Dominion High School

Class of 2020

Fellow Titans:

We want to congratulate you upon the high level of commitment and achievement that you have demonstrated on

your journey to your senior year. As a member of the distinguished Class of 2020, you will soon follow the legacy

established for you by thousands of previous Dominion High School graduates. Your senior year brings with it

rich possibilities for your future growth, as well as significant privileges and responsibilities that are worthy of

your focused attention.

This handbook strives to present a comprehensive picture of the unique opportunities and obligations that

accompany your status as a senior in your final days at Dominion High School. In sharing this information with

you and your parent, we strive to provide you with all the information that will be needed as you navigate the

final semester of your senior year. Please maintain this manual throughout the course of the semester and refer to

it regularly for detailed information about upcoming activities and commitments.

While the senior year will offer numerous opportunities to celebrate past accomplishments, remember that our

foremost goal for the remainder of this year, as always, is to help you prepare for your life beyond high school.

We urge you to offer your best effort each and every day as you strive to meet graduation requirements and

develop your plan of action for next year.

Anticipating your extraordinary success,

John Brewer, Principal

Dear Titan Seniors and Parents:

Your final year of high school is nearing a close. As we celebrate the New Year, the Class of 2020 will begin the

final stage of your journey to graduation on June 12th, 2020. Please take the time to review this senior information

packet, which contains an outline of important senior events for the remainder of the year.

Please adhere to all deadlines that are highlighted in the packet, as this will contribute to the success of our various

senior events. We hope to make the remainder of the school year a memorable and joyous time of celebration for

the Class of 2020. If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the year, please contact us at

anthony.demott@lcps.org or kim.mcdonald@lcps.org.

Sincerely,

Kim DeMott (Room 513) and Anthony DeMott (Room L601)

Senior Class Sponsors

Monday, January 13th or Tuesday, January 14th Graduation Announcement & Cap and Gown Presentation

This presentation will be held during Titan Time. You will meet Gregg Miller, our Herff Jones representative. You will receive a brochure from which you may order any of the graduation announcements, invitations, labels, or memory keepsakes.

The cost of your cap, gown, tassel, and stole is covered by your senior dues. Orders for your graduation cap, gown, and tassel will be placed at this meeting. If for some reason you cannot attend either meeting, you must see Ms. DeMott (513) or Mr. DeMott (L601) to place your order.

It is imperative you pay attention to the deadlines given by Mr. Miller!! Prices will increase if orders are not

placed on time. Initial orders can be placed on Tuesday, January 28th during all lunch shifts or after school

from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Late orders for Herff Jones products other than your cap, gown, and tassel, must be placed with Gregg Miller directly. Mr. Miller may be contacted via email at gcm4hj@comcast.net or telephone at 540-665-5292.

Friday, January 17th Titan Time Exemption Applications Due

4:15pm During the second semester, seniors may opt-out of Titan Time. To earn this exemption, a senior must exhibit excellent achievement, attendance, citizenship, must have paid their senior dues (or made the first partial payment), paid in full for parking permits, resolved all deficiencies, and must have developed a post-secondary plan. Excellence in achievement is defined as having earned C’s or better in all classes during the first semester and having earned all verified credits necessary for graduation. For purposes of this exemption, excellence in attendance is defined as four or fewer absences during a semester. Good citizenship implies that a student must not violate the Honor Code or any school policy which results in assignments to Friday Night School or In-School Restriction or suspension from school. This privilege is subject to revocation if grades drop below C level, the student is absent from school in excess of four days during the second semester or for any violation of the citizenship expectations.

If you wish to be exempt from Titan Time, you must complete an application. Application forms are available at the end of this packet. Applications should be submitted to Ms. Baires in the Main Office.

If approved for a Titan Time Exemption, you will be required to attend senior class meetings during Titan Time (2:40 pm) on the dates shown below:

Monday, February 10th (A Day) OR Tuesday, February 11th (B Day) Monday, March 9th (B Day) OR Monday, March 16th (B Day) Monday, April 27th (A day) OR Tuesday, April 28th (B Day)

BEFORE you submit the application shown on the reverse, please highlight these dates on your personal calendar!

While you may submit an application for exemption at any time during the year, first priority will be given to those students who submit their completed application for exemption (and request for early release) by 4:15 pm on Friday, January 17th.

