Welcome to the 2012 Graduation Information Site!
Please check back periodically for graduation updates for the Class of 2012
Graduation 2012
Friday, June 1st 8:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center - Downtown Minneapolis
March 2012
To our Class of 2012 Seniors and families:
At this time we contact all seniors and their families regarding what needs to get accomplished in order to graduate and to answer the many questions everyone has regarding graduation and the ceremony. Hope this helps!
OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
Seniors must pass all required courses in order to meet graduation requirements. Should they fail one or more courses, they will need to make up the required courses in order to receive their diploma. Credit recovery will be offered during summer school.
If your child receives a mid-term progress report indicating that he/she is currently receiving a “D” or “F” in any class, there is still time to pass the class. Seniors are strongly encouraged to work with their teachers to successfully complete their courses. Seniors not receiving mid-term progress reports should continue to work to ensure their successful completion of their courses. Parents/guardians are encouraged to utilize parent portal to monitor students’ progress.
In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, the student must be within 2.25 credits of the total needed to graduate. The student must sign a form indicating that he or she will attend summer school to gain the needed credits. The counselors will complete a credit check on all seniors once 3rd quarter grades are final. The counselor will then contact families who have a student in jeopardy of not graduating. The student must have passed at least one of the state-mandated Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD). Students need to have passed either: the GRAD Reading test or the GRAD Writing test or the GRAD Math test or met the GRAD Math test rule (three attempts and intervention).
Colleges will also receive and review second semester grades. Offers of admission are conditional based on maintaining previous academic level. Students failing to maintain their established academic level may find their offers of admission rescinded or may be placed on academic probation to start their college education.
Seniors will meet with counselors in May to request final transcripts and to complete their My Life Plan graduation requirements. Final transcripts to colleges are sent free of charge. Seniors are strongly encouraged to start clearing all obligations, including athletic equipment or fees, media obligations and transcript fees. Transcript fees can be found on Naviance under the colleges tab: colleges >transcripts>view status. Transcript fee payments should be brought to the counseling office; checks should be made payable to Southwest High School. See Ryan Lamberty in the Athletic office (Rm. #6) for athletic obligations/fees, Media Center Staff for any media obligations and Barb in the lunchroom for obligations. All obligations need to be cleared prior to receiving caps and gowns.
Questions & Answers
When are senior Finals?
Tuesday, May 29th and Wednesday, May 30th. Seniors last day of school will be May 30th.
When and where is Graduation?
Graduation will be held on Friday, June 1st at 8:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center – 1301 2nd Ave. South, downtown Minneapolis. The Convention Center wants everyone to be aware that they will be using metal detecting wands on all entering the auditorium. Also, keep in mind that balloons, beach balls, silly string etc. ARE NOT allowed into the facility.
(Over)
Is there Graduation Practice?
Yes, there will be a mandatory practice on Thursday, May 31st at 9:30 a.m. at Southwest in the auditorium. Every senior must pay a $30 fee at this time. CASH ONLY – NO CHECKS.
When will seniors pick up their cap/gown?
Immediately following rehearsal caps and gowns will be issued.
Will there be a limit to the number of guests?
No. There is no limit on guests and no tickets are required to attend.
What is the parking situation?
Enclosed you will find information relating to the parking options you have. The parking rate in the MCC 3rd Avenue ramp will be approximately $9 during the graduations. There is a graduation ceremony prior to us and the Convention Center is advising that Southwest families and guests arrive no earlier than 6:45 p.m. to give time to clear traffic from the ramps.
How early should your senior arrive for the ceremony?
All seniors should assemble at the Convention Center in Room 101 by 7:00 p.m. We need the time to line up the class and disburse any last minute information.
How will your senior collect the actual diploma?
Immediately following the ceremony the graduates return to Hall B to pick-up their diploma. A diploma will be held at the high school if the graduate is either short of credits or will be moving on to Transition Plus. Diplomas that are left will be made available for pick-up in the counseling office at Southwest High School.
Are there any concerns with videotaping and taking pictures?
You are asked to remain in your seats during the ceremony when taking pictures or videotaping. We have hired Graduation Images www.gradimages.com to take still photos of all seniors accepting their diplomas. We also have Location Images www.iDream.tv making a DVD of the evening. Information for both of these is enclosed. Minneapolis Public Schools will also be taping the entire Commencement Ceremony to be shown on cable during the summer months.
What is the Senior Party?
The class of 2012 all night Senior Party (for graduating seniors only) will be held Friday, June 1st from 11:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Saturday, June 2nd. Party check in begins at the Minneapolis Convention Center immediately following the graduation ceremony. A bus will transport seniors to the party at the Chaska Community Center and return them to Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Ave South, on Saturday by 5:30 a.m. This party is a “lock-in” event from the time the students check in at the Convention Center until they return to Lake Harriet Church. Bus transportation to and from the party is mandatory. This is a safe, fun, parent-chaperoned event that will allow the class of 2012 to celebrate together. We want all seniors to attend. Registration information will be mailed to seniors soon and will also be available in the Southwest High School’s Main office. There is a cost of $40 when registered on or before May 25th or $50 after that date. Financial assistance is available. If you have questions, please contact Rob Plunkett at 612-823-0628 or rplunk2853@aol.com. Parent volunteers are needed to chaperone the party. Two shifts, early or late, are available. If you can help, please contact Joan Leverenz at 612-668-3072 or joan.leverenz@mpls.k12.mn.us.
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