Alan C. Pope High School
Class of 2017
GRADUATION INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Graduation: Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 2:30 p.m.
Kennesaw State Convocation Center
Seniors and their parents should read all information in this packet carefully. Seniors are responsible for knowing and following all directions and schedules in this packet.
Graduation is an optional, dignified, formal event for graduating seniors and their families and guests. The actual ceremony should be completed in approximately one and a half hours. We ask the cooperation of all that attend to honor our graduates and celebrate their accomplishments. Please refrain from any inappropriate noises that will detract from the dignity of the ceremony. Since this ceremony is an official function of Pope High School, all Cobb County School District and Pope High School policies, rules and regulations are in effect.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY IS NOT MANDATORY. STUDENTS MUST MEET ALL EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE.
· The student must meet all requirements for graduation before the diploma will be granted.
· All required courses must be successfully completed or the student will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony with this class.
· All financial obligations, including payment for lost textbooks, parking fines, etc., must be cleared before final grades can be given and before the senior will be allowed to participate in graduation practices. See Cobb County Policy IKDB-R -Graduation Ceremonies.
*****A Graduation Contract, summarizing behavior/dress expectations and whether the senior wishes to walk in the graduation ceremony, will be given to each senior Tuesday, April 18th to be returned by Thursday, April 27th. This contract must be signed by a parent and the student and must be on file with the school before the student is allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony activities.
If a student does not wish to participate in the graduation ceremony, there is an option on the Graduation Contract that should be marked. Additionally, both a parent and the student must sign the contract. Again, all financial obligations must be cleared before a diploma is issued.
GUEST ENTRY TO KCC—TICKET ONLY—DOORS OPEN – 1:45 PM
· Ticketed guests will enter the building from the Atrium Doors.
Tickets are required for all persons entering. Each senior will receive six (6) guest tickets at practice on Tuesday, May 23rd 2017, There will be a limited number of additional guest tickets available. REQUESTS for additional guest tickets must be made using the link on the Pope High School web site and submitted no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Replies to requests will be made starting April 17th. Please do not commit to guest attendance beyond the six (6) tickets that your student will receive. Tickets will not be provided to students who do not participate in the ceremony.
PARKING
KSU charges a $10.00 parking fee per car. Drivers should be prepared to pay with cash and bring exact change to enter the lot quickly and keep traffic moving.
Graduates are to park in the Central parking Deck (#42 on the campus map) for the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for walking from the Central Parking Deck to the Carmichael Student Center (#5 on the map).
Guests will park in the East Parking Deck (#9 on the campus map) and the East Parking Lot (across Frey Road from the East Parking Deck). Overflow parking will be available in the Central Parking Deck (#42 on the campus map).
Guests with handicaps and elderly guests needing assistance should park in either Lot A or Lot B (as designated on the campus map). Golf carts will run continuously to convey guests to and from the Convocation Center.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
Handicapped individuals should arrive at the Convocation Center and assemble at the middle door of the Atrium Entrance at 1:30 p.m. to be admitted. Please be cautious of the weather conditions as we will not be able to let anyone enter before 1:30 p.m. The handicapped individual and one additional family member will be admitted. Each of these people must have a ticket to be admitted. Guests with handicaps and elderly guests requiring special assistance may be seated on the mezzanine in the handicap recesses or on the arena floor behind the rope-line. It will be impossible for these early entrees to save seats for additional family members. Please email the guest’s name and person accompanying them to by May 19, 2017 so we may have a list and be sure we have adequate seating.
BAG CHECKS
In accordance with KSU requirements, all persons entering the Convocation Center MUST submit all bags and packages for inspection by public safety personnel. Please do not bring any packages that cannot be opened or inspected. Also, please allow extra time for entry as there may be delays.
GRADUATION CEREMONY PROTOCOL
To maintain the dignity of the ceremony, guests must remain at their seats throughout the graduation ceremony. No tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks or other camera stabilizing devices are permitted in the Convocation Center.
