Dear Seniors and Parents

March 27, 2017

Dear Seniors and Parents,

The final days for the Class of 2017 at Churchill High School are coming to a close. You are to be congratulated for your years of hard work and your many achievements.

As we approach graduation, I want to review with you the upcoming schedule of events and the expectations we have for you during your remaining Senior activities. The enclosed GRADUATION COUNTDOWN is intended to answer the many questions you might have regarding final grades, Senior obligations, breakfast, banquet, prom, graduation tickets, and rehearsal. If you have additional questions, please contact Mr. Kevin Doherty, Senior Class Sponsor, or Ms. Doreen Brandes, Senior Class Administrator, at 301-469-1200.

I want you to be fully informed regarding expected behavior. If during one of the Senior activities a student's behavior is inappropriate or reflects the use of alcohol or drugs, that student will be detained and the parents or guardians will be called to take their student home. It is always unfortunate when inappropriate behavior negatively impacts our Seniors’ graduation activities. We hope the members of the Class of 2017 will conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the high expectations of the parents, the staff of Churchill, and members of the Class of 2017.

Please note:  If students are planning to use a limousine, we are requesting that they rent one from one of the companies that has agreed to the "no drug/no alcohol use pledge."  Students are solely responsible for all personal properties at all events. Attendees release MCPS, WCHS, its agents, and assignees from any and all liabilities related to lost and/or stolen properties.

Your graduation ceremony is a very special event. Again, I expect mature and responsible behavior reflective of young men and women about to take their next steps into the world. Each of you has a responsibility to your family, your school, and your classmates to act in a dignified and mature manner during this last activity you will share together.

Remember, when you choose to participate in a formal graduation ceremony, you are making a commitment to appropriate behavior. Any Senior who cannot make this commitment should choose not to attend the ceremony and, instead, pick up his/her diploma in the school office on May 31st. Those who act inappropriately during the graduation exercises will be removed from the ceremony.

This graduation ceremony should be the ultimate representation of Churchill's proud tradition. You have been an exceptional class and you leave a proud legacy here. I appreciate all the efforts that parents will make to help to assure that the highest standards are maintained through May 30, 2017.

Sincerely, Joan C. Benz Joan C. Benz Principal 2

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

March 27 APRIL 21 Senior Parent Meeting Senior Breakfast*/Cafeteria Auditorium Class Meeting*/Auditorium Panoramic Class Picture*/Stadium

7:00 p.m. 8:20 a.m.

April 27 May 19 May 20 Senior Banquet * Senior Prom Post Prom Gaithersburg Marriott Bolger Center Bowlmor Washingtonian Center 9600 Newbridge Drive, 5353 Westbard Ave 9751 Washingtonian Blvd Potomac, MD 20854 Bethesda, MD 20816 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-652-0955

6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. 12:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.

MAY 25 MAY 26 May 30 Graduation Rehearsal * No senior activities Graduation Main Gym DAR Constitution Hall 12:20 pm 18th St. between C and D At rehearsal graduation http://www.dar.org tickets and for directions caps/gowns will be distributed only to **Seniors who have cleared Attendance required to participate in graduation ceremonno y 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Students must arrive by 9:00 a.m.

* Seniors only ** Seniors must have earned all SSL hours (student service learning hours) AND paid all obligations

CLEARANCE To Clear obligations see Mrs. Besch, Financial Specialist, in the Business Office. Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 3:00 PM PROCEDURES Students Must Clear All Obligations In Order to Graduate and Prior to Picking Up Graduation Tickets.

CONTACT 2 INFORMATION Thank you for your support. Our work together has been both productive and enjoyable. If you have any questions or concerns, you or your child can contact any of the class officers listed below, Mr. Kevin Doherty, at [email protected], or the school at (301) 469-1200.

Max Smith President Lindsey Levy Vice President Syrus Razavi Vice President Thomas Atkinson Secretary Sheila Gaur Treasurer Ciro Chechile MCR Representative Donna Dadkhoo Historian

WINSTON CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION 2017 COUNTDOWN

Listed below are important dates and information needed to make graduation a successful event. Listed here is updated information on the exam schedule, graduation rehearsal, the prom, graduation ticket distribution, and graduation.

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 12:20 pm., Main Gym. ALL SENIORS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Caps, gowns and graduation tickets* will be distributed at this rehearsal.

