Pebblebrook High School Cobb County School District One Team One Goal Student Success Travis Joshua, Principal March 28, 2016 Senior Parent(s): Your student s senior year has entered the final stretch. There are many events and activities that remain in the few short months of high school. We encourage all of our seniors to take advantage of all the opportunities that await them. The culmination of your student s high school career will be Commencement on Friday, May 27, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. at Kennesaw State University Convocation Center. I have enclosed important information about graduation with this letter. You may also find the information online at http://www.cobbk12.org/pebblebrook/ on the main page of our website, on the Cobb County School District website http://www.cobbk12.org/graduation/ or the senior class blog at http://phssenior2016.blogspot.com/. Each student will receive six (6) tickets for graduation. Students will receive their actual number of tickets at the conclusion of graduation practice on Thursday, May 26, 2016. In closing, I urge you to follow your student s academic progress through the end of the semester to ensure that he/she finishes the year in good standing and does not build any obstacles that might prevent graduation. All outstanding fees and fines must be remitted before a student is cleared to graduate. Sincerely, Robin Dowdy Assistant Principal 1
Pebblebrook High School Cobb County School District Travis Joshua, Principal Class of 2016 Graduation Contract The Graduation Ceremony is a dignified ceremony to honor the Senior Class. Participation in the graduation ceremony is optional. In order to participate, students must follow guidelines. Please read the following information. If the student wishes to participate in the graduation ceremony, please print both the student s and parents first and last name at the top, sign at the bottom, and return to your homeroom teacher by Monday, April 11, 2016. I, and PRINT STUDENT FULL NAME PRINT PARENT FULL NAME Understand that in order to participate in the graduation exercises for Pebblebrook High School the following requirements must be met: 1. The student will adhere to all attendance requirements for the practice and the ceremony. This includes arriving promptly and remaining throughout the entirety of the activities. 2. Students remaining on campus after final exams must be in a supervised setting. Students with permission for early dismissal will leave campus in an orderly manner. 3. All financial obligations must be cleared prior to the graduation practice and the graduation ceremony. This includes, but is not limited to, payment for lost textbooks, Media Center fines, and extracurricular fees. DEADLINE: April 22 nd, 2016. 4. Any disruptive behavior will result in the immediate removal of that person from the ceremony. This would include anything distracting from the dignity of the ceremony (See Rehearsal and Ceremony Behavior Section). 5. Students will follow the dress guidelines for the practice and the ceremony or they will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students must remain properly dressed throughout the ceremony (See Ceremony Behavior Section). 6. Any student exhibiting inappropriate behavior during the ceremony will not receive a diploma at that time, but will instead be required to report to the principal's office on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. 7. Both student and parent has read and understands the information provided in the Graduation Information and Scheduled Activities Handout. STUDENT SIGNATURE: PARENT SIGNATURE: My son/daughter may leave school after his/her final exams on Friday, May 20 th My son/daughter may not leave school after his/her final exams on Friday, May 20 th 2
Graduation Contract Information GENERAL BEHAVIOR: All rules and policies of the Cobb County School District will be enforced. Students must remain properly dressed throughout the ceremony and are expected to follow all directions as explained during rehearsals; failure to do so will result in exclusion from the ceremony. Possession of any disruptive objects (firecrackers, silly string, beach balls, noisemakers, etc.) will lead to immediate removal. A senior contract signed by the student and a parent must be returned to the student s 12 th grade advisor no later than April 11, 2016 for each student participating in graduation. Seniors and their parents should carefully read all the information in this packet. Seniors are responsible for knowing and following all directions and schedules in this packet. Before taking part in any graduation activity, each senior must have a signed Graduation Contract on file. The contract is part of this packet. All seniors are to submit a signed Graduation Contract to their homeroom advisor by Monday, April 11, 2016. Graduation is an optional, dignified, and formal ceremony for graduating seniors and their families and guests. Possession of any disruptive objects or disruptive behavior may lead to immediate removal from the ceremony. We ask