Welcome to your senior year! Your senior year can be hectic and a little overwhelming.  We hope to provide you with the necessary information to help support and guide you in the best way possible. There is a LOT of important information on this page that has been updated for the 2024-2025 school year. Please visit this page throughout the year for any important updates regarding the senior class. Additionally, students may receive updates via their school email, so it is important for each student to check their email regularly for any updates. For important information for all of BHS, parents and students can also check the daily bulletin throughout the school year. 

Your Senior Party Information Below!

Please note the time change!

Senior Graduation Meeting: All seniors should attend this session on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the BHS auditorium, where they will receive information and instructions for graduation day.  Thursday, May 22, 2025, will be your last full day of classes. On Friday, you will attend first period and then the senior graduation meeting where you will pick up your name card for graduation.  The Senior Picnic and Chalk the Lot (weather pending) will be held after the program.

Class of 2025 Graduation: 

Date: Saturday, May 24th, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m.  

Place: Sanford Center  

Live Stream Provided  Bemidji Area Schools Broadcasting

                                            2025 Graduation Ceremony 

Important Graduation Day Information: 

8:30am Main Doors of the Sanford Center Open

9:15am Graduates Report to the Ballroom-DO NOT forget your gold name card!

*Please note: Please see the following Sanford Center Safety Protocols that will be in place. Please plan accordingly. No outside food or beverages will be allowed. There will be a concession area open for your convenience.

Bags, Backpacks & Purses

 All bags brought into The Sanford Center are subject to be searched. The Sanford Center will not hold any bags during an event, bags must be returned to the guest’s vehicle. Guests are permitted to bring in only (1) bag. A clear, stadium bag that is no larger than 12″x6″x12″. Clutch bags (5″x9″ or smaller) that have a single over the shoulder or cross body strap made of canvas, nylon or leather materials are permitted. Diaper and medical bags are allowed and are subject to inspection by Sanford Center Staff or Security when entering the Sanford Center or at any time while inside the facility. Bag policy subject to change based on event.

Prohibited Items

 The Sanford Center prohibits entry with the following items:

• Backpacks, bags & purses (Diaper bags permitted, but subject to search)

• Weapons, guns, knives, sticks, poles (any dangerous items as determined by the Sanford Center staff)

• Alcohol

• Glass Containers

• Outside food & beverage

• Recording devices

• Aerosol spray canisters of any kind

• Laser pointers

• Studded jewelry

• Unauthorized signs

• Bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, hover-boards

• Fireworks

• Cameras – policy varies by event

• Non-Service animals dead or alive (this excludes licensed service animals)

• Other items may be prohibited for specific events. Such changes will be indicated to patrons on an event-by-event basis.

 Cameras & Video Equipment

 Handheld point-and-shoot still cameras are permitted in the Sanford Center on an event-by-event basis. Cameras with large detachable lenses are not permitted. Flashes are not permitted for any event.

Graduation Speeches: Thinking of representing your class and speaking at the Graduation Ceremony? We hope so! Interested students can contact Ms. Christiansen at  Chris_Christiansen@isd31.net. 

Sign Up: April 7th-27th 

Auditions:  April 30th

Graduation Requirements: This is very Important!!! To graduate from Bemidji High School in 2025, a student needs a total of 31 credits.  To participate in the graduation ceremony, a senior needs to have completed 29 credits by May 1st, 2025.  

Credit checks will be completed at the end of Term 3. If a student has not met the appropriate requirements they may not be able to walk or have their name in the Graduation Program. Seniors enrolled in the post-secondary program will be evaluated on an individual basis regarding progress toward graduation.

31 Credits required for graduation:

• 4 credits in English

• 4 credits in Math

• 4 credits in Science

• 4 credits in Social Studies

• 1 credit in Arts (visual arts, music, and performing arts & media arts)

• 1 credit in Physical Education

• 1/2 credit in Health      

• Remaining credits in electives

Please pay attention to your credits.  It doesn’t take much to fall behind!  If you fail a core class, please see your academic dean of students as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Transcript Requests: All Transcript requests go through Sara Beldo at sara_beldo@isd31.net or 218-444-1600 ext 63117   Transcripts may also be requested at:   Transcript Request 

Please note: All Final Transcripts must be requested by the student before they can be mailed to colleges in late June. This occurs after all grades have been entered and credits verified.  Please use the Transcript Request link above.

Food Services:

As the year comes to an end, you may be wondering what happens to the remaining balances on your food accounts. For all food service inquiries, please contact the Food Service Office at 218-333-3100 ext. 31141 or 31142 or Fax: 218-333-3164

Course Fees: Take care of all outstanding fees so that your transcript shows the accurate grade earned for all classes. Please reach out to your classroom teacher if you have any questions. They may be paid in the main office or online Shop Fees

Parent-Teacher Conferences – BHS conferences are held in the evenings, at the mid-point of each term. Conferences are held Open House style with the teaching staff in the BHS Commons from 4-7 pm. In-person conferences are not scheduled and are on a first come first served basis. From 7-8 pm, teachers will conduct conferences via phone and email.  If you would like to request to be contacted by phone or email, please click here and fill out the conference sign-up.