PROM 2017 – “The Great Gatsby”

Friday, May 19 (9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.) After Prom Party sponsored by PTSA Bolger Center Bowlmor-5353 Westbard Ave, Bethesda, MD 9600 Newbridge Drive 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Potomac, MD 20854

GRADUATION

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 – 10:00 a.m. DAR Constitution Hall, 18th & D Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 628-1776 For more information on directions (pg. 9-10), Metro stops, handicapped access and parking, please refer to http://www.dar.org/conthall and then Visitor Information.

 Graduates must arrive at Constitution Hall no later than 9:00 a.m. Staff members will be on hand to aid in lining up students for the procession. Students with the last name beginning with A- K should report to the D Street entrance. Students with the last name ending with L-Z should report to the C Street entrance.  If you are driving to DAR, plan on an hour for travel time. Please give yourself plenty of time.  Constitution Hall will open for parents and family at 9:00 a.m. Doors are closed at 9:50 a.m. and will not open again until after the processional is completed. The handicapped entrance is at the D Street entrance and handicapped seating is available. (See enclosed request form.)  To be admitted to Constitution Hall, graduates must be wearing their gowns. Please leave any hangers, garment bags, etc. in your car or at home. Girls: Do Not Bring Handbags.  Graduates and parents should remain standing throughout the processional and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. You will be instructed when to sit.

4  Graduation is an event which commands respect and dignity. The graduates’ behavior at graduation is a symbol of respect for classmates. This is a time to show courtesy and thoughtfulness to other students, parents, and guests. At Churchill, students have enjoyed many freedoms and have accepted the responsibilities that come with them. We anticipate graduates will act accordingly.  Parking is extremely limited. We encourage you to use Metro. See page on driving directions and Metro information or go to the website above.

PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS

 After the Board Member's presentation, faculty members will direct graduates to the stage. After your name is read, cross the stage and receive your diploma case. Walk down the steps at the center of the stage and return to your chair. Remain standing until your entire row has returned.  PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO REMAIN SEATED DURING THE PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS AND TO REFRAIN FROM BLOCKING THE AISLES TO TAKE PICTURES. A professional photographer will be available to photograph all Seniors as they receive diplomas. DVDs of the graduation may be ordered (see Page 8 for details). The cost of the DVD is $25.00. Blu Ray DVDs are available for $30.00.  DAR requests that you refrain from throwing your cap at the end of the ceremony. There is too great a possibility that someone may be injured by one of the points. Additionally, cap throwing disrupts the recessional.  For the recessional, staff will direct the graduates to the side exits.

REQUIRED DRESS

Boys: White shirt and tie, dress slacks, dark socks and dark shoes Girls: Dresses, dress pants and dress shoes. Purses should be left with parents. Bring bobby pins for caps. NOTE: By a Board of Education directive, no writing is permitted on graduation caps or gowns. If a student is not in compliance, he/she will not participate in graduation.

DIPLOMAS WILL BE ISSUED BY COUNSELORS AFTER THE RECESSIONAL IN C AND D SIDE HALLS. STUDENTS WITH THE LAST NAME BEGINNING WITH A-K EXIT TO THE D STREET HALL. STUDENTS WITH THE LAST NAME BEGINNING WITH L- Z EXIT TO THE C STREET HALL.

GENTLE REMINDER - REQUEST FOR YOUR COOPERATION

High school graduation is a very special, once in a lifetime event. Families and friends have come to see their loved ones graduate and to listen to the program. They have the right to expect respectful attention during the ceremony. In this regard:

 Please arrange to leave infants (children age 3 and younger) with sitters. 5 6  Please turn off cell phones and pagers  Please do not chew gum or bring any food or beverages into the Hall.

6 REQUEST FOR RESERVED SEATING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES This form is also available electronically on the Churchill High School website, under “students”

Name of Graduating Senior______ID#______

Name of individual(s) Disability(ies) Wheelchair Seating Space

1. Yes No

2. Yes No

3. Yes No

4. Yes No

Contact Person:______Phone______

Contact Email Address: ______

PLEASE NOTE:

 Individuals with handicaps should enter DAR at the D Street entrance.  Per DAR regulations, each individual requesting reserved seating in the handicapped section MUST be accompanied by one non-handicapped person. Each person must present a ticket to enter.  Restrooms that are reserved for individuals with handicaps are located behind the roped section where graduates line up on the D Street side of the hall.  Please arrive early (no later than 9:00 a.m.) to be seated prior to the beginning of the ceremony.  Duplicate this form as needed and return a completed copy by April 5, 2017 to Mr. [email protected], Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, Maryland 20854.

