Pueblo West High School
IB World School
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 70
661 Capistrano Avenue • Pueblo West, Colorado 81007
Telephone (719) 547-8050
Fax: (719) 547-8041
Chris James, Principal
May 3, 2018
Dear Senior and Parents or Guardians:
We are looking forward to graduation, which is only a few weeks away. Seniors are getting excited and there are many questions being asked as this special day approaches. The following information is provided to give you specific details regarding graduation, the ceremony and special events that precede commencement.
Events:
Important dates for you to be aware of for the next few weeks are as follows:
- Order you cap and gown from Herff-Jones. Contact number is 719-573-1234.
- May 7 – All fines due to Mrs. Carey in Main Office (fee notice attached if fees are due)Per School Board Policy (File: JQ), Student Fees, Fines, and Charges, “…..If a student is graduating, the District may deny the privilege of participation in the graduation ceremony”
- May 7 – All scholarship notifications must be submitted to Naviance or to your counselor/advisor
- May 8 – CLEARANCE CARDS DISTRIBUTED DURING HOME ROOM. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A HOME ROOM, PLEASE PICK UP YOUR CLEARANCE SHEET IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE
- May 14 – WESTPYS-6:30 p.m.- PWHS Auditorium
- May 14 – Senior Finals – (1, 2, 3)
- May 15 – Senior Finals – (4, 5, 6, 7)
- May 15 and 16 – COMPUTER CHECK IN
- May 16 – Senior Clearance – 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Auditorium foyer
- Deadline for Outside Coursework/Aventa
- May 22 – Senior Night – 6:30 p.m. – PWHS Auditorium-Seniors report at 5:30 Dress expectations: No tennis shoes, flip-flops or jeans. No hair color that isn’t a natural color and no piercings that are not dress code compliant.
- May 24 – Graduation Rehearsal – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Pueblo West High Stadium. THIS IS A MANDATORY REHERSAL. Students will not be permitted to attend the graduation ceremony if they do not attend rehearsal.
- May 24 – Senior BBQ – 11:30 a.m. – Behind the stadium stands
- May 25 – Graduation Ceremony – 9:00 a.m. Pueblo West High School Stadium. Students report at 7:30. Dress expectations:Cap and Gown. No tennis shoes, flip-flops or jeans. No hair color that isn’t a natural color and no piercings that are not dress code compliant.
Meeting Graduation Requirements:
Pueblo West High School has well established graduation requirement. Students must meet these requirements or they cannot participate in the graduation ceremony. Our teachers and counselors have worked diligently with all students to help them earn the needed credits. Unfortunately, some students have not earned the credits needed. Other students are at risk of failing a class needed to graduate. There are a few students taking outside coursework to complete the graduation requirements. Evidence of completion for outside and PEAK coursework is due to the Counseling Office no later than May 17, 2018. It is important that
students finish the year strong, complete the required classes, and earn passing grades. Your help at home could make the difference. Please call your students Advisor if you have any concerns. Per School Board Policy (File: JQ), Student Fees, Fines, and Charges, “If a student is graduating, the District may deny the privilege of participation in the graduation ceremony” if an outstanding fee/fine exists. For the Class of 2018, it is critical that you address any existing fines. All fines must be paid by May 3, 2018.
The Ceremony:
The ceremony will be held at the stadium on Friday, May 25th at 9:00 a.m. Commencement is the time to celebrate 13 years of hard work. It is also a chance for students to formally transition into a new phase of their lives. Because this is a significant event, we have a tradition of high expectations for student dress and behavior. Please pay attention to the above listed dress expectations. Students will be asked to go home and change if they are not appropriately dressed. Due to the turf, high heels (not to include wedges) are not recommended.
Professional photos will be taken again this year.
Pictures will be taken again this year when your graduate receives his/her diploma. Live shots only. Peak Photography will mail proofs directly to your residence.
Professional video will be taken again this year.
Video will be taken again this year when your graduate receives his/her diploma. Video will be shot by PCC Center for New Media and will be streamed live during the ceremony.
Reading of Names:
The reading of names will be done by the Senior Class Sponsors.
Behavior:
We are all proud of the accomplishment of this year’s senior class. We do not want these efforts to be spoiled by the actions of a few students who may choose to vandalize the school. Please make sure your student understands that any student apprehended in any acts considered to be a “senior prank” will be dealt with in a firm and appropriate manner. In addition, these students may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Students under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the morning of the ceremony will not be allowed to participate. Appropriate behavior during the ceremony is also important. Students are not to bring objects to throw nor should they throw their hats at the end of the ceremony.
Final Comments:
We all look forward to a great day on May 25th. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about the upcoming weeks.
Sincerely,
Chris James
Principal