Here are the 2024-2025 conference dates for BHS:

• Term 1 Conferences – October 3, 2024

• Term 2 Conferences – December 12, 2024 

• Term 3 Conferences – February 27, 2025

• Term 4 Conferences – May 1, 2025 

**Please be aware that November 7 and March 13 are listed as conference days on the Bemidji Area Schools District Calendar. These dates are only for elementary and middle school conferences. 

Student School Board Representative Opportunity – If you are interested or would like to have a voice in how school policies are established or have ideas how to improve Bemidji High School and Bemidji Area Schools, we would like you to consider applying to be a Student Representative to the Bemidji Area Schools Board.

The School Board meets monthly on the third Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. Special School Board Meetings and Work Sessions are scheduled as necessary throughout the year.

We are looking for Bemidji High School Student Representatives (grades 11 or 12) who will represent students at-large. A School Board Student Representative will receive a $500 scholarship per year to be awarded their senior year.

If you are interested please send a letter of interest to Jeremy Olson, Superintendent of Schools at dr_jeremy_olson@isd31.net. 

February 4th Senior Student Workshop Day Presentation

Great Mid-Year Information!!!

Career Center: Early in the fall, set yourself up for success and set up an appointment with Ana in the Career Center to explore options for continuing education after high school graduation and for information regarding scholarships that are available for college.  Begin checking the BHS website for post-secondary options, deadlines, and scholarships. Some scholarship deadlines start as early as October and many are due by the end of March. 

External Studies – If you are in grades 11 or 12, and interested in External Studies, formally known as Study Hall, a parental signed External Studies Permission Form must be returned to your academic dean of students before an External Studies will be added to your schedule.  External Studies period will only be added once your parent / guardian approves the External Studies and your acdemic dean of students approves your credits toward graduation. You may return this signed permission form by email, or drop it off in the Blue Office.  Schedules will not be adjusted until the signed form is returned to your academic dean of students.  External Studies Permission Form

College Sports : Any student athlete who intends to participate in collegiate sports at an NCAA Division I or II school, must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Registration will ensure that you have met the amateurism standards and academic course readiness requirements needed to play sports at the collegiate level. Visit with your academic dean of students for more information on BHS’s approved core courses. More info is also available in the Student Handbook.

Yearbooks: Yearbooks are ordered at jostensyearbooks.com   2023/2024 Yearbooks will come in later in May.

Sometime in mid December, the senior class will vote on the Class Motto, Class Flower, Class Colors, and Class Song.

Family Access (Skyward) – Please be sure to check that your student's information is up to date and that you are able to log into Skyward in order to receive the most up to date information for your student.

Lockers – New this year, lockers will be assigned only when requested. To request a locker, please click here and fill out the following form and you will be sent your information via your school email. If you have any issues, please see the secretaries in the main office for assistance.  Once a locker has been assigned to you it will be yours for your entire four years at BHS. A school-issued lock will be on your locker….personal locks are NOT allowed. A reminder that students are NOT allowed to move to another locker or share lockers. If a locker has been assigned, your locker information will appear on the top of your printed schedule. 

School Supply List – In high school, the supplies you need depend upon the classes you have chosen. At Freshman Orientation, you will have an opportunity to meet with your teachers and find out what supplies are used in each class. A good student needs the right tools to be successful. In general, you should have a notebook and folder for each class, pens, pencils, a calculator and a backpack. A student planner is a great way to keep yourself organized and on-track!

Room Numbers – Afraid you will get lost? No need to worry! While BHS is a big building that may seem overwhelming, just remember that everyone in ninth grade is in the same boat. In a few short days, things won’t seem so new and you’ll be on your way to knowing all the exciting things BHS has to offer! 

Here’s a hint -- when you see a room number on your schedule, just remember that the SECOND NUMBER tells you which floor the room is on and the FIRST NUMBER tells you which section of the building….section one is closer to the Front Doors and section two is closer to the Bus Doors. For example: Rm 2128 is on the first floor, second section. Rm 1234 is on the second floor, first section.

Admit to Class – If you come to school late, please report to the Attendance Secretaries in the Main Office for an Admit to Class. Your parent/guardian should call the Main Office before you arrive so your absence can be excused. If your parent/guardian has called ahead of time, they do not need to come into the Office with you. The Office has an answering machine 24 hours a day, so your parent/guardian can leave a message anytime. Last Names A-K, should call 218-444-1600 ext. 63303. Last Names L-Z, should call 218-444-1600 ext. 63301. 

Permit to Leave – If you need to leave during the school day, please pick up a Permit to Leave from the Main Office before you go to class. Your parent should call the Main Office with information about the date, time and reason for your absence. Teachers will not release you from class unless you show them the Permit to Leave when class starts. If your parent has called ahead of time, they do not need to come in to the Office to pick you up. 

Report Cards – In an effort to go green, student report cards will not be printed and mailed each term. The student's report card can be viewed and printed by accessing the student Portfolio in Skyward after final grades have been posted approximately one week following the end of each term. 