the cooperation of all who attend the graduation ceremony to help make it a dignified ceremony. Please refrain from any inappropriate noises that will detract from the dignity of the ceremony. Since this ceremony is an official function of Pebblebrook High School, all Cobb County School District and Pebblebrook High School policies, rules, and regulations are in effect. REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR: In order to participate in commencement, each student must attend graduation practice and remain until its conclusion. Any student who works must make arrangements with his or her employer to be off during practice times. Additionally, all appointments must be scheduled outside of rehearsal. Rehearsal will be from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 th at Pebblebrook High School in the Morgan Gym. Students will arrive on time, follow directions, and cooperate with school personnel directing rehearsals. Disruptive students will be removed and will lose the privilege of participating in the ceremony. Food, drink, and cell phones are not allowed, and proper school attire must be worn. School officials reserve the right to remove a student at any time. Anyone dismissed for infractions may arrange a conference with the principal. All delinquent fines and obligations must be cleared prior to Wednesday, April 22, 2016 and students will not be allowed to participate until all fines are cleared. CEREMONY BEHAVIOR: School personnel reserve the right to remove a disruptive student at any time. Proper attire is cap and gown that cannot be altered in any way. The cap is worn flat on the head with the point at the center of the forehead and the tassel hanging on the left side. No bangs or hair should be sticking out in front of the cap. Each male student will wear a white dress shirt, dark tie, dark dress slacks, and dark dress shoes. Each female student will wear a Sunday dress with navy or black "closed toe" dress shoes. The dress should not be longer than the gown. No blue jeans, shorts, sandals, or sport shoes are allowed. Due to the amount of walking, young ladies are encouraged to wear a low heel or flat. Only students in proper attire will be allowed in the processional. All car keys, cell phones, cameras, and other personal items should be left in the care of friends or family members in the audience. Students who possess prohibited objects or misbehave will be removed. TICKETS: Each senior will receive six tickets for graduation at practice on Thursday, May 26, 2016. Seniors must attend the practice at PHS to receive tickets. No one will be admitted without a ticket, including babies and young children. Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. 3
Graduation: Pebblebrook High School Class of 2016 Graduation Information and Schedule of Activities Friday, May 27, 2016, 2:30 p.m. Kennesaw State University Convocation Center Graduates will report to the Carmichael Student Center (#5 on Map) at 1:00 p.m. to line up for graduation. The Convocation Center (#2 on Map) doors will open for family and friends at 1:45 p.m. The doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for guests with limited mobility and the elderly needing special assistance with one (1) companion. Tickets are required for all persons entering, including children of all ages, including babies. Graduation announcements sent out by students are not admission tickets. Tickets will be distributed at graduation practice. Parking Parking is available on the Kennesaw State University campus. Kennesaw State charges a PARKING FEE OF $10.00 PER VEHICLE. Please be prepared to pay with cash and bring exact change to enter the lot quickly. Graduates Guests with Handicaps or Requiring Special Assistance All Other Guests Parking Locations Central Parking Deck (#42 on campus map) Lot A or Lot B -- Assistance to and from the Convocation Center will be available for guests. East Parking Deck (#9 on campus map) -or- East Parking Lot (across Frey Road from the East Deck) Guests with disabilities, limited mobility, and elderly guests needing special assistance may enter through the designated door one hour prior to the start of each ceremony. Early admission will be granted to the person needing assistance and one (1) companion only. All other guests may enter the Convocation Center 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Seating is available for guests with disabilities and one (1) companion only. Spectators are asked to behave appropriately during the ceremony by holding their applause until all students have received their diplomas, remaining seated during the program, and honoring the graduates with attire and behavior befitting a formal ceremony. All cell phones/electronic devices must be silenced during the ceremony. Guests are welcome to use cameras for still and video photography. However, the use of tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks, or other camera stabilizing devices is not permitted either inside or outside the venue. No tri-pods may be set up in the Convocation Center. No flash photography is allowed, and no one may approach the stage to take pictures. No balloons, flowers, noisemakers, strollers, and food/drink will be allowed into the ceremony. In accordance with KSU requirements, all persons entering the Convocation Center MUST submit all bags and packages for inspection by public safety personnel. Please do not bring any packages that cannot be opened or inspected. Also, please allow extra time for entry there may be delays. 4
