Information for the Class of 2017

Information for Class of 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians and Members of the Class of 2017:

A major milestone in your lives and another chapter in the action-packed story of Daniel Hand High School is nearly upon us. I thought a letter at this time would serve to answer some popular questions and also allow you an opportunity to plan for the busy days ahead.

Final Exams

Exams for seniors will be given in Career and Technical Education, Art, Music, and World Languages in classes on June 8 and 9. English, Math, Science, and Social Studies exams will be given on June 12 and 13. The schedule for these exams will be posted in classrooms and on the DHHS website.

Senior Awards Night - June 8, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The annual awards and scholarships presentation will be held in the Dining and Assembly Hall. We are in the process of notifying students who are receiving awards and/or scholarships and their parents. All seniors are invited to attend this ceremony.

Obligations

In order for seniors to receive graduation tickets and their caps and gowns all financial obligations must be cleared up. This includes such things as lost or damaged texts, library fines, class dues, and activity fees. If there is a question regarding this, please contact Mrs. Susan Evans in our office at (203) 245-6350 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. To check your child's obligations, parents/guardians can log in to Infinite Campus and find this information within the Fees category. Caps, gowns, and tickets for admission to graduation will be distributed to those seniors who have no obligations on June 15 following graduation rehearsal.

Senior Brunch

The annual senior brunch is scheduled for June 15 at Woodwinds in Branford from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Seniors will assemble in the Dining and Assembly Hall at 8:15 a.m. prior to boarding the buses. No students are permitted to drive to this event. Upon arrival back at DHHS, students will report to the gym for their first graduation rehearsal.

Graduation Rehearsals

Rehearsals are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, June 15 DHHS Gym 11:30 a.m.

Friday, June 16 DHHS Gym 7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 19 Madison Green 11:00 a.m.

These rehearsals are mandatory for all seniors and help ensure a pleasant and meaningful graduation ceremony.

Graduation

Graduation will take place on June 19 at 6:00 p.m. on the Madison Green. Each student will receive five (5) tickets for seating on the Green. Please understand that these tickets will only assure you of a seat in the gated area. Reserving seats during the afternoon of June 19 is prohibited. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. Graduates should report to the Green by 5:15 p.m. Special seating for the handicapped will be provided. Please call in advance Mrs. Keenan at (203) 245-6350 so that we can make accommodations in advance.

In the unfortunate event of thunderstorms, graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 20, at 6:00 p.m. In that case parents/guardians will be notified by an E-Notify message after 3:00 p.m. As well, notification will be posted on the DHHS website at www.danielhand.org and/or cable channel 19.

Our goal for this special evening is to present our graduates to the Madison community in a ceremony that is both festive and dignified. The expected dress for this special event includes collared shirts, ties, long pants, dresses, skirts and blouses, or a pants outfit, and appropriate footwear. Students may decorate their mortarboards, but must refrain from vulgar or offensive expressions and from articles that protrude from the surface of the mortarboard. Students' gowns may not be decorated in any way. Students who do not comply with our guidelines may be prohibited from participating in the ceremony.

Toys, noisemakers, silly string (extremely flammable), cigars, and other articles, which detract from the ceremony, are prohibited. I ask your assistance in assuring compliance with these guidelines so that the ceremony is enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Photography and Video Taping

Our TV production students do an outstanding job in recording, editing, and broadcasting the event on local cable television. In addition, Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch will be providing professional photography services for each graduate as he/she receives a diploma. We have found that providing these services for families allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy the event from the audience and minimizes the need to get to the front, which often blocks the view of others. Register to be notified when event images and proofs are available at www.events.lifetouch.com . Simply click on Find your Event, complete the Search Criteria, and enter your information. Complementary proof sets will be mailed home within 14 business days. You may place an order or obtain answers to questions at www.events.lifetouch.com or 1-800-426-9533. For your information, as a gift from the Class of 2017, all graduates will be receiving a 5 x 7 photograph from the graduation ceremony.

Nite-In-Hand

Nite-In-Hand is organized and run by a dedicated group of parent/guardian volunteers. It begins at 10:00 p.m. and students may arrive no later than 11:00 p.m. This is an all-night, community-sponsored party for the graduates. Only those members of the Class of 2017 who graduate may attend.

I trust this letter has provided you with helpful information. Mr. Bodner, Mrs. Schneider, and I look forward to sharing these joyful events with all of you.

Sincerely,

Anthony R. Salutari, Jr.

Principal