Reviewing applications for exemptions is a time-consuming process. Students who submit their applications by the deadline should anticipate receiving notification by Friday, January 31st. Seniors must continue attending Titan Time until you are specifically notified by the Dr. Brewer or Mr. Signorelli that you are exempt. Failure to do so will jeopardize your opportunity to become exempt.

January 31st, February 28th, and April 3rd Senior Dues Payment Deadlines

We are excited about the possibilities that the future holds for you, and we want to make sure that you are able to enjoy all of the opportunities this year has to offer.

In order to simplify the process of planning various senior class events, seniors will be required to pay dues of $175. Paying these dues as soon as possible will allow the class sponsors to budget for events more accurately, and it will eliminate the need for students or parents to make multiple payments to the school over the course of the year for various items and activities.

Payment of your senior dues covers any expenses for all of the following:

- Senior class spirit t-shirt

- Senior trip to The Hemlock (October, 2019)

- Senior Assembly Day Lunch (June 2020)

- Senior trip to King’s Dominion (June 2020)

- Graduation Apparel – Cap, Gown, Tassel and Stole

While your senior dues will pay for all items handled by the senior class council, you should note that there are a few optional items not covered by the dues, including graduation announcements and other items from our Herff Jones, Gregg Miller. Additionally, if you choose to purchase the senior class cap and gown portrait, or graduation DVD, you will need to pay for these separately.

Many of you have made previous payments of senior dues. If your dues have not been paid in full, please make your final payment by Friday, April 3rd. We highly recommend using the DHS Online Payment Portal

which can be found easily on our homepage or at https://www.lcps.org/Page/179432. You may also make payment by check (made out to “Dominion High School”) in an envelope labeled with the student’s name and return to Ms. DeMott (room 513) or Mr. DeMott (room L601). You may pay in installments of $60, $60 and $55, due on January 31st, February 28th, and April 3rd. If using the payment plan, please use the payment slips which are attached to the end of your packet.

If you have questions or concerns about your family’s ability to pay dues, please use the attached form, Loudoun County Public Schools Application for Reduction or Waiver of Fees, to request assistance.

Graduation Practices Each scheduled graduation practice that appears below is MANDATORY. Rehearsals will be held during Titan Time (at 2:40 pm) on the dates shown below. Monday, February 10th (A Day) OR Tuesday, February 11th (B Day) Monday, March 9th (B Day) OR Monday, March 16th (B Day) Monday, April 27th (A day) OR Tuesday, April 28th (B Day)

Any extenuating circumstances that would prevent you from attending the practices must be brought to the attention of Dr. Brewer in advance.

➢ Students still enrolled in Titan Time should report to the Titan Time for attendance at the beginning of the block.

➢ Students exempt from Titan Time and should gather in the auditorium no later than 2:40 PM. Fill in every single seat in the auditorium beginning with the front center row.

➢ Practice will last until approximately 4:00 PM – you must remain for the entire practice!

Senior Culminating Assessments: Thursday, May 28th (A day) Tuesday, June 2nd (B day)

Each teacher will administer a culminating assessment in each course in June. Seniors may earn the privilege to be exempt from this culminating assessment by meeting the following criteria during the second semester.

SENIOR EXEMPTION FROM CULMINATING ASSESSMENT

• Exemptions will be determined class by class.

• To be eligible, a student must have at least a 70 (C-) average for the second semester through the first eight weeks of the fourth nine-week grading period.

• To be eligible, a student can be absent no more than two (2) class periods in block classes.

• Students attending more than half of a class will be counted present for purposes of this program – tardies to class or early dismissals from class that do not result in missing more than half of a class will not be considered.

• Classes missed due to organized school activities (i.e., field trips, athletic team participation) will not count as absences from class for purposes of this exemption.

• An absence to observe a recognized religious holiday will not count for purposes of this program.

• In-school restriction and suspension days will be counted as absences from class.

• All other non-school related absences – whether excused or unexcused – will be counted as absences from class.

• Cheating or any other integrity violation that results in disciplinary action removes the student from consideration for exemption in all classes.

• A senior failing to meet the requirements for exemption may appeal to the teacher (except in cases of an integrity violation). The teacher may determine on a case-by-case basis that special circumstances exist and permit the student to be exempt from the culminating assessment.

