Congratulations to all Seniors!!!
You have worked hard to get to the point of high school graduation. You are to be commended for your hard work!! We are excited to see where our DSA graduates go in life. We hope that you always stay in touch and let us know your successes in life.
Whether you are the first to graduate in your family or the last, there are many steps you must follow to ensure a smooth senior year and a clear path to the graduation ceremony. The people and numbers below will you help navigate your way to the graduation ceremony.
Graduation Chairman
Assistant Principal Miranda Odom is the chair of the graduation ceremony. If you have questions about any of the information listed below, please email her at miranda_odom@dpsk12.org
Graduation
The 2012 graduation ceremony will take place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Monday, May 21st at 7:00 pm. It should last approximately 90 minutes. The doors will open at 6:30 pm
Tickets to the Ceremony
The graduation ceremony is by ticket only. All seniors will receive 10 tickets to the graduation free of cost. They will receive them on Friday, May 18th after the morning graduation rehearsal at DSA. After that, tickets may be purchased for $10. Seniors/families may purchase extra tickets from the treasurer, Jaymie Montoya, after rehearsal is complete on May 18th. Once the extra tickets run out, they’re gone. We will close ticket sales at 3 pm on May 21st. Extra tickets will be sold at the ceremony beginning at 6:00 pm. Everyone will need a ticket – including small children. Only babies, sitting on laps, do not need a ticket.
Senior Timeline
The senior timeline will help keep you organized throughout the year. Print one out for your home as well as your backpack. Use it as a reference so you don’t miss any steps/information. PLEASE NOTE: check the timeline periodically. The date in the top center is the last time it was updated. If you see a newer version, print it out and throw away the old timeline.
May 4
All seniors have 3 things due on May 4, 2012
1) All seniors must have logged into Naviance and completed their senior exit survey.
2) All seniors must turn in a stamped envelope to Ms. Jackson in the counseling office. On this envelope is the mailing address to the college you will be attending in the fall of 2012.
3) All seniors must turn in their scholarship/grant info to Ms. Jackson in the counseling center. On the graduation program there will be a listing of all scholarships/grants received. An amount will NOT be listed next to the listing. Info turned in after this date will not be listed in the program.
Graduation Fee
All seniors are required to pay a $30 graduation fee. This money goes directly to the cost of renting the Ellie Caulkins Opera House as our venue. The fee must be paid by May 4, 2012. Seniors will not receive their caps/gowns/tickets etc until this fee is paid.
Off Campus/Online Classwork
Any senior who is taking a class off campus (who needs this class to graduate) must have a completed grade to their counselor by Friday, May 4, 2012. This is the student’s responsibility. This includes all and any online classwork or classes taken at a local community college.
Senior Fees
All seniors are responsible for paying any outstanding fees to the treasurer’s office BEFORE May 18th. Seniors will not receive their cap and gown or graduation tickets until all fees are completely paid. This information is NOT listed in IC under parent or student portal. You will have to speak directly with treasurer Jaymie Montoya. Her direct phone number is 720-424-1711.
Cap and Gown photos by Lifetouch
On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Lifetouch will be at DSA all day to take a formal cap and gown photo for those seniors and/or parents who want them. Jostens will attend the senior class meeting on January 11, 2012 to show what the pictures will look like, the cost and how to sign up for a time.
Jostens will bring cap and gowns with them. They will also bring a 2012 tassel and diploma cover for the seniors to borrow for the picture. Lifetouch will take several pictures for you and your senior to choose from.
Your Counselor
It is important throughout your entire high school life that you keep in touch with your counselor. Try to stop by at least once a semester to check in. During your senior year, however, it is more important than ever. Your counselor will work with you to make sure you have met all graduation requirements.
BriAnne Bredenberg
brianne_bredenberg@dpsk12.org
720-424-1707
Senior Recitals
Seniors may use the Concert Hall for senior recitals during the dates listed below. There are two concerts each day: one from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm and one from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. We will take reservations for the Concert Hall on a first come/first serve basis. You may reserve a date through Mr. Shaw or Miss Odom. No email requests will be honored. You must come into the office and speak personally with Mr. Shaw or Miss Odom.
In order for the senior recital to count toward the Arts Endorsed Diploma, it must be complete by April 30, 2012.
Naviance
All seniors must log into Naviance a minimum of twice during their senior year. The first time is in the fall. Mrs. Bredenberg will work with seniors through their classes for this initial log in. They must then log back in, by May 4th, to complete the senior survey. If you have questions specifically about this Naviance requirement, please see counselor Kathey Thompson. She oversees Naviance for all high school students – regardless of grade level.
