Dear Seniors and Families,

We have confronted several challenges over the past year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, nothing will stop us from celebrating the class of 2021! We have spent the last few months doing everything possible to ensure end-of-year events took place in a safe environment for our seniors, families, and staff. Please read below for more information regarding Senior Spring programming.

Graduating from George Washington Carver High School is the first of many steps our seniors will take to ensure a successful and prosperous future. Please make sure your scholar has completed all their pre-graduation work with Ms. Howard, our Director of College Counseling, in a timely manner so they are aware of available opportunities and eligible to attend all upcoming events. As a reminder, the Louisiana Department of Education lists the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application as a graduation requirement for all high school seniors. In order for your child to receive their cap and gown, this requirement must be met. Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Howard via email at choward@collegiateacademies.org.

As always, you are welcome to reach out to me directly with your questions or concerns at jbryant@collegiateacademies.org.

Without further ado,

It is our pleasure to announce George Washington Carver High School's

Class of 2021 Commencement Exercises

Friday, May Twenty-First

Two Thousand Twenty-One

9:30a

Tad Gormley Stadium

With gratitude,

Jerel Bryant

Prom 2021

Prom will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Generations Hall from 8p-11p.

Tickets are $50 each (due to COVID-19 guidelines the maximum capacity is 150)

All seniors will receive an email when tickets are available for purchase and can only be purchased in person at GWC.

FAQs

1. Can I bring a date that does not attend GWC?

Yes. When you purchase your tickets you will need to bring this signed form for you and your date + a copy of your date's ID (state ID or drivers' license) and that person needs to bring that same ID at check-in the day of the event.

2. What am I supposed to wear?

Formal Suits: scholars are required to wear a coat, button-down dress shirt, tie, dress pants, and dress shoes. Shirttails must be tucked in.

Formal gowns: scholars are required to wear a formal gown. These gowns must be appropriately modest. Please refrain from: excessive cleavage, slits or openings lower than the bust line in the front of the gown, openings lower than the waistline in the back of the gown, see-through gowns, or sheer material that shows undergarments or excessive skin.

Masks MUST be worn at all times! GWC will provide a mask to all seniors for graduation.

3. Can I purchase a ticket at the door?

No. All purchases must be made in advance at Carver. Ticket sales will close once we hit 150 tickets sold or at 4p on Friday, May 21st. Whichever comes first.

4. Are juniors invited to prom?

Not unless they are the date of a member of the class of 2021. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, we only have enough space to accommodate our senior class.

5. Will there be a Prom King & Prom Queen?

Yes. In order to be considered for this honor, your must either nominate yourself or be nominated by your peers and all seniors will vote a few days prior to this event. Prom King and Queen will be announced at 10:00 pm.

6. Will there be a photographer on-site?

Yes. Winn Studios will be on site for optional pictures. Cost varies but it is not included in the price of the prom ticket.

7. What is included in the cost of the prom ticket?

The prom ticket costs includes a prom favor, finger foods, the venue, and the DJ.

General Behavior

Scholars and their guests will be expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times. Any disrespectful, defiant, obscene, or repeated behavior by a scholar or his/her guest at the event will subject the scholar to all disciplinary penalties governing such infractions. Any scholar that participates in the act of cyberbullying and/or is involved in any school-related altercations (physical or verbal), or any other high-level disciplinary infraction is subject to the denial of all senior events.

All scholars must remember that they represent GWC when they are in public. GWC rules of conduct apply at all school events, including prom. Refunds will not be given to scholars who are refused admittance due to improper attire or inappropriate behavior.

Alcohol/Intoxicating Substances/Smoking

This is a non-smoking event. Smoking is prohibited at this event or any other school-sanctioned event. Any scholar in possession of alcohol or other intoxicating substances will be asked to leave the premises. If the substances are illegal, law enforcement officers may intervene. Any scholar or guest who arrives under the influence will not be allowed to enter the event and will be required to leave the premises. Any scholar who is reprimanded for infractions related to intoxicating substances will be subject to all disciplinary penalties governing such infractions.

No refunds will be given to any scholars who are asked to leave any senior event due to disciplinary behaviors.

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

It is imperative that seniors attend any and all rehearsals. Please do not ask for special consideration due to personal obligations. Avoid scheduling work, job interviews, medical or dental appointments, makeup or hair appointments, during the scheduled graduation rehearsal(s). Make arrangements now and plan to be present.

Rehearsal #1 - Thursday, May 20th at 11:00 am - Tad Gormley Stadium

CAP AND GOWN DISTRIBUTION

Caps and gowns will be issued on Thursday, May 13th from 10a - 1p. Seniors will only receive their cap & gown in exchange for their Chromebook + charger and after all financial and academic obligations have been met.

GRADUATION ATTIRE

Black, Navy Blue, or White pants/slacks

Black, Navy Blue, or White top/skirts/dresses

Black or Dark Colored Shoes (preferred but not mandatory)

Ties and bowties are allowed (preferred but not mandatory)

DO NOT wear flip-flops, or colorful hosiery (tights)

Note: graduates will be on the track at Tad Gormley and families will be in the stands. No one will be on the field at any point.

GRADUATION DAY

ALL graduates must arrive no later than 8:00a so we can begin the lineup and take the senior class photo prior to the procession.

GRADUATION TICKETS

Graduation tickets will be issued to the seniors (who have paid their budgets) during cap & gown distribution.

Due to COVD-19 Guidelines, each senior will receive 6 graduation tickets.

DECORATING GRADUATION CAPS

Failure to follow these rules will result in the removal of the cap at the ceremony. Graduates WILL NOT be allowed to participate in the ceremony without a cap. Only the top, flat area of the mortarboard/cap can be decorated. DO NOT DECORATE THE FRONT OR SIDES!

• Caps CAN NOT contain any advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:

• Refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons or be of a sexual nature. denote an affiliation with gangs or which advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior which is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students.

• Be obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd. Include numbers other than the graduation year.

• Threaten the safety and welfare of any person.

• Decorations must be flat on the surface of the cap. 3-D creations are prohibited.

Graduation caps will be reviewed and approved upon arrival at the ceremony.

Things that are appropriate:

It is appropriate to put the following on your cap. Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend Recognize the university you will be attending, your graduation year, the branch of the military you will be joining, memoriam to a lost friend/family member or your home country’s flag.

No senior will receive any graduation items until ALL financial obligations have been satisfied. This includes but is not limited to:

Senior budget

GWC Issued Chromebook + Charger

Outstanding athletic equipment (football, baseball, softball, basketball)

Outstanding athletic/co-curricular budget balance

The Fall Senior Budget was $180 and included the following:

1. Senior Jersey

2. Senior Shirts (2)

3. Senior Jacket

4. Senior Mug

5. Senior Personalized Tumbler

The deadline has passed for these items to be purchased!

Graduation Bundle ($180) - includes all items listed below:

1. Yard Sign (with senior picture)

2. Cap & Gown + Graduation Stole

3. Graduation Event Fees

The senior event items below can be purchased separately but all events are tentatively scheduled due to city-wide COVID guidelines:

■ Picnic - $40

■ Prom - $50

Recap of Town Hall Meeting - 03.12.21

Parent Letter - 01.08.21

Parent Letter - 09.08.20