Announcements Updated 06/08

Link to Senior Meeting Power point:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AwvfLYdVS_DYI-HkANT49Qyz4Aa9tGPteT5o69Vi5Fc/edit?usp=sharing

4/23

This message is being sent to all HCPS high schools, and is specifically for students and families of the Class of 2021:

Imagine it’s June, and it’s your high school graduation day. “Pomp and circumstance” is playing. Graduates are in cap and gown. The ceremony begins. Graduates enter and wave as a crowd roars. Students deliver heartfelt speeches. Graduates hear their name, cross the stage and receive their diplomas. Proud parents and families smile, snap photos, and maybe wipe away a few tears … making memories to last a lifetime.

Students and families have dreamed of this moment, and we’re here to tell you that in 2021 … it’s going to happen! We have exciting plans to celebrate you, the Class of 2021, together and in person with your classmates at your June graduation ceremonies.

Your class gets the traditional ceremony you deserve:

HCPS has 10 high schools and two Advanced Career Education Centers. This June, our longtime partner Richmond Raceway has agreed to provide use of its impressive stadium/grandstand for a week’s worth of traditional outdoor graduation ceremonies. We want our graduates to have the experience of crossing a stage to receive their diplomas in front of a cheering crowd. In order to do that under current state guidelines, most of our ceremonies need a large outdoor venue that can accommodate an entire school’s senior class in person at one time. Richmond Raceway has the capacity and expertise to deal with large crowds, parking and public safety issues, and most importantly, to help us comply faithfully with the conditions for in-person graduations laid out by Gov. Northam for Executive Order 72.

(To repeat: This June, each high school is getting its own in-person ceremony, which is different than last year, when the Raceway generously served as the site of graduation “Victory Laps” for graduating seniors, who were driven around the track inside a vehicle.)

Visit our website for photos and a video of what the ceremonies will look like: https://henricoschools.us/graduations/. For additional details, keep reading...

Below is an updated schedule and some general information that applies to all HCPS graduating seniors. Your principal or senior administrator will be sending more specific information about your school’s ceremony.

Ten Graduation Ceremonies will be held at Richmond Raceway (600 E. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va.):

Monday, June 14

• Advanced Career Education Centers at Hermitage and Highland Springs (6 p.m.)

Tuesday, June 15

• Henrico High School (10 a.m.)

• Highland Springs High School (2 p.m.)

• Varina High School (6 p.m.)

Wednesday, June 16

• Douglas S. Freeman High School (10 a.m.)

• Deep Run High School (2 p.m.)

• Mills E. Godwin High School (6 p.m.)

Thursday, June 17

• J.R. Tucker High School (10 a.m.)

• Glen Allen High School (2 p.m.)

• Hermitage High School 6 p.m.)

Friday, June 18

• Rain date

How many tickets will graduates get for family and friends?

Each graduate will receive four tickets, which will ensure that HCPS is in compliance with capacity and physical distancing rules for in-person graduation ceremonies. Tickets will be given directly to graduates. Your group of family and friends will sit and remain together in your own ‘pod’, distanced from other groups. As always, HCPS will livestream each school’s ceremony on www.henricoschools.us, ensuring that relatives and loved ones can also watch from their computers and mobile devices.

What will graduation exercises be like?

Thanks to a venue the size of Richmond Raceway, graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 will include all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional event. Graduates will line up for a “processional” through the stadium grandstands, then take their seats near a stage built between the track surface and “pit road.” Friends and family members will enjoy excellent views, seated in two grandstands that have a view of the stage. Professional-quality sound systems and video boards will also be in place to amplify the students’ processional, songs, speeches, and the recognition of each graduate by name, as they cross the stage.

Visit our website for photos and videos that will help you visualize what it will look like.

What are some of the health-related requirements of in-person graduations in Virginia?

Virginia stipulates that attendance at outdoor graduation events must include mask-wearing and physical distancing. Using the lower-level grandstands that have a view of the graduation stage means we can create pods of four people per graduate, spaced six-feet apart. If things change, we’ll be sure to share the latest guidance in June. Information will also be added in coming weeks to HCPS’ Graduations Hub, which is at https://henricoschools.us/graduations/.

Class of 2021, you will always be remembered, not just for the challenges you faced but for your resolve and readiness to adapt in the face of an imposing public health crisis. We’re excited that each school’s class will have its moment in the sun, gathering at a series of ceremonies over several days, as we celebrate everything you have accomplished during your school careers, say goodbye and anticipate your next steps. Watch for more information soon about the big day for your school.