ATTENTION: CLASS OF 2017 GRADUATE AND PARENTS

Put Away That Video Camera! You don't have to bother with the hassle of videotaping the graduation ceremony yourself. The BulldogTV Department will produce a professionally mixed- multi camera DVD of the event. Order extra copies for your loved ones who may not be able to attend the ceremony in person.

For $25.00 each, you can purchase a high-quality DVD. Your purchase will support the Bulldog Television Production Department with the maintenance of the studio equipment, new purchases and supplies used throughout the year. Currently enrolled TV Production Students will serve as the technical crew.

For $30.00 each, Blu-Ray (HD Quality) is available.

You can reserve your copy now by filling out the form below and mailing it to:

Mr. Ben Schnapp Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Road Potomac, Maryland 20854

Please make checks payable to Winston Churchill High School.

Deadline: Please submit request by Friday, June 2, 2017.

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2017 CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION DVD ORDER FORM

Name: ______

E-Mail:

Home Phone:______

Daytime Phone:______

Number of DVDs @ $25.00 each: BLU-RAY @ $30.00 each ______Amount Remitted:______

8 Suggested Routes to DAR Constitution Hall & Metro Information

From Points North (95 South or 295/Baltimore-Washington Parkway) Take both routes south to the Capitol Beltway, Route 495. Take 495 west, towards Northern Virginia. From the B-W Parkway, the Beltway will be called 95 North/495 West. Take exit 30, Georgia Avenue/29 South, the 3rd exit after the intersection with 95. Go approximately 2 miles to 16th Street south. This is a large intersection with 16th Street veering off to the right. Go approximately 10 miles to I Street, turn right. At the 2nd light, turn left onto 17th Street. Turn right on C or D Streets. DAR Constitution Hall is on 18th Street between C and D Streets.

From Western Maryland: 270 South to 495 West, towards Northern Virginia. Cross American Legion Bridge, then take next exit to the George Washington Parkway. The Parkway will take you across the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge across the river towards Washington. Stay in left lane and follow signs for E Street. Take E Street to 17th Street. Take a right on 17th Street. Turn right on C or D Streets. DAR Constitution Hall is on 18th Street between C and D Streets.

From Northern Virginia: Take 66 East towards Washington. Route 66 will take you across the bridge and onto Constitution Avenue. Turn left on 18th Street, go three blocks. DAR Constitution Hall will be on your right between C and D Streets.

From Points South: Take 395 North to Washington Boulevard - Memorial Bridge, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery. Get in far left lane. This will take you across Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge in the center lane. At the Lincoln Memorial bear left and follow the road to the left on Henry Bacon Avenue until it ends at Constitution Avenue; make right on Constitution. Turn left onto 18th Street, go three blocks. DAR Constitution Hall will be on your right between C and D Streets.

METRO From the Orange and Blue lines (A 10-15 minute walk):

9 10 Take the Farragut West metro stop. Exit the station on 17th Street, and walk south on 17th Street towards Constitution. Turn right on D Street. The main entrance is in the middle of the block between C and D Streets.

From the Red Line (A 10-15 minute walk): Take the Farragut North metro stop. Exit the station on 17th Street, and walk south on 17th Street towards Constitution. Turn right on D Street. The main entrance is in the middle of the block between C and D Streets.

PARKING Metered street parking is available, but limited. There are parking garages located in the area on New York and Pennsylvania Avenues, and 17th and 18th Streets.

10 WCHS Class of 2017 Graduation Tickets

Tickets to Graduation are extremely limited. We are requesting that families who do not need all five tickets or would like to request one extra ticket per family, fill in and return this form by Friday, April 5, 2017 to Mr. Kevin Doherty, Senior Class Sponsor.

Mailing address: Mr. Kevin Doherty Winston Churchill High School 11300 Gainsborough Road Potomac, MD 20854

Senior’s Name: ID (Please PRINT neatly)

_____ I request one additional ticket.

_____ I will not need all five tickets. I hereby release ______tickets.

Parent/Guardian signature **:

Contact Email Address: ______

** Unsigned forms will not be accepted.

We sincerely appreciate your assistance in ensuring that as many of our graduates’ family members as possible can attend Graduation!

INTERPRETER REQUEST

Individuals who need sign language interpretation or any other special assistance to participate in the graduation exercises should contact Mr. Doherty at [email protected], or the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at 301-603-0115. April 21, 2017 is the deadline for this notice to enable staff to provide the accommodation requested.

_____ Sign Language Interpreter requested Language: ______

_____ Non-English Language Interpreter requested Specific language ______