Commencement information for parents

Dear parents and guardians:
As the school year comes to a close and seniors begin to set their sights toward graduation and beyond, I would like to share a few important thoughts with you.

1. There will be a mandatory senior class meeting on Friday, May 31st. Seniors will not have regular classes on this day and will be dismissed early. Expectations of seniors and their obligations for the remainder of the school year will be reviewed at this meeting. Seniors will report to the Auditorium at 7:45 a.m. for commencement rehearsal and will receive their four tickets for the commencement ceremony. Additional tickets for family members will be available on Wednesday, June 5th and Thursday, June 6th (see page 2 for specific instructions). If the tickets are lost, they will not be replaced.

2. After the graduation rehearsal, we will be recognizing the Class of 2013 with our third Annual Senior Recognition Program. WBHS is very excited about this event in honoring the senior class and their accomplishments. We encourage and invite all parents of seniors to attend this ceremony as we acknowledge the Class of 2013 in front of the entire student body.

We are requesting that our Senior students dress in a manner that would be appropriate for this fine occasion as we highlight their class and their outstanding achievements. Senior men are required to wear a collared shirt, dress pants and shoes to match. Senior ladies are to wear a dress, skirt or dress pants. Seniors are not allowed to wear shorts, jeans (of any kind) or gym shoes. Students not adhering to the dress policy will not be able to participate in the recognition ceremony.

After the ceremony, a brief reception with refreshments will take place in the courtyard outside the Student Commons.

3. At our Commencement Ceremony on June 9th, each participating senior must wear a Willowbrook cap and gown furnished by Jostens. The cap, gown, and tassel are keepsake products and may be retained. Cap and gowns will be distributed during all lunch hours Tuesday, May 28th and Wednesday, May 29th. Those students who did not pre-order a cap and gown may purchase one for a $40.00 cash payment at this time.

4. Clothing and footwear must be appropriate for the commencement ceremony on June 9th. Dress shoes, summer dress, dress skirt and blouse, or pantsuits are required for senior women. Dress shoes, dark socks, dress trousers, and dress shirt and tie are required for senior men. Graduates dressed inappropriately will not be permitted to participate in commencement. Students are to report promptly to the Auditorium at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th. To accommodate as much parking as possible we would ask that seniors be dropped off at Willowbrook.

5. The Class of 2013, administration and faculty wish this final program to be a dignified, formal ceremony. I ask for your support and understanding in modeling these expectations for your son or daughter. Discuss these expectations with your student in order to insure an orderly, dignified, and memorable ceremony. Please do not bring balloons or other items that will obstruct the view of those around you. As always, students who do not share this feeling will have the option not to participate in our ceremony and may pick up their diplomas any time after June 9th. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and disruptive students will be escorted from the commencement.

6. Willowbrook High School does not sanction any “senior ditch days” and there is no school-sponsored trip as is often rumored. Any senior pranks will be dealt with in a disciplinary manner and may result in the exclusion of participating in commencement.

7. The date for Prom is Friday, May 31, 2013. The Prom will be at Soldier Field in Chicago from 7:00-11:00 p.m.

The Class of 2013 is an outstanding class, demonstrates excellence in many areas, and has achieved many accomplishments. We want the commencement ceremony to recognize our seniors accordingly as they move on to be our leaders in the years to come. Thank you for your help and understanding.

Sincerely,

Tom Cantlin
Assistant Principal