• LETTER TO SENIORS March 11th

    Dear Parents/Guardians and Graduating Students,

    Graduation will take place on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at 8:00 AM, at  Lloyd A. Busch Memorial Stadium. We are asking that seniors be present in their assigned area no later than 6:45 AM on the morning of  May 20th. Seniors are to display their graduation cap on the dashboard for the security personnel, who will be directing traffic. This will help security ensure that traffic is moving and students are the only ones permitted in the student parking lot. Students must park in the student parking lot and enter through the cafeteria doors like you do for school each day. 

     

    There are a few reminders about graduation and rehearsals that need to be read closely:

    • Rehearsal on May 19th is mandatory. Students must report to the gymnasium by 8 AM and rehearsal is expected to run until 12:30 PM. If the student is late, he/she will be held after practice to help assemble programs. For practice, wear casual, but school appropriate dress. 

    • Please bring your own water and water bottles for commencement practice.

    • Graduation attire consists of the following: Business casual.  Flip flops, boots, and tennis shoes will not be permitted. Because you will be walking on our turf field, please do not wear high heels. Platform shoes and wedges work the best. Seniors may decorate their cap. Information will  be sent out on decorating caps. We will have extra plain caps for inappropriate decorated caps. 

    • No Non-Stafford County awarded regalia, i.e. cords or medals, may be worn during the ceremony unless approved by administration. 

    • The graduates must be present on time for the rehearsal in order to participate in the ceremony. Seniors who are not present for graduation rehearsal must have been cleared ahead of time by the Principal. Seniors will meet in the gymnasium and are to enter through the cafeteria doors to enter the gym. Seniors must stay in designated practice areas at all times. 

    • On May 20th, students are permitted to have cell phones. There will be specific instructions provided by Mr. Hicks.

    • All debts, fines, or fees must be paid in full prior to participating in the ceremony. It is the student’s and parent’s responsibility to check on any possible debts with his/her alpha Administrative Assistant.

    • Admission to the graduation ceremony is open to all and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.  

    • In the event of rain, with no threat of lightning, the ceremony will proceed in the stadium. In the event of lightning, the ceremony will be delayed in hourly increments. In the event of a graduate not taking part in the commencement ceremony, diplomas may be picked up in the Counseling Center beginning Thursday, May 25th during office hours.

    There are a few reminders and notices about graduation parking and the ceremony:

    • The stadium parking lot will be used only for handicapped parking. These cars must display the proper decal. 

    • There will not be any RVs (Recreational Vehicles) or motorhomes allowed and/or parked on school property.

    • There will be no tailgating before, during, or after the commencement ceremony. 

    • All Parent/Guest Parking will be at Leeland Station Commuter Lot. There will be buses to transport parents/guests to the stadium running at ten minute intervals or when full. Handicap Buses will be available. 

    • The path from the school to the stadium will be blocked to all family or guests during the processional beginning at 7:30 AM.

    • A reminder that Stafford High School and all Stafford County Public School Buildings, including the stadium, are tobacco and alcohol free zones. Therefore, smoking, including e-