Health Office – If you become ill during the school day, please report to the Health Office. Our school Health Paraprofessionals will make an assessment and call your parent/guardian. They will give you a Permit to Leave campus, so you won’t need to stop in the Main Office. If you become ill and just leave campus without the Permit to Leave, you will be marked unexcused.  The health office can be reached at 218-444-1600 ext. 63317 or ext. 63157.

Driver’s Education – BHS does not offer a driver’s education class. 

Bemidji Driving School can be reached at 218-759-2684 or at bemidjidrivingschool.com.

Headwaters Driving School is excited to announce that the state of MN has approved its online driver’s education course.  Who can take this course? Any student ages 14-17 years old. Complete your 30 hour classroom requirement ONLINE and at your own pace with a LOCAL company. Register Online @ headwatersdrivingschool.com and start your class TODAY!

We want to help you during this special year! 

 If you have any questions please stop by the main office, 

call 218-444-1600 ext 63308, or email Lu at lu_schussman@isd31.net

All information below is for historical reference ONLY!

Senior Shirts: Class of 2024 t-shirts are available for purchase in the Activities office for $10 cash. 

2023-2024 Welcome to your Senior year presentation  

Please check out their website for all available products!

 Jostens website

Bemidji Area Schools graduates need a Cap, Gown, & Tassel. Here are your options:

1. Order a cap, gown, and tassel from Jostens.

*Link to select:  Cap, Gown, & Tassel (scroll down to select individual items)

2. Borrow a cap and gown from a recent graduate and just order a tassel. 

*We have gowns and caps available to borrow upon request.  (email lu_schussman@isd31.net)

(Please take your height into consideration … the gown should rest about 2 to 3 inches below the knee.)  

Our Jostens Representative is Lucas Pickle and can be reached at 218-656-7523 or via email at pickle.office@jostens.com.

School Pictures: Picture Day is September 12, 2024.   Retakes will be held on October 10, 2024.  Pictures will be ordered through Jostens Pix at shop.jostenspix.com with Event Code FE146124. Please note: All students must have their picture taken so that student ID cards can be printed. Pictures can be ordered at any time. 

SENIORS: Even if you are having professional pictures taken, you will still need to have your picture taken so that student ID cards can be printed.

Caps and Gowns:  On October 3, 2024 at 8:30am in the Auditorium, Jostens will present to the senior class regarding ordering caps and gowns. Along with the cap and gown information, there will be information for ordering announcements, class rings, class t-shirts, etc. There are many graduation products that can be ordered through the Jostens website.  Please check out their website for all available products!

Bemidji Area Schools graduates need a Cap, Gown, & Tassel. Here are your options:

1. Order a cap, gown, and tassel from Jostens.

*Link to select:  Cap, Gown, & Tassel (scroll down to select individual items)

2. Borrow a cap and gown from a recent graduate and just order a tassel. 

*We have gowns and caps available to borrow upon request.  (email lu_schussman@isd31.net)

(Please take your height into consideration … the gown should rest about 2 to 3 inches below the knee.)  

Our Jostens Representative is Lucas Pickle and can be reached at 218-656-7523 or via email at pickle.office@jostens.com.

Yearbook Senior Pictures:  Please make sure to have your senior photo turned into Ms. Kemp jessica_kemp@isd31.net for the 2025 Yearbook by October 25, 2024.

Submit to: Yearbook Google Classroom "Seniors 2025 Yearbook Information-Turn In Your Senior Photos Here"

Code: 3lvgcqg 

Label picture: last name, first name  

File type: jpeg

Yearbook Baby Pictures:  Please make sure to have your baby photo turned in to Ms. Kemp jessica_kemp@isd31.net for the 2025 Yearbook by October 25, 2024.

Cost: $35

Drop off: Main Office or Mail

Questions: Email or call Ms.Kemp at at 218-444-1600 ext 63347.

Senior Awards Recognition:

All BHS seniors who have received a scholarship from a college, university, organization, foundation, school or business every year are recognized at the Senior Awards Night on May 15th.

Please email your name (as it should appear on the program), college or university attending, scholarship or award name, source of scholarship or award, and the amount (this will not be printed in the program to AnaCecilia_CunhaDePaola@isd31.net by April 21st.

Graduation Ticket Information: 

• Tickets must be ordered through the 2025 Graduation Ticket Form using your  LUNCH NUMBER  for ordering and picking up of tickets. No phone ordering. **Graduation Ticket Form completion emails are not confirmation for the number of tickets you will receive. 

• Graduates do not need a ticket. Tickets will be required for everyone over the age of 2 years.

• All tickets will be paper and picked up at the Sanford Center Ticket Office May 19th-23rd.

• Additional tickets are not guaranteed and will not be assessed until after May 5th. Please indicate on the google form if you are interested in additional tickets. 

• Bemidji High School and the Sanford Center are not responsible for any tickets that are unclaimed, lost, or stolen.

Any inquiries please email:

 Lu Schussman lu_schussman@isd31.net

Congratulations!