to your name to verify spelling. Please write any corrections on the list. We recommend that you take a picture of your assignment with your phone, for a quick reference later. Any student whose name does not appear on the list needs to see Mrs. Weis immediately. The Commencement Ceremony Commencement will be held at ASU Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State University on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 4:00 pm. Doors open to the public at 3:00 pm. Students must report to the WEST entrance of Wells Fargo Arena at 3:00 pm. See the Arrival, Line Up, and Processional section of this handout for more detailed information. ASU Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281 There is currently no limit to the number of guests you may bring to the ceremony. No tickets are needed; all seating is first come, first served. Handicapped seating and parking are available. ASU parking assistants will be available in Lot 59 to assist visitors. Not Walking??? If you choose not to participate in the graduation ceremony, please notify Mrs. Weis in the Admin Office by April 17, 2017. If you do not walk with the class, your diploma will not automatically be mailed to you.
Diplomas will be available for pick-up in the DRHS front office starting on May 24, 2017 for those who are not walking with the class. Dressing for the Big Day (Yes Graduation) Students dressed inappropriately will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony Boys dress slacks and a collared shirt (tie not required, but recommended), dress shoes and socks. NO - Shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, etc. Girls dress, or skirt/dress slacks with blouse, dress shoes. NO - Shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, etc. All students must have a black gown, a black cap, and a DRHS tassel. These are available for purchase through Balfour at www.azbalfour.com or 480-990-0141. Gowns may NOT be altered in any way. Only approved DRHS awarded honor cords and stoles may be worn during the ceremony. Regalia/Honors from other institutions (ie: EVIT, ACE Plus) are not permitted. Leis of any kind are not permitted please have parents/family/friends hold them until after the ceremony. Caps may NOT be altered in any way. Only approved DRHS tassels (No Bling) will be allowed on caps (no other pins, insignia, markings, etc.) Students will receive a DRHS medallion when they arrive at ASU. Students who are graduating with honors (have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or better) will be given a gold tassel, after they arrive at ASU, to wear during the ceremony to acknowledge this achievement. Students will not be allowed to carry any items into the Arena, and there is no place to store items. Leave purses, cameras, keys and other personal items with your parents / family / friends. Security at Wells Fargo may be conducting searches of all students and adults entering the facility as they would for a regular ASU sponsored event. Behavior Any behavior interfering with the educational environment, including class disruptions or pranks, will result in behavioral consequences and possible removal by school staff or ASU Security. Line leaders and school staff reserve the right to check students for inappropriate objects (balloons, beach balls, signs, noisemakers, etc.) prior to leaving the staging area. Students found with any such contraband in their possession will have the item confiscated and/or the student will be removed from the ceremony. Confiscated items may or may not be available for return. Any student seeking to disrupt the ceremony in any way will be removed by school staff or ASU Security. Any student who appears to be under the influence of a controlled substance will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with District Policy. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior will be removed from the event
Senior Reminders!!! #1 Keep going to ALL of your classes!!! GRADES.need we say more? Be prepared for your final exams most exams count as 20% of your grade. Don t cut it too close. Review the final exam schedule so you can rearrange your job/work commitments if necessary. GPS Global Academy (Distance Learning) classes: The deadline for seniors to submit grades from Distance Learning/online classes is May 4, 2017; please contact your counselor if you have not completed any Distance Learning classes. Have you ordered your cap and gown? If not, Contact Balfour at (480) 990-0141 or www.azbalfour.com All Caps and gowns will be delivered on April 28 th during both lunches in the Library. Fines. make sure that any fines you may have at the library, bookstore, or cafeteria are paid! Otherwise, your diploma will be held Uniforms make sure that any uniforms for sports, band, choir, orchestra, or JROTC are returned. Otherwise, your diploma will be held. If you hope to play collegiate sports, be sure to meet with Mr. Wattawa for NCAA information. Are you registered for your classes for next fall? Don t delay get enrolled before the class sections reach their maximums. Transcript Release Form a final transcript indicating your graduation MUST BE SENT to the ONE college/university you will be attending next year. This is the final step in the application process. The final transcript release form must be submitted to Ms. Mousseau, the Registrar, before the end of the year. If you haven t made a decision about where you re going next year, there s no time like the present! Spend some time between now and the end of May in the College and Career Center exploring your ideas. Make some decisions now. File the FAFSA, A.S.A.P. The initial deadline has passed but you never know what scholarships, loans, or work-study you might still qualify for. Website to go to: www.fafsa.ed.gov If you haven t taken the ASSET Test, contact the community college of your choice, speak with an advisor and register for classes at any of the community colleges.
