John Marshall High School

John Marshall High School Independent School District #535 1510 Northwest 14th Street Rochester, Minnesota 55901-0244 Telephone (507) 328-5400 • FAX (507) 328-5295

May 5, 2016

Dear Class of 2016 Parents/Guardians,

This is the last year of your student’s high school educational experience in the Rochester Public Schools. The academic year will culminate with our seniors receiving a diploma during commencement exercises at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena on Saturday June 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. This letter is intended to provide you with important information to help your student reach this significant goal.

CONTACTS: Tim Limberg-Principal 328-5403 Steve Akin-Assistant Principal 328-5415 Tricia Fierst-Counselor (A-F) 328-5342 Amy Carstensen-Counselor (G-K) 328-5344 Cindy Cox-Counselor (L-R) 328-5343 Mary Sorensen-Counselor (S-Z) 328-5346

GRADUATION CEREMONY: The graduation ceremony will be held at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. All seniors must be in their caps and gowns at the Mayo Civic Center/Riverview Suites by 10:15 a.m. There is not a “special” or reserved section for parents; seating is first come, first served. There will be handicapped seating set aside for those in need.

GRADUATION CEREMONY EXPECTATIONS: We consider this a dignified event for our senior class. All students are expected to dress appropriately. This means dress shoes, dress pants, shirts, etc. Only John Marshall High School issued cords and medallions will be worn outside the gown. While we are unique individuals, this is a ceremony where we want to stand as one united group, the Class of 2016. It is important that all families model respectful behavior during the graduation ceremony. No strollers, balloons, noise makers, signs, or bouquets will be allowed in the arena.

PRACTICE FOR GRADUATION CEREMONY: A mandatory practice for the graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena. Seniors are required to take the shuttle bus from John Marshall High School to Mayo Civic Center for practice. Students must meet at John Marshall by 12:00 p.m. in the Auditorium where they will be given seating information and other important information before loading the shuttles to the Civic center.

DIPLOMA PICK-UP: Students will receive a diploma jacket at the commencement ceremony. Students will pick up their signed diploma inside the Mayo Civic Center/Riverview Suites immediately after the ceremony. DIPLOMA NAME/CORRECTIONS: All seniors were asked to check the spelling of their names on a posting in the main office at the end of first semester. This determines how names will be printed on their diplomas. This list was sent to Jostens.

CAPS/GOWNS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Caps and gowns need to be ordered from Jostens. Graduation announcements can also be obtained from Jostens. Students were informed about and ordered their caps and at an informational meeting in December. If your student still needs to order his/her cap and gown, please contact Jostens directly at 282-5373. If your student ordered but hasn’t picked up their cap/gown please have them stop in the main office.

SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: Senior Awards Night will be held on Thursday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. in Ilstrup Auditorium. Seniors will be recognized for academic achievements and scholarships they have received. To allow time for award night preparation and program printing, the deadline for students to submit items for recognition is Friday, May 13. There is an opportunity in the senior survey to submit this information, or details of the honor or scholarship can be forwarded to Bethany Wood in the Student Support Center ([email protected]).

HONOR MEDALLIONS: Certain students will be wearing honor medallions at the graduation ceremony. These medallions will be given to students who have met one or more of the following criteria: Honor Society Member, Honors Diploma, 4.0 Grade Point Average, Military. Medallions and cords will be given out at the graduation rehearsal.

SENIOR CLASS PARTY: The Class of 2016 graduation party will begin at 8:30 p.m. on June 11 at John Marshall High School and is for members of the Class of 2016 only. Seniors must arrive no later than 9:30 p.m. for admittance and must also show a photo ID. Seniors must pre-register for this event and forms are available in the JM main office or online at:http://johnmarshall.rochester.k12.mn.us/resources/senior_party_registration The JM Senior Party Committee sponsors this event. Seniors who are unable or choose not to participate in commencement are welcome to attend the senior class party.

ANNUAL SENIOR SURVEY: Seniors were sent a senior survey to their school email for them to complete. This is a required district activity asking questions about the students’ future plans and reflecting on their high school experience. Portions of data from this survey are used in next year’s high school profile. Please remind your student to complete the survey—it can also be found at http://goo.gl/forms/ypCktoufwq.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS: Go to www.parchment.com and place your order. Current students may order their final transcript from Parchment at the current student rate of $5.03. As of August 1, students will be considered alumni of John Marshall High School and the alumni transcript fee will be $8.78. When ordering your Parchment transcript, under “transcript type” select to send it after the “next grading period.”

High School graduation and the events that surround it are important for students, their families, and friends. We do hope that every member of this class celebrates these happy, memorable occasions in a responsible way.

Sincerely,

Timothy Limberg Principal John Marshall High School