Dear Parent,

We are entering graduation season! I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your child’s success and share information about all upcoming graduation events. Assuming your child meets all graduation requirements between now and May 13, it will be my honor to present your child with his or her diploma from the School of the Osage Board of Education at our Commencement Exercises, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Seniors’ last day of attendance will be Friday, May 7, 2021. Senior check-out sheets should have all required signatures, all textbooks and devices should be returned, and all fnes and fees must be paid by the end of fnal exams.

The following schedule is subject to change based on the status of COVID-19 in our county and any restrictions that may be in place in May. Senior Final Exams and Check-Out (mandatory)

Thursday, May 6 and Friday May 7, 2021

Friday, May 7, 2021 - Device Check-In

Seniors will be given their check-out sheets on Thursday, May 6 (stop by the kiosk in the morning). The senior check-out sheet must be turned in to the ofce prior to receiving your cap and gown.

Seniors’ last day of attendance is Friday, May 7, 2021.

Seniors should pick up their cap/gown any day BEFORE Wednesday, May 12. Graduation Practice and Farewell (mandatory)-Wednesday, May 12, 2021

11:30 p.m. Graduation Parade through Upper Elementary (wear cap and gown)

12:00 p.m. Graduation Practice at the Stadium

We will go through the graduation ceremony twice weather-permitting (this should take approximately an hour). Students who are not at practice may not be allowed to walk that evening. Wear sunscreen!

1:00 p.m. Farewell Assembly and Laps

Seniors will participate in a fnal farewell from students and staff, and may choose to participate in senior laps. Senior Dinner and Awards-Wednesday, May 12, 2021

6:30 p.m. Senior Dinner in HS Commons

The annual senior slideshow will run while dinner is being served, with departmental awards and honor cords being presented during this time. 8:00 p.m. Scholarship Ceremony in Cummings Auditorium

After dinner, students and parents may make their way to the auditorium for the awarding of local scholarships. Commencement Ceremony (mandatory)-Thursday, May 13, 2021

5:30 p.m. Senior Graduation Photo in Gymnasium

Students should be in their cap and gown and ready for the picture at 5:30 p.m. (no later). Remember to put your name in your cap so you don’t lose it.

6:50 p.m. Senior Processional to the Stadium

7:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony at the Stadium

Graduation night is a big evening for the entire family. The ceremony is intended to be a solemn and dignifed occasion, which represents the culmination of many years of schoolwork and serves as a recognition exercise for students and parents alike. It is because of this fact that the Board of Education adopted a dress code to participate in the ceremony. To prevent distraction and disruption of the ceremony, we request that only graduates and designated people be in the ceremony area. A professional photographer from Lifetouch Studios will be available during the ceremony. They will be taking a picture of all graduates as they receive their diploma as well as candid shots throughout the graduation ceremony. Your student has been given the opportunity to fll out a postcard with your email and mailing information for Lifetouch to email you a notifcation about pictures and mailing commencement proofs to you. At that time you will have the opportunity to purchase pictures if you are interested.

There will be a reception for students and their families in the commons area after the ceremony. Project Graduation will follow the reception. Inclement Weather Schedule (if applicable)-Thursday, May 13, 2021

6:15 p.m. Gymnasium doors open for ticket holders (4 tickets per graduate)

6:30 p.m. Gymnasium doors open for general public

6:45 p.m. Processional line-up in the commons area

7:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony

I am so proud to honor your child at his or her graduation. If you have any questions about this schedule, please contact me, Mr. Dawson, Kirstin Schnakenberg or Amy Adams.

Sincerely,

Staci L. Johnson Graduation Dress Code

Students who participate in the graduation ceremony shall wear the robe, mortarboard, and/or collar that have been selected by the school. Other dress requirements include the following:

BOYS

● Dress shirt with necktie (coat is optional) ● Dress slacks or suit pants - no jeans or shorts ● Dress shoes - no tennis shoes, boat shoes, or boots (dress boots are acceptable) ● Socks are required

GIRLS

● Suit, dress, or dress shirt and dress slacks - no jeans or shorts ● Dress shoes or dress sandals - no tennis shoes, boat shoes, or boots (dress boots are acceptable)

Students are prohibited from decorating their mortarboard or wearing unrecognized honor regalia.

If you need assistance with graduation dress including purchasing a cap/gown or dress clothes, please ask your counselor and we will assist you.

STUDENTS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE DRESS CODE SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. (This dress code was adopted by the Board of Education March 21, 1988.) Graduation Laps

Graduation laps are a long-standing senior tradition, which holds over from the time of the Heritage Building. We hold to this tradition for our seniors but realize that guidelines are important to ensure the safety of our graduates. Please adhere to the following rules so that this tradition may continue.

1. Three laps are allowed.

2. Four-wheeled automobiles only

3. No ATV’s or UTV’s

4. Students riding in the beds of trucks or trailers must be seated on the foor at all times.

5. The speed limit of 15 mph must be adhered to at all times.

6. No excessive acceleration

7. Excessively loud vehicles or stereo are prohibited

Lap rules must be followed at all times. Lap privileges may be revoked.