Calendar of Event March 1 Cap & Gown Photos Library 2 nd hour 6 th hour March 1 Deadline for ordering Caps & Gowns from Balfour www.azbalfour.com March 29 Graduation Announcement Delivery in the Library Both Lunches April 4 Golden Scholar/Scholarship DRHS Auditorium 10:00 am 11:30 am April 8 Prom The Falls Event Center 8:00 pm 11:00 pm April 26 Graduation Rehearsal DRHS Auditorium 9:15 am 10:30 am- Mandatory April 27 Cap & Gown Delivery DRHS Library Both Lunches April?? Senior Banquet Night TBA from Stuco May 3 DRHS Awards Ceremony DRHS Auditorium 7:00 pm 8:30 pm May 4 Correspondence/On-line work must be completed and grades posted to transcript May17-19 Senior Preparation Days Return Books/Uniforms/Materials/Pay Fines etc. DRHS - Final Exam Schedule -- Spring 2017 **Subject to Change** Wednesday, May 17 Senior Finals Period 7 Only A-Hour 6:30 -- 7:25 55 Min Class / Review Per 1 7:30 -- 8:22 52 Min Class / Review Per 2 8:27 -- 9:19 52 Min Class / Review Per 3 9:24 -- 10:16 54 Min Class / Review Per 4 10:21 -- 11:13 52 Min Class / Review Per 5 11:18 -- 12:10 52 Min Class / Review Per 6 12:15 -- 1:07 52 Min Class / Review Per 7 1:12 -- 2:30 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 8 2:35 -- 3:30 55 Min Class / Review Thursday, May 18 Senior Finals Periods: 2, 4 & 6 and All Grades A & 8 Hour A- Hour 6:30 -- 7:25 55 Min Final Exam All Grades Per 1 7:30 -- 8:10 40 Min Class / Review Per 2 8:15 -- 9:31 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 3 9:36 -- 10:16 40 Min Class / Review Per 4 10:21 -- 11:37 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 5 11:42 -- 12:24 42 Min Class / Review Per 6 12:29 -- 1:45 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 7 1:50 -- 2:30 40 Min Class / Review Per 8 2:35 -- 3:30 55 Min Final Exam All Grades Friday, May 19 Senior Finals Periods: 1 & 5 and All Grades A, 3 & 8 A-Hour 6:30 -- 7:25 55 Min Final Exam All Grades (if needed) Per 1 7:30 -- 8:46 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 2 8:51 -- 9:31 40 Min Class / Review Per 3 9:36 -- 10:52 76 Min Final Exam All Grades Per 4 10:57 -- 11:39 42 Min Class / Review Per 5 11:44 -- 1:00 76 Min Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen Per 6 1:05 -- 1:45 40 Min Class / Review Per 7 1:50 -- 2:30 40 Min Class / Review Per 8 2:35 -- 3:30 55 Min Final Exam All Grades (if needed) Sunday, May 21 Baccalaureate 3:00 pm in the Auditorium. Seniors arrive at 2:30 pm in the Cafeteria and wear your cap and gown. Tuesday, May 23 - Senior Graduation, 4:00 pm @ ASU Wells Fargo Arena Seniors arrive at 3:00 pm
Arrival, Line Up, Processional Arrive at ASU Wells Fargo Arena at 3:00 pm and go to the WEST entrance! See the seating/line assignment list posted on campus starting April 26 th for the row number, side, and the name of your line leader to which you must report. Take a picture of your row assignment!! Students will enter through the WEST entrance of ASU Wells Fargo Arena. Row numbers and sides (North or South) will be posted, along with the Line Leader s name. The processional starts promptly at 4:00 pm if you are not in line, we will not wait. Students will be led from the staging area, out the West doors, down the ramp to the West Tunnel, and into the Arena. Recessional and Meeting your Family We will have a formal recession out of the arena. Students will exit the arena starting with the back row and working towards the front of the arena. Students will exit through the WEST tunnel, walk up the ramp, and proceed all the way out to the SOUTH side of Wells Fargo Arena to meet their families. Family and friends will NOT be allowed on the floor of the Arena at any time. Graduation Picture GradImages is the official photographer for our graduation. Each graduate will be photographed as she/he receives her/his diploma. Proofs of those pictures will be available for viewing 48 hours after the ceremony at www.gradimages.com. You may be eligible for a discount on your future purchase if you go to the website and pre-register your student s information. Click on the Pre-Event Registration tab. Video & Live Stream *Subject to change* Great Video Productions will be recording our graduation ceremony. They will be handing out information and order forms as you enter/exit ASU Wells Fargo Arena. Their website is: www.lathmedia.com. Anyone may watch our ceremony live at: www.ustream.tv/asutv or watch it from their archives at a later date. Message from ASU Wells Fargo High School Graduation represents the culmination of a student s academic achievement. It is a time of celebration and reflection for students, family, friends, faculty and staff. It brings together a diverse community to share the joy of accomplished goals. Graduation is a special event for all involved. Please show respect for everyone who has come to share in the experience. Individuals who engage in inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be removed from the event. Wells Fargo Special Services Lost and Found is located in room 116 First Aid Station will be located in section #15 Handicapped seating is available in the arena. First come, first served Restrooms and Concessions are available around the concourse