Denver Scholarship Foundation
The mission of DSF is to inspire and empower Denver Public School students to achieve their college dreams. In addition to providing college and financial aid advice to high school students, DSF offers need-based scholarships that can be used at 39 colleges in Colorado. The colleges include technical and community colleges, state colleges and universities, and private institutions. The scholarship is renewable for up to five years. Robin Russel represents the DSF at DSA. Ms. Russel will be at DSA on selected Wednesdays. You can find her in the counseling center.
Caps/Gowns/Announcements – Jostens
Your cap, gown and tassel are all purchased through Jostens. The 2012 cost for the cap/gown/tassel will be $36.00 which is due at the time of ordering. Using your timeline, you can see that cap/gown ordering is on January 18/19, 2012. You may also purchase class rings, announcements and other accessories through Jostens if you wish. This will be done on the same date. Our Jostens representative is Nils Erikson. Nils can be reached at 303-985-0095. Cap and gowns are not handed out until Senior Checkout Day.
Wednesday, January 18
Lunch time in main hallway
Seniors with last names A – L order cap/gown/tassel/announcements/etc
Thursday, January 19
Lunch time in main hallway
Seniors with last names M – Z order cap/gown/tassel/announcements/etc
Arts Endorsed Diploma
All seniors have the opportunity to graduate with an arts endorsed diploma. This is signified by the white cord around the graduate’s neck at the graduation ceremony. The graduate’s diploma will read “Arts Endorsed Diploma”. It is important to note that the transcripts will not have that designation anywhere on them. DSA students receive the same transcripts as all other DPS students. Below is a download of the arts endorsed requirements. All arts endorsed requirements must be turned into Miss Odom by April 30th. After this date, the graduation programs go to print and the diplomas go to print.
Download Arts Endorsed Diploma Requirements Here
Photo of senior at ceremony
At the ceremony you will walk across the stage and receive your diploma from an adult. At that moment, a picture will be taken of you. A few weeks after graduation, all graduates will receive a proof in the mail with instructions of how to purchase a picture. Questions about this photo can go to Grad Images. Their phone number is 800-628-4509.
Graduation Rehearsal – May 18
There will be 2 graduation rehearsals in May. Both are mandatory. The first will be held on May 18th. This rehearsal will begin at 8:00 am in the Schomp Theatre. At this rehearsal all seniors will receive their seating assignments and we will run through the entire program. Seniors will receive their cap/gown/tassels/stoles/tickets at the conclusion of this rehearsal. The rehearsal will last no more than 2 hours.
Graduation Rehearsal – May 21
There will be 2 graduation rehearsals in May. Both are mandatory. Rehearsal #2 will be held at the graduation site, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, on May 21st at 9:00 am. All seniors will be bused to the site. Please look below for info on transportation that morning.
Senior Final Exams
Seniors will take their final exams for periods 1,3,5,7 on Monday, May 14th. Seniors will take their final exams for periods 2,4,6,8 on Tuesday, May 15th. Tuesday, May 15th is the last day of school for seniors.
What do seniors do on May 16th and May 17th?
Stay home and relax. We will see you at 8:00 am Friday, May 18th in the Schomp for your first of two rehearsals.
Is there a senior checkout?
No. While you are at home on May 16th and 17th, we are reviewing all transcripts, Senior Exit Surveys on Naviance, senior envelopes, fees, etc. When you come in for rehearsal on the 18th, we will be ready for you. If you have not completed one of these steps – you will not receive your graduation materials on the 18th.
Parking for the graduation ceremony
Denver Public Schools is not afforded any “special” parking when using the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). You may use light rail or park in the DCPA parking structure.
Transporting to graduation rehearsal #2 on May 21st
Our 2nd graduation rehearsal will happen the same day as graduation – May 21st. It will happen at our graduation site, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Since parking is difficult, it is HIGHLY suggested that all seniors meet at DSA at 8:15 am. We will ride together to the DCPA and be dropped off at the back door of the Opera House. Ms. Odom will meet you there. The bus will also return all seniors to DSA directly after the rehearsal. Please note: if you choose to drive yourself, the main doors to Ellie Caulkins will be locked. You will have to find the way in on your own. Hint Hint. Ride the bus. Stick together.
Wow!!! That’s a lot to remember!! A reminder that you may always email Miranda Odom at miranda_odom@dpsk12.org if you need clarification.