GENERAL INFORMATION: Seniors must meet all requirements for graduation before the diploma will be granted. All required courses must be successfully completed by Friday, May 20th, 2016 or the student will not graduate with this class. Please note: No work will be accepted after the final exam is given. All financial obligations, including payment for lost textbooks, extracurricular fines, etc., must be cleared before final grades can be given and before the senior will be allowed to participate in graduation practice on Thursday, May 26th, 2016. PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY IS OPTIONAL. STUDENTS MUST MEET ALL EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE. Honor graduates (minimum of 3.50 weighted cumulative GPA not rounded off) will receive their honor cords during Thursday s graduation practice. Seniors should not go by the Guidance Office to check on their grades. They will be contacted by one of the counselors if there are any problems with grades. Seniors will need to request a final transcript in the guidance office for their college. Final transcripts are NOT mailed automatically they must request that one be sent. SENIOR EXAMS: Thursday, May 19, 2016 3 rd and 4 th Exams Friday, May 20, 2016 1 st and 2 nd Exams These are regular school days and exams will be given in the regularly scheduled 90 minute period. Seniors may leave after their final exam on Friday if a permission form has been properly submitted as part of the Graduation Contract. REHEARSAL AND CEREMONY BEHAVIOR: All policies, rules, and regulations of the school will be enforced. Students must remain properly dressed throughout the ceremony and are expected to follow directions explained during rehearsal or they will be excluded from the ceremony. DO NOT THROW HATS!!! Possession of any disruptive objects may lead to immediate removal from the ceremony. Students must arrive on time, follow directions, and fully cooperate during the rehearsal and the ceremony. Disruptive students will be removed and WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the ceremony. All car keys, cell phones, cameras, and other personal items should be left in the care of family members or friends in the audience. All cell phones and electronic devices of family members and friends in the audience must be silenced. In Accordance with KSU requirements, all persons entering the Convocation Center MUST submit all bags and packages for inspection by public safety personnel. Please do not bring any packages that cannot be opened or inspected. Also, please allow extra time for entry as there may be delays. Balloons, flowers, noisemakers, strollers, and food/drinks WILL NOT be allowed into the graduation ceremony. Spectators are asked to behave appropriately during the ceremony by holding their applause until all students have received their diplomas, remaining seated during the program, and honoring the graduates with attire and behavior befitting a formal ceremony. 5
GRADUATION PRACTICE: ATTENDANCE AT GRADUATION PRACTICE IS A MANDATORY PREREQUISITE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. Students must be on time for practice and WILL NOT be admitted late. Cobb County School District policies and Pebblebrook High School policies, rules, and regulations (including dress code) are in effect at graduation practice and at the ceremony itself. Students must have met all financial obligations prior to practice. Practice Thursday, May 26th 8:30 AM 12:30 PM Pebblebrook HS Morgan Gym Seniors should park in regular assigned spaces. Seniors must be inside the gym and seated at 8:30 a.m. in their assigned space on the gym floor. We will not admit or wait for students who are late. The school dress code will be in effect for practice. The use of cell phones, ipods, and headphones are prohibited. GRADUATION PRACTICE IS MANDATORY. Guest tickets to the Graduation Ceremony will be distributed at the conclusion of practice. Students should not bring valuables, purses, yearbooks, ipods, etc. with them to practice or to the graduation ceremony. There will not be any secure place to leave valuables. Students are responsible for any lost or stolen item(s). GRADUATION CEREMONY: Friday, May 27, 2016 2:30 PM Kennesaw State University Convocation Center Graduation Ceremony Schedule: 1:00 PM Seniors Report to Carmichael Student Center. 1:30 PM Elderly and Guests Needing Assistance may enter Convocation Center. 1:45 PM Doors open to family and friends. 2:30 PM Processional of Graduates Begin (No one will be allowed to enter the ceremony during the processional). Recessional We ask all family and friends to remain in their seat until all the graduates exit the ceremony. Graduates recess immediately to the Carmichael Student Center. 6