Parent / Guest Guidelines The doors to the Wells Fargo Arena open at 3:00 pm, one hour prior to the graduation ceremony. Graduates will enter through the WEST Concourse doors. Family and friends may enter through any of the three other main entry points: North, South, or East. The ceremony will start promptly at 4:00 pm and will last approximately 2 hours. The event is open to the public. Parents, family and friends will NOT be allowed on the floor at any time before, during or after the ceremony. Students will exit through the WEST tunnel, and are encouraged to meet with their family on the SOUTH side of Wells Fargo. Security at Wells Fargo may be conducting searches of all students and adults entering the facility as they would for a regular ASU sponsored event. See the following lists for items that will and won t be allowed in the arena. The following items WILL be allowed in ASU Wells Fargo Arena: Flowers Small purses (12x12x12 or smaller) Clear zip-lock bags with food/snacks Sealed water bottles (44oz. Maximum) Small hand-held still cameras Video Cameras Binoculars with case Fanny packs (subject to search) Diaper bag (only if accompanied by a baby/infant) Cell phones (please set to vibrate/manner mode) Pagers (please set to vibrate/manner mode) Small personal-size umbrellas Small foldable strollers (must fit under the seat) The following items WILL NOT be allowed in ASU Wells Fargo Arena: Air horns Noise makers Balloons (please leave them in the car or don t bring them) Coolers Grocery/Brown bags Tote/Duffle bags and Backpacks Purses larger than 12x12x12 Poles Large signs Thermos bottles Glass bottles Cans Laser devices Tripods Golf Umbrellas Guns, Knives, or weapons of any kind Box cutters and Metal objects
Directions & Map to ASU Wells Fargo Arena ASU Wells Fargo Arena 600 E. Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Handicapped parking is available. ASU parking assistants will be available in Lot 59 to assist visitors. Option 1: US 60 (Superstition Freeway) west to Loop 101 Northbound Take the Loop 101 Northbound to the Rio Salado Parkway exit Turn left on Rio Salado and proceed through Scottsdale Rd to Packard Drive Turn left on Packard Drive Lot #59 will be on your right. This lot has been reserved for DRHS graduation. Option 2: US 60 (Superstition Freeway) west Exit on Rural Road and turn right Head north on Rural Road through University Drive Turn left on 6 th Street and proceed to Packard Drive Turn right on Packard Drive Lot #59 will be on your left. This lot has been reserved for DRHS graduation. Option 3: Traffic is very congested around the arena; you may want to consider using the Valley Metro Light Rail System. There are a variety of different stations in Mesa where you may board the light rail. The farthest East station is the Mesa Drive/Main Street Light Rail Station. There is a stop conveniently located by Wells Fargo Arena, called: Veterans Way/College Light Rail Station. Go to www.valleymetro.org to see if the light rail may be an option for you. Handicapped parking is available on a first come, first served basis. ASU parking assistants will be available in Lot 59 to assist visitors. ASU Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281 There is currently no limit to the number of guests you may bring to the ceremony. No tickets are needed; all seating is first come, first served. handicapped seating is available in the arena on a first come, first served basis Doors open to the public at 3:00 pm
ASU Graduation Parking Information The ASU Public Events Department would like to congratulate all graduates and their families. Here are a few helpful tips: 1. Lot 59 and the Stadium Parking Structure PS5, will be the easiest areas to find parking. 2. The parking areas outlined in green will be at No Charge. 3. Arrive between 2:30 pm 3:00 pm in order to have ample time to find parking and get to the event without feeling rushed. Doors open at 3:00 pm. 4. Remember what area, level, and row you parked in. 5. Please use cross walks to cross any streets. Please remember to always follow the directions on the signs and given by traffic control officers, as the parking plans could change at the last moment. Disabled Parking Only First Come, First Served If there are any other parking questions or comments please contact the ASU Parking Events Office at 480-965-6209 ASU Wells Fargo Arena 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281