Below is IMPORTANT senior information. Please review it carefully and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the main office (716) 664-6273 with any questions.

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS-Orders can be placed online @ highschool.herffjones.com/ select Southwestern School to see a preview of the announcements.

SENIOR CLASS TRIP – Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 11th (Mandatory parent meeting to be set at a future date)

GRADUATION REHEARSAL - Thursday, June 22nd at 12:30 p.m. at Reg Lenna Center for the Arts

Graduation rehearsal lasts approximately one hour. The rehearsal will be informal; caps and gowns will not be necessary. All graduating seniors are expected to attend rehearsal and graduates are responsible for their own transportation. Any senior that is unable to attend should notify the office in the main office as soon as possible.

BACCALAUREATE–Thursday, June22nd @ 7:00 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St., Jamestown, NY

All seniors and their families are encouraged to attend Baccalaureate. Baccalaureate is an ecumenical service that consists of music and readings/speeches by classmates and includes the senior slide show. Baccalaureate offers students some reflection and closure to their four years of high school. Because this is held at a church and the residing church official gives the keynote speech, attendance at Baccalaureate is optional. Seniors should attend in gowns only (no caps) arriving no later than 6:15 p.m.

GRADUATION

Friday, June23rd, 7:30 p.m. @ Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 East Third Street, Jamestown, N.Y.

Graduation is a very special event for seniors, families and friends. It is the culminating moment for students in the Southwestern Educational Community. We look forward to a commencement program of which we can be proud. If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact the High School Main Office (664-6273) as soon as possible. NO TICKETS are required to be admitted into the graduation ceremony.

GRADUATION NIGHT

  • Transportation

Seniors will board Southwestern buses in the back parking lot by the athletic door at approximately 7:00 weather depending. Students should arrive at the school at 6:30 p.m. Students will then be transported to the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Seniorsmust bring their caps and gowns! For the return trip, seniors will board the same bus located on East Third Street either in front of the Reg Lenna Civic Center or Tracy Plaza (after the graduation tea) immediately upon the conclusion of the commencement activities.

  • Parent Seating / Parking

The doors to the CivicCenter will be opened at 7:00 p.m.***Due to ongoing renovation at the Civic Center this year, the Main Lobby doors will not be open for access to graduation. Everyone must enter via the Spring Street entrance.*** Tickets are not necessary. Please understand that the front rows in the middle section are for the graduates. For the convenience of attendees, parking will be available (beyond its normal operational hours) on the ramp located across the street from the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Parents and other family members are welcome to take pictures prior to the program; however, we ask that everyone please take their seats no later than 7:20 p.m. to ensure maximum participation with minimum distraction.

  • Graduate Dress

Seniors are expected to dress appropriately. We ask that proper clothing be worn under the gowns. Skirts, blouses, and dresses are recommended for the ladies, while dress slacks, shirts, and ties are recommended for the gentlemen. No shorts or jeans will be allowed and shoes and socks are required. We want graduation night to be a memorable evening for everyone and we appreciate their understanding and cooperation. Mature, respectful and responsible behavior is expected to prevail throughout this very special occasion.

GRADUATION TEA

Weather permitting, the Southwestern Senior High School junior class parents will host a tea at Tracy Plaza (this will be held in the lobby of City Hall should it rain) immediately following the commencement ceremony.

AFTER GRADUATION PARTY

We are currently looking for parents to chaperone our After Grad celebration. If you are interested please contact, Lisa Yaggie @ 763-5479 ext 214 or e-mail at: r the high school office at 716- 664-6273 for more information. Seniors are encouraged to attend the after-grad celebration. Commencement ceremonies and the after graduation party have always been a fitting way to celebrate this important rite of passage. We are grateful to all contributors.

CAPS & GOWNS

The main office will distribute caps and gowns to the seniors. There will be morning announcements made as to when and where seniors will be able to pick up their caps and gowns.