To: The students and parents/guardians of the Class of 2025
From: Gahr High School Administration
The school year is rapidly coming to a close and we know that you are excited to receive information about graduation and other end of the year activities. Please read through and familiarize yourself with the information about Gahr’s graduation expectations, dance/activity policies, and the calendar of events. Then, read, sign, and return the Senior Graduation Contract (on the last page) to the Counseling Office by Fri., May 9. You may keep the rest of this packet for your reference.
Graduation and all senior activities are official school events, and seniors must adhere to behavior expectations outlined in the 2024-2025 Student Handbook and Planner. Seniors are also expected to follow all staff directions and demonstrate cooperation at all times.
Students have worked hard to earn their senior status and are approaching a significant milestone on their journey to adulthood. It is important that their high school memories remain positive and untarnished by poor decisions. The consequences for misconduct, as stated in the Student Handbook and Planner, will be enforced through the end of the school year and the graduation ceremony.
Families and students are encouraged to take pride in these accomplishments by making positive choices and ensuring a successful conclusion to the senior year.
Requirements to Participate
Parents: If your student does not wish to participate in the graduation ceremony, please email Dr. Katie Johns, Assistant Principal, immediately at kathleen.johns@abcusd.us .
Participation in the ceremony is allowed only if your seniors have met the following requirements:
230 credits earned including all course requirements, make-up classes, and proficiency exams.
All financial obligations (ASB or Library) have been paid.
All detentions and/or other means of correction (ex: Saturday School) have been completed/cleared.
All school books, library books, and/or electronic devices have been returned.
The Senior Survey has been completed:
The Senior Graduation Contract (located on the last page) has been signed by both the student and parent/guardian and submitted to the counseling office.
Tickets
Each graduating senior will receive 4 graduation tickets at no cost.
In order to be eligible to pick-up these tickets, seniors must have met all requirements (with the exception of #4, which will be completed on May 23) to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Students MUST have their school ID to receive the tickets. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Ticket distribution will take place after Mandatory Graduation Practice on Tuesday, May 27.
Any tickets that have not been picked up, will be available starting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 after school in the finance office. Please see Mrs. Perez.
Wheelchair and accessible seating will be available for family members.
Please email Mrs. Perez at maria.perez@abcusd.us to request special seating arrangements.
Beginning Monday, May 5, 8 additional tickets per graduating senior, will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be sold until May 21, or until they sell out, whichever comes first.
Students may purchase tickets at lunch. Parents may purchase tickets from 3:25 - 4:00 pm.
Types of tickets available:
General Seating
Tickets are $15 each (cash only)
Each student/family can purchase a maximum of 8 additional tickets.
VIP Seating
Tickets are $75 each (cash only)
Guests with VIP tickets may not wear heels or consume food or drinks during the ceremony due to seating being on the turf.
Tickets are non-refundable and must be presented upon entry
Children ages three and under who will sit on a parent or guardian’s lap do not require a ticket.
Please note: graduation ticket sales help cover the various expenses associated with the ceremony, including diploma covers, programs, decorations, sound systems, security, sheriff services, custodial staff, and more.
Parking
Parking is available in the gym lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited parking, we recommend families carpool and consider dropping off their graduating seniors at the gym.
Starting Monday, May 5, preferred parking passes, which grant access to parking directly in front of Rants Stadium, will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking passes will be sold until Wednesday, May 21, or until all passes are sold, whichever comes first.
Students may purchase preferred parking passes at lunch.
Parents may purchase preferred parking passes from 3:25 - 4:00 pm.
Preferred parking passes are $25 each. (Cash only)
Preferred parking passes are non-refundable and must be presented upon entry.
Do not park in the business lots across the street from Gahr High School. You will be at risk of having your car towed.
Student Expectations at the Ceremony
PLEASE NOTE:
Caps and gowns are the traditional dress required for the graduation ceremony and may not be decorated or altered in any way.
Students may choose to borrow a cap and gown from a family member or friend (as long as it is the appropriate color for Gahr High School). If you need a cap and gown, please see your counselor for assistance.
Dress appropriately, as the school’s dress code will be enforced.
Recommended attire: Dress shirt, tie, dress slacks, dresses or coordinated dressy pants.
Wear appropriate shoes for walking on the track and artificial turf. No heels allowed! (Wedges are permitted.) There will NOT be any exception regarding heels as they are not permitted on the turf.
Students should not be carrying anything with them. No purses, wristlets, or handbags are permitted. These items should be left with parents/guardians or guests. Family members can give items to the graduate after the ceremony.
Simple, flat hair styles are recommended so that caps fit squarely graduates’ heads.
Caps and gowns will be searched upon check-in at the gym.
Please do not fasten caps to your hair until after you check-in.
Only the academic honor stoles, honor cords, and other items given out by the counseling office or Gahr High School organizations may be worn. Ornaments, stoles, insignias, balloons, leis, or flowers of any kind may not be worn or carried.
This is a school function and all school rules will be enforced. Poor choices may result in students’ removal from the ceremony.
Guest Expectations
Guests with purses/bags are subject to search prior to entry.
Seating is first come first serve. You may not reserve seats.
Drones, signs, fatheads, balloons, coolers, lounge chairs, umbrellas, seat backs, noisemakers, confetti, EZ-ups, or other items that may create a distraction are not permitted.
No outside food and drinks. No glass containers.
Attire that promotes gang affiliation, alcohol, drugs, or any inappropriate or offensive messages is not permitted at the graduation ceremony.
Guests are NOT allowed on the field. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, families can meet their students in front of the stadium.
Guests are not permitted for re-admission.
In order to ensure a successful and orderly graduation ceremony, the school reserves the right to deny admittance and to remove anyone who poses a risk or danger to the safety of students and spectators.
Graduation Trips and Parties
Any graduation trip or activity other than the official school ceremony is not sponsored or sanctioned by Gahr High School or the ABC Unified School District. They are often offered by independent travel companies that have no association with Gahr High School and are not chaperoned by Gahr High School staff members.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Please be reminded that Gahr High School’s Activities Policy applies to all senior events.
Students must have their Gahr High School ID with them. If you do not have one stop by the Finance Office.
All school rules, including the dress code, are in effect at every school-sponsored activity.
All students must respond appropriately to the directions of school staff, whether the event is on or off campus. This includes administrative and supervisory staff from the school or location hosting the event.
Students must meet the B.A.G. criteria (see below) to attend major events.
Students on suspension from school are not to be on campus and may not participate in/attend any school function, game, or activity (home/away) during the time of their suspension from school.
School staff supervision is provided during all Gahr High School scheduled after-school campus events and activities. Please note that the City of Cerritos and other organizations may host after-school or weekend events on our campus, with supervision provided by the respective organization.
Event supervision does not extend beyond the conclusion of the event or outside the event itself.
Parents must pick up their students immediately following the conclusion of the event, or provide a suitable alternative form of transportation home.
Any violation of school rules may result in discipline in accordance with school policy and your immediate removal from the school activity.
DIPLOMA PICK-UP
Students may pick-up their diplomas on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:30 am at the MPR/Auditorium.
Students must be present (and have their school ID) to pick up their diploma . NO EXCEPTIONS!
All obligations (ASB or Library) must be paid.
All school books, library books, electronic devices must be returned.
The Senior Survey must be completed