1. Grad 2019 Information Night
Introduction to your graduation experience at GMHS

2. Welcome
Every year George McDougall High School aims to organize a unique experience for the graduating students.
There are many people that are required for this endeavor:
Administration
Staff Volunteers
Parent Volunteers
Student Volunteers

3. Communication
Graduation information can be found in the following areas:
Grad Handbook: Available on our website
School Website: At under Parents, and then to Graduation Information on the left.
Mr. Bell’s Mustang Weekly
Synervoice Messages: Time sensitive information will be sent using an automated voice message to your home phone.
Staff Volunteers: Contact info is in handbook.

4. Key Contacts General graduation questions
Administration – Gladys Brown
Teacher Contact Ms. Liese Reichert
Banquet and Decorating – Ms. Marda Wright
Grad Ceremony - Mme. DanicaPower

5. Key Contacts Academic Inquiries
Michael Reece (A-L)
Erin Duggan (M-Z)
Administration
Gladys Brown(Grad)
Gladys Brown(12)
Waitlist Inquiries
Monique Yellowega

6. Important Dates The Grad Handbook has a list of important dates.
Students are responsible to be aware of the deadlines in order to ensure that graduation is as seamless as possible.
Please follow Mr. Bell’s Mustang Weekly
Synervoice messages will follow regular announcements

7. Important Dates Important Dates
Oct 11/18, Grad Info Night (moved from October 2/18)
3rd Wednesday of the month- general meeting MAY be called
November 21- Grad Speaker Selection
Grad picture appointments- December 6/18(12:00-1:00pm), December 7/18(11:00- Noon). Platinum Photography will be in the Rotunda for bookings
January 18/19- Grad song selection
Jan 21-25, GMHS cafeteria for Graduation picture sessions
February 4, Grad Fees due- $85.00
February 6/19- Last day to submit Grad gown form
February 6/19 Last day to submit Ceremony opt-out form

8. Important Dates March 6/19- Good Standing letters distributed
April 5/19-Valedictorian applications will be available
April 12/19(1:00 will open)- on-line ticket purchases/seat selection – will close on April 30, Noon)
April 17/19- Valedictorian applications are due
April 30/19- Valedictorian selection meeting
May 23/19- Valedictorian address admin review
May 27/19- last day to purchase ceremony tickets

9. Graduation Costs
There are three costs that the graduates (and their families) will incur:
Grad Fee: $85.00 (down from previous years)
Ceremony Tickets: 4 tickets included in grad fees (excluding grad)
Banquet Tickets: TBD
Grad Fee covers:
Grad gown Purchasing
Grad yoke maintenance
Grad cap/tassel purchase
Grad Composite
Graduation Certificates and Cover
4 Ceremony tickets- additional tickets per ticket
Grade 12 BBQ- last day of class

10. Grad Committee Meetings
Grad Committee Meetings during 1st semester will be held the third Wednesday of every month, during FLT, in the Learning Commons.
Second semester meetings TBD
Students will be given reminders in advance through our school announcements.
Please see the handbook for list of dates.

11. Subcommittees
Banquet/Decorating: Will meet with Ms. Wright as needed to discuss and make selections on decorations at the ceremony and banquet, as well as meet with our event planner to review any other details the students want to add to the banquet to make it unique for Grad 2019.
General Grad Committee: Each year the graduates of GMHS wish to make their grad special. These meetings will take place in Room , as necessary, with Mrs. Reichert.

12. Grad Rehearsal
Date: Thursday, May 30 Rehearsal time: 10: :00noon Where: Genesis Place Student Expectations: Attendance is Mandatory

13. Graduation Ceremony Date: Thursday, May 30,2019 Doors Open: 3:45pm
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Where: Shane Field, Genesis Place
Cost: $5.00 per ticket- additional tickets beyond the 4 provided
Graduates need not buy a ceremony ticket as they are the honored guests.
Student Expectations:
Be there at 3:00pm to prepare.
Student Dress Code:
Male students are expected to dress formally.
Female students areexpected to dress formally.

14. Graduation Ceremony Cont’d
Photographer:
A professional photographer from Platinum Photographers will be at the ceremony to capture the special moment as your graduate is presented their high school certificate from Principal Bell. This complementary picture be made available before the end of the school year.
As this presentation will be professionally captured, we ask that all parents and family remain seated and refrain from taking their own photos at this time. This will help to ensure optimal lighting and timing for this family keepsake.  

15. Graduation Ceremony Cont’d
Parking:
Parking is available at Genesis Place, the Grace Baptist Church, and Ron Ebbesen Arena.

16. Graduation Banquet Date: Friday, May 31, 2019 Doors Open: 4:30pm
Dinner: 6:00pm
Where: WH Croxford High School
Cost: TBD/per ticket Limit: TBD
Ticket cost based on: (catering, décor and lighting)
Student Expectations:
Arrival: Students are expected to arrive at the event site no later than 5:00pm for the Grand March.
Dress: Formal attire please.

17. Graduates in “Good Standing”
Spring of Letters
Your graduate must be in “good standing” in order to buy grad tickets for both the ceremony and banquet.
What does that mean?
School Fees are paid in full
Regular attendance and punctuality
Students will have the required credits to graduate and are not currently failing any courses. (This may only apply to the graduates eligibility for the ceremony celebration.)
Overdue books have been returned or paid for
Has not been removed from extra-curricular activities
*It is the student’s responsibility to clear up any issues that will affect their eligibility.

18. Academic Recognition
As in previous years, the majority of our academic recognition will take place during the Convocation Ceremony, Thursday, May 30.

19. Class of 2018 Valedictorian
Valedictorian criteria:
Grades
Community and School involvement
Peer recommendation
Teacher Recommendation
Selection process:
Application form
Qualified candidates will be asked to present a short speech for the selection committee.

20. Grad Gown Forms
There is a Google form that the students will have to complete in order for us to accurately order their gowns.
It takes minutes…so please visit the website for the link!
Due: Monday, February 6, 2019

21. Graduation Opt-Out Form
This Google form allows students, who know they will not be participating in either graduation celebration (ceremony and/or banquet), to inform the graduation committee.
Due: February 6, 2019
Please note: This does not mean the graduate will not graduate high school but would rather not participate in the celebration.

22. Ticket Sales
We are using an online ticketing and seat selection process

23. Opportunities for Parents
Please watch for a volunteer information form.
Opportunities for both grade 12 and grad 11 parents to volunteer.
Please contact Kathy Schulze, our School Council President.

24. Croxford Gym- Banquet Hall

25. Grad Clothing
Choice of Hoodie or Crew neck- $ Posted on School Cashnet
See display in Rotunda

26. Questions