GRADUATION CAP AND GOWNS: Herff Jones will deliver cap and gowns on Friday, April 22, 2016 after the Changing of the Chairs ceremony in the Morgan Gym. If students are absent on the delivery day, then the main office staff will collect their products. If students have questions concerning these items, then call the Herff Jones office at 770.795.1626. Each student walking in graduation must have the correct gown, matching mortar board, and tassel. SENIOR DRESS: Caps and gowns must be worn by all graduating seniors. Please press the gown before graduation. Please do not hem graduation gowns. The cap is worn flat on the head with the point at the center of the forehead and the tassel hanging on the right side. No bangs or hair should be sticking out in front of the cap. Women: Men: Wear a solid colored dress and dark dress shoes with the gown. The dress may not hang below the gown. Navy or black closed toe dress shoes are required. Please keep in mind all graduates will be walking up and down stairs and low heeled shoes are encouraged. Wear a white shirt, dark tie, dark solid slacks, dark dress shoes, and dark socks. No jeans, shorts, sandals, open toe shoes, or sport shoes will be allowed for women or men. GRADUATION PHOTOS AND VIDEO: To maintain the dignity of the ceremony, all guests must remain in their seats throughout the graduation ceremony. Only hand-held cameras that do not block the view of other guests will be allowed into the ceremony. No tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks or flash photography are allowed. We have arranged for Cady Studios to take an individual photograph of the graduates as they receive their diploma. Cady Studios will mail each graduate a proof of this diploma photo and ordering information. The graduates will also receive information to access their photo online. Additionally, a live webcast will be publicly available via the school district website at www.cobbk12.org/graduation. Video services will be provided by Cobb County School District. Copies of the ceremony may be purchased on DVD. Information about this service will be provided at http://www.cobbk12.org/graduation/ QUESTIONS: Please contact Mrs. Robin Dowdy if you have any questions concerning any Graduation information or activities at 770.819.2521 or via email at robin.dowdy@cobbk12.org 7
Dates to Remember April 1 The end of the grading period and all grades are FINAL to qualify you for Changing of the Chairs April 4 8 Spring Break April 9 ACT April 11 Homeroom Senior Contract Due to Homeroom Teachers, Sign up for Senior Events, Receive Changing of the Chairs letter, Nominate for Prom Court April 18 Homeroom Prom King and Queen Voting April 18 -- 22 -- Senior Week April 20 May 19 EOPA April 21 Changing of the Chairs Rehearsal Jackson Gym Announcement will be made to report to gym April 22 -- Changing of the Chairs Ceremony - Jackson Gym 9:00 a.m. April 22 --Cap & Gown Delivery/Graduation Announcements re-delivery April 22 Prom Atlanta History Museum 7:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m. May 2 6 Senior Clearance week in The Nest (cafeteria) May 2-13 --AP Testing May 2-20 --EOCT Testing May 3 Sensational Seniors (Top 25 Seniors Invitation ONLY) May 7 --SAT May 10 Honors Night Earl Reece Theatre 6:00 p.m. May 19 and 20 Final Exams May 26 Graduation Practice 8:30 12:30 Morgan Gym May 27 Graduation KSU Convocation Center 2:30 p.m. (Graduate reports at 1:00 p.m.) 8
Senior Week Information: Senior Week is Monday, April 18 th Friday, April 22 nd. Students must have paid their dues in order to attend any Senior Week event. Events are only for PHS Seniors who have paid their dues. Students who have not paid their dues CANNOT attend the event. Homeroom teachers will sign up qualified students in homeroom on Monday, April 11 th. If a student does not sign up with their homeroom teacher, then he/she will not be able to attend the events. If a student is absent from homeroom on Monday, April 11 th, then he/she will need to contact Ms. Pothel to be added to the list. The last day to sign up is Friday, April 15 th. Students will receive more information on each event in homeroom on Monday, April 11 th. All students must show a valid PICTURE ID to enter each event. If students do not have a valid picture id, then they CANNOT enter the event. Any student with an UNEXCUSED absence for that day CANNOT attend that night s event. OSS students CANNOT attend any Senior Week event. Misbehavior during any Senior Week activity/changing of the Chairs will result in disciplinary action and possible suspension from remaining activities. Students need to be courteous and respectful during all Senior Week events. Any illegal or unlawful behavior will be reported immediately to the authorities and charges will be pressed. Students need to adhere to each event s starting and ending times. Transportation is NOT provided to any event. Senior Week Dress-Up Days: Monday, April 18 th : College Day Tuesday, April 19 th : Preppy Day Wednesday, April 20 th : Elderly Day Thursday, April 21 st : PHS Day (wear your Senior Shirt or a PHS shirt) Friday, April 22 nd : Dress for Success (The Changing of the Chairs Ceremony) The Changing of the Chairs Ceremony (Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 a.m. 10:30 p.m. Jackson Gym) Seniors must be passing all of their classes (including online classes) in order to participate in the ceremony. Final grades will be run on Friday, April 1 st at 8:00 a.m. for clearance. No work can be submitted after Friday, April 1 st at 8:00 a.m. Seniors will receive a letter in homeroom on Monday, April 11 th stating if they are cleared to attend the ceremony. 9