For more on how graduation ceremonies will look this year, visit our website: https://henricoschools.us/graduations/

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4/20: School Counseling has requested that you fill out this form: http://bit.ly/DiplomaSealQuestionnaire2021

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4/1: There are two forms requesting your input:

Senior Class T-shirt Vote:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6SsM746zpkK3K6levN-YcPSBGLKd7Pyskh6v9EVx8AeQsGw/viewform?usp=sf_link

And a Senior Post-Grad Plans form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHOCaaERWVgySu4aV_B6O1RAD4gQxUYx64KhtLpoJl23RGMQ/viewform

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3/2: Attention Seniors who want to drive to campus. You must submit this permit request form: http://bit.ly/jrtparking. There is no parking permit fee this school year.

2/1: We have a graduation date! June 17th @ 10:00. The counter has been updated!

Old announcements:

1/25: Senior Update: please read carefully!

Make-up Pictures/Retakes for Seniors will be done on February 10th from 9-12- sign up link is down below.

Seniors can't be photographed during the 9-11 grade picture slots due to a different set up.

This will also be the next time to pick up caps/gowns/tassels

Please make sure that you have paid your 60$ Senior fee in order to pick up your gown pack.

Info on how to do this and how to find the fee if you can't find it is on the Senior webpage - http://bit.ly/2021tigers. There is a video under the FAQ section as well.

Gentleman, please wear a collared shirt and tie as that is all that will show above your gown.

Do not bring your cap and tassel as we do not want you losing your tassel or your cap getting wet if it rains. Pictures are in the gown only.

Use this link to sign up for an appointment: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4BAEAE2FA3FE3-1095701

Please make every effort to arrive as close to your time slot as possible. If you arrive early, please wait in your car until your time slot.

Pictures are in Tiger hall. I will be set up in the supply closet across from Tiger Hall, handing out the gown packs.

Before coming to campus, please perform your screening: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gE7ROZHrhvIINzzn-CZAYmNCfeZfV9eS/view?usp=sharing

(Diplomas have been ordered- this link is no longer active) Here is the link that was posted on Schoology by School Counseling to make sure your name is correct for your Diploma. Please make sure that you have filled this form out: https://bit.ly/2021DiplomaNameConfirmation.

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1/13: The next pickup day for caps and gowns is February 10th . This will be the same day as the make-up pictures. As soon as I have details, I will share.

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Here is the new sign up link for Senior Pictures 12/17 and 12/18.

If you already signed up, you will need to sign up again on the new link. Pictures will take place in Tiger Hall on December 17 and 18th. **Gentlemen, please wear a collared shirt with a tie/bow tie.**

Please be prompt for your slot as they are running back to back. If you arrive late, they may not be able to accommodate you. You will wear your gown (no caps/tassels) in the photo. If you have already picked up your gown at our early pickup event, please remember to bring it. If you did not pick up your gown at the early pickup event, you will pick up your gown when you arrive for your picture appointment.

This also means that the scheduled "Senior wellness days" will be moved to 12/17 and 12/18

You must have paid your senior class dues (60$) to pick up your gown. See the FAQ page on this website for more information about how to find (if you do not see it) and pay the fee.

If you are unable to make either of these days, or all spots fill, there will be a makeup day in February. More information about makeups to come.

Q) Why were they moved? A)Pictures had to be moved due to the Governor's COVID announcement and the subsequent closure of HCPS buildings the week after we return from Thanksgiving break and the week after winter break. Our picture dates are assigned to us by the photographer on a rotation between all schools. We do not select our days. Your Senior wellness days correspond to the picture days to allow you to participate in taking your picture and pick up your cap/gown/tassel.

Our convocation this year will be virtual. Here is the Convocation Video Link! It will be active at 7PM Tonight!

Seniors! Update!

Caps, Gowns and Tassels will be distributed during your Yearbook photo picture day time slot on 12/17 and 12/18 (Sign up information to come later). You must have paid your Senior dues (60$) in order to receive your cap and gown. Please see the Senior FAQ webpage, http://bit.ly/2021tigers for more information about fees.

If you have paid your Senior fee and would like to pick up your gown before picture day, gowns, caps and tassels will be available on the following two non-instructional days according to your last name. Gowns, caps and tassels not picked up during your assigned time slot below on 11/3 and 11/13 will be available for pickup during your yearbook picture appointment on 12/17 and 12/18.

Senior Yearbook pictures will be December 2nd and 3rd. As soon as we receive the sign up information, I will share that with you. When you arrive for your appointment, you will receive your cap/gown/tassel. You will wear your gown (no caps) in the photo. Only the very top of the gown will be visible. Remember, you must have paid your senior dues (60$) in order to receive your cap/gown/tassel package. See the FAQ tab for more information on how to pay this online prior to your appointment.