GRADUATION CAPS AND GOWNS
Caps and gowns will be delivered on April 26, 2017. If you have questions concerning these items call Herff Jones at (770) 795-1626 or online at www.herffatlanta.com.
GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHS, Videos, and Webcast
Lifetouch National School Studios will beproviding live photographs of each graduate as they receive their diplomas. The website for these photos is: events.lifetouch.comand you should check the website approximately 2 weeks after graduation to place your orders online.
Videos: The Cobb County School District is offering DVDs of the ceremony which are available for order on the district website at www.cobbk12.org/graduation
Live Webcast will be available at www.cobbk12.org/graduation
SENIOR INFORMATION:
SENIOR EXAMS
Tuesday, May 16, 2017 6th and 7th Period
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 4th and 5th Period
Thursday, May 18, 2017 2nd and 3rd Period
Friday, May 19, 2017 1st Period
These are regular school days and exams will be given in the regularly scheduled class period.
GRADUATION PRACTICES
ATTENDANCE AT ALL GRADUATION PRACTICES IS MANDATORY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. STUDENTS MUST HAVE MET ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS BEFORE THE FIRST PRACTICE.
· Cobb County School District policies and Pope High School policies and regulations that govern all school activities will be followed.
· The school’s dress code will be in effect for all practices.
· Student cooperation will determine the length of each practice session.
Seniors are required to attend all graduation practices. They must stay for the entire practice each day if they intend to participate in the ceremony. Those who work or attend other schools should make advance arrangements with their employers or teachers. Any exceptions to this must be directed by written letter to Nancy Zarbnisky. This letter should be used as proof of scheduled practices.
Monday, May 22, 12pm-1pm. Gym Lobby for any student who needs to pay fines or turn in books!!
· Be sure all fines are paid at this time or you can not walk at graduation
Monday, May 22 , 1:00-3:00 p.m. Practice at Pope High School Gym
· We will run through the ceremony
Tuesday, May 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Practice at Pope High School Gym
· We will run through the ceremony
· Honor Cords and tickets will be distributed
Commencement Day
Thursday May 25th at 1:00 pm – Graduates Report to the Carmichael Student Center (#5 on the map).
NO Parents or family members or other guests will be permitted in the Student Center area.
SENIOR DRESS
Caps and gowns must be worn by graduating seniors. Please take your gown out of the package and hang the wrinkles out of your gown before graduation. Please do not iron or hem graduation gowns.
· Women: Wear a dress or skirt and blouse, and shoes that are appropriate in color (sandals are permitted but flip flops are not). The dress should not hang below the gown.
· Men: Wear a white shirt, a tie, solid slacks, dress shoes and socks. (No flip flops or tennis shoes)
· Only those in proper attire will be allowed in the processional.
· Flowers and large pieces of jewelry are not appropriate with the graduation gowns.
Mortarboards are to be placed on the top of the head so that the mortarboard is flat on top. Bobby pins are suggested to hold it in place. Tassels are to be placed on the left side of the mortarboard during the ceremony.
RECESSIONAL
Remember that we are guests of the Kennesaw State University, CAPS MAY NOT BE THROWN in the Convocation Center. Please encourage your child to honor this request. We would not want the Class of 2017 to jeopardize future participation at Kennesaw State University. Restitution for any damage to KSU or district property will be the responsibility of the student causing the damage.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, parents and guests are to remain in their seats and not exit until ALL graduates have left the Center. Audience members will exit the Convocation Center through the Atrium. Graduates and audience members will be directed to the Campus Green (refer to campus map) following the ceremony.
DIPLOMA PICKUP/GOWN RETURN
Graduates will return their gown to Pope High School on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 9-12 in front of PPO. At this time, they will receive an envelope containing their diploma, unofficial transcript, and other items. ****Due to construction on the roundabout Hembree Rd will be closed from Post Oak Tritt to the entrance of the school. Please plan to enter the school from the Dorset Subdivision side.***
For additional information please contact
Nancy Zarbnisky
or
Cobb County School District www.cobbk12.org/graduation