• Any student meeting the criteria for exemption may choose to take the culminating assessment

Monday, June 1, 2020 9:15am – 4:03pm

Senior Awards Assembly Distribution of Caps and Gowns

Senior Panoramic Portrait Graduation Practice

Locker Clean Out

Senior Awards Assembly: The Titan Community will celebrate the growth and accomplishments that you have experienced during your four years at DHS. Seniors will represent the Class of 2020 and their school in the most respectful manner possible at the assembly. Business attire is expected, dress, dress pants, dress shirt, and tie – no jeans or shorts allowed.

As you arrive to school report directly to the auditorium. Attendance will be taken as you enter.

Lunch Lunch will be provided for seniors in the cafeteria. Locker Clean Out Upon the conclusion of lunch, seniors will clean out their lockers.

Cap and Gown Distribution After locker clean out, caps and gowns will be distributed.

Graduation Practice While caps, gowns, and stoles are distributed, find the teacher who will be announcing your name at graduation. The teacher will be checking on the pronunciation of your name. It is extremely important that you help the teacher with the pronunciation as your family and guests will be eagerly awaiting the sound of your name during the graduation ceremony.

Senior Class Cap/Gown Portrait Your panoramic class portrait will be taken in the main gymnasium. Order forms will be distributed at graduation practices.

Cap and Gown Care Please take your graduation apparel home. Store your gown and stole on a hanger. Do not leave it crumpled up in your locker or the trunk of your car. CAUTION: The gowns are made of polyester and great care should be taken if you attempt to iron it to remove any wrinkles. The material will scorch easily.

Wednesday, June 3rd 8:00 am – 10:30 pm

Class Trip to King’s Dominion This year’s senior trip will be to King’s Dominion in Doswell, VA. We will meet at Dominion at 8:00 AM and take buses to King’s Dominion. All seniors must ride the buses to and from King’s Dominion. We will celebrate together as a class until the park closes. Permission slips are required. Please fill in all forms located at the end of this packet. Forms should be turned in to Mr. DeMott’s or Ms. DeMott’s office mailbox. Forms are due by May 1st.

Thursday, June 4th

9:15 am

Final Graduation Rehearsal Recognition Pin Distribution

Please report to the gymnasium a few minutes early to find your seat. We will begin promptly at 9:15AM. We will run through the processional, the ceremony, and the recessional as many times as necessary before we conclude.

We will practice processing to the stage as names are called to mimic receiving your diplomas. At this time, you will receive your stole recognition pins.

Please be attentive so the practice will not be excessively long. The practice will end when we are sure that everyone involved is prepared to represent themselves and Dominion High School well during the graduation ceremony. The practice will last as long as necessary.

This rehearsal is MANDATORY. Please do not schedule work, family gatherings, or other appointments for this date. If you do not attend, you may not participate in the formal ceremony.

You will need to pay for any deficiencies (textbooks, library, cafeteria, etc.) before receiving your family’s tickets to the ceremony.

Friday, June 12th Graduation Ceremony

Ion International Training Center 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy SE, Leesburg, VA 20175

10:00 am

(Seniors must arrive by 9:00 am)

Dominion High School’s graduation ceremony is a dignified celebration of the accomplishments of the entire senior class. Consequently, for each individual graduate, participation in the ceremony is a privilege and carries significant responsibility. Each graduate is expected to represent their family, school, and community in a Truly Titan manner.

The ceremony will be held at Ion International Training Center in Leesburg. Tickets are necessary for admittance to the event. Each graduate will receive ten (10) tickets. Please remind your guests that this is a formal ceremony and that appropriate dress and personal conduct are required of everyone choosing to attend. A limited number of additional tickets are available. If your family will need additional tickets, please use the attached form to request them. To be considered for additional tickets, please return the form to Ms. Braxton by April 15th. If, due to a disability, you and/or your guests need assistance to enable you and/or your guests to attend Dominion High School’s graduation ceremony at 10am on June 12th please contact Ms. Jamie Braxton at Jamie.braxton@lcps.org or 571-434-4400 at least FIVE WORKING DAYS prior to the event.

Appropriate Dress You should wear a dress shirt, tie, dress pants, dark socks, and dark dress shoes or dress attire and dress shoes. If you are wearing a dress, please make sure that your dress is no longer than your graduation gown. No shorts allowed.

Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap during the ceremony. Caps must be positioned correctly and securely on your head so style your hair appropriately. Do not write or tape anything on the top of your cap–it is a mortarboard, not a billboard. Absolutely no jewelry, flowers, or other adornments of any sort may be worn or attached in any way to your cap, gown or stole. Pins that have been awarded to you through participation in school academics and activities may be worn on your stole. Those seniors who earn a 4.00 GPA or higher will be given an honor graduate stole at our final rehearsal.

Senior participants need to arrive no later than 9:00am – please report to the graduate entrance and locate your spot in the line-up. All purses, bags, flowers, make-up, etc. should be left in your locked vehicle or with a family member. Parking is limited at the Ion Training Center. Please carpool with family members to the fullest extent possible. Ample overflow parking is available at nearby Heritage High School with a shuttle service available before and after the ceremony.

Attire will be carefully checked prior to the start of the ceremony. Our graduation ceremony is a formal one and therefore will be treated that way by all participants. Remember that we want to show the proper respect for the ceremony and to the members of our Titan community and families who will be present. Diplomas: Should you find any error in your diploma, please return it to the school counseling office on Monday, June 15th.

Request for Additional Tickets to the Graduation Ceremony

This form must be submitted to Jamie Braxton in the Main Office by April 15th

Graduate Name: Number of Additional Tickets Requested: Reason for the Request for Additional Tickets (optional):

Senior Dues We highly recommend using the DHS Online Payment Portal which can be found easily on our homepage

or at https://www.lcps.org/Page/179432

If you prefer to pay by check or in cash, please deliver your payment directly to Mr. DeMott

(room L601) or Ms. DeMott (room 513) in the following amounts by the respective due dates.

For each payment, return one of the slips with your payment in a sealed envelope labeled with

“Senior Dues” and your name.

Cut here:

FINAL PAYMENT: $55 Due: Friday, April 3rd

Student name: ______________________________________ Student ID#:

Please make check payable to Dominion High School

Cut here:

PAYMENT 2: $60 Due: Friday, February 28th

Student name: ________________________________________ Student ID#:

Please make check payable to Dominion High School

Cut here:

PAYMENT 1: $60 DUE: Friday, January 31st

Student name: ________________________________________ Student ID#:

Please make check payable to Dominion High School

Senior Application for Exemption from Titan Time After First Semester

Name: Student ID#: Titan Time Team: O 4th block (cafe)

O 4th block (aud)

O 8th block (cafe) O 8th block (aud)

In order to be considered for exemption from Titan Time, you must meet each of the criteria below.

If approved, your exemption will be revoked if you violate any one of these criteria during the remainder of the year.

Achievement Criteria: You must be on track to meet all academic requirements for graduation.

□ I am currently on track to complete all of my first semester courses with a grade of “C-” or better.

□ I have successfully passed all SOL tests necessary for me to qualify for my diploma.

Attendance Criteria: You must have maintained an excellent record of attendance.

□ I have missed four or fewer days of school during the first semester.

□ I have missed MORE THAN four days of school during the first semester because:

Citizenship Criteria: You must have conducted yourself in a truly Titan manner.

□ I have not violated the Honor Code during the first semester.

□ I have not been assigned to Friday Night School, In-School Restriction, or out-of-school suspension

for any violation of school policy during the first semester.

□ I have NOT met the citizenship criteria because:

Dues Criteria: You must have paid a $60 down payment toward your senior dues.

Deficiencies: You must have resolved any deficiencies with the bookkeeper, Mrs. Beltrane, in the main office.

Preparation Criteria: You must have a plan for your future.

□ I have applied to the following colleges, vocational training school, etc:

□ I have enlisted in the following branch of the United States Armed Forces:

□ I plan to enter the job market by working at:

**** You must ALSO complete the separate “Request for Waiver of Full-Day Attendance” form****

Submit this form to Ms. Baires, in the Main Office, by Friday, January 17th

Student Signature Signature of Parent/Guardian

Required Senior Class Events & Meetings

If approved for a Titan Time Exemption, you will need to attend senior class

meetings during Titan Time (at 2:40 pm) on the dates shown below:

Monday, February 10th (A Day) OR Tuesday, February 11th (B Day) Monday, March 9th (B Day) OR Monday, March 16th (B Day) Monday, April 27th (A day) OR Tuesday, April 28th (B Day)

BEFORE you submit the application shown on the reverse, please record

these dates in your calendar!