appropriate dress for baccalaureate and...

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.


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, NSHSS,

etc.) 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

http://www.azbalfour.com/

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?

Contact Balfour NOW at (480) 990-0141 or www.azbalfour.com

All Caps and gowns will be delivered on May 2nd 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.

http://www.azbalfour.com/

Calendar of Event April 8 Prom The Falls Event Center 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm April 25 Senior Banquet Night Amazing Jakes 6:00 pm

April 26 Graduation Rehearsal DRHS Auditorium 9:15 am – 10:30 am-Mandatory

April 27 Golden Scholar/Scholarship DRHS Auditorium 10:00 am – 11:30 am

May 2 Cap & Gown Delivery DRHS Library Both Lunches

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 7 1:12 -- 2:30 76 Min – Senior Final / Review for Underclassmen


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 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 3 9:36 -- 10:52 76 Min – Final Exam All Grades





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 26th 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 they may 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

http://www.gradimages.com/

http://www.ustream.tv/asutv

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 6th 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.


Doors open to the public at 3:00 pm

ADA Parking for Handicapped Lot #58– First Come, First Served

If you have any 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

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 is a FREE PARKING area for this event

2. LOT 58 is for Handicapped Parking, free of charge

3. All other parking areas and structures are subject to the parking fees posted

4. 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.

5. Remember what area and row you parked in

6. 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.

appropriate dress for baccalaureate and...

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