Practice for Changing of the Chairs will be Thursday, April 21 st during 1 st block in the Jackson Gym. Please wait to be called to the gym (ONLY CLEARED SENIORS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PRACTICE). If you are not cleared for the Changing of the Chairs, but will attend Prom on Friday, April 22 nd, then you must be at school that day. There will be a section in the gym reserved for non-participating seniors. Any UNEXCUSED absence on Friday, April 22 nd will result in no admission to the Prom. Dress Code: (The dress code will be STRICTLY enforced) BOYS Must wear a shirt with a COLLAR NO JEANS and SHORTS NO HATS or SUNGLASSES NO TANK TOPS NO SNEAKERS GIRLS All SKIRTS must be at finger-tip length NO JEANS, SHORTS, or LEGGINGS NO PURSES, HATS, or SUNGLASSES NO SNEAKERS NO TANK TOPS / SPAGHETTI STRAPS/ STRAPLESS DRESSES This is a DIGNIFIED event and students need to dress accordingly. All students need to adhere to the daily school dress code rules. They should dress in proper attire. Ceremony Procedures: Students will be called in ALPHABETICAL order. Students will NOT walk in pairs. Students should walk in when prompted, accept a flower, walk under the balloon arch, walk diagonally to their seats, and STAND until the entire homeroom (including advisor) joins them. Then, the entire homeroom can sit. Students should proceed to their seats, filling in each seat before starting a new row. Again, this is a dignified event and students behavior should exemplify this. There should be NO dancing, flipping, or playing around as their name is called or while they are seated on the floor. Family Members/Visitors: For the ceremony, students are allowed to invite ONLY PARENTS/ GUARDIANS. NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED. Cap and Gown Pick Up: 10
At the conclusion of the ceremony, seniors will proceed directly to the Morgan Gym to pick up their cap and gown. Prom Check Out Procedures: Seniors must complete the Prom Check-Out form in order to leave school early on Friday, April 22 nd. The form is due to the Attendance Office by Friday, April 15 th (no late forms will be accepted). If the form is not returned, then a parent will need to come to school to check out his/her student. Prom Check-Out forms are available NOW in the attendance office. If Ms. Ewing cannot reach a parent, then the student is NOT cleared to leave school early on Friday, April 22 nd. If students turn in a Prom Check-Out form and has NOT paid their dues, then a referral will be given to administration. After Changing of the Chairs all seniors will pick up their cap and gowns in the Morgan Gym. Students will be dismissed after cap and gown pick-up. Students must have their Prom check-out slip in hand as they leave campus. If a student is unexcused absent on Friday, April 22 nd, then he/she will NOT be allowed to enter the Prom. An attendance report will be given to Administration to check absences from Friday, April 22 nd. OSS students are NOT allowed to attend the Prom. If students decide to check out, then the absence will NOT count against the Attendance incentive (final exam exemption). If students check in late, then they must arrive by 8:55 a.m. in order to check out early and be counted present for the day. If students have any questions, then please see Ms. Ewing in the Attendance Office. Prom Tickets: All seniors who have paid their dues will receive ONE Prom ticket in that senior s name. Students can pick up their Prom ticket in Room 422 on Monday, April 18 th Thursday, April 21 st. Prom tickets will NOT be distributed after Thursday, April 21 st. Prom Date Ticket Information: Students must have paid their dues in order to attend Prom. If a student has NOT paid dues, then he/she CANNOT purchase a date ticket and attend the Prom. Date tickets are $50.00. Students will be able to purchase a date ticket beginning Monday, April 18 th and ending Thursday, April 21 st in room 422. Date tickets CANNOT be purchased after Thursday, April 21 st. Students must have completed a date form and it must be approved BEFORE receiving a date ticket. If the date is a PHS Junior or Senior, then he/she must have paid dues in order to attend Prom. If the date is a PHS Freshman or Sophomore, then a date ticket can be purchased. Date Forms are available now for pick one up in the Main Office, Guidance Office, Media Center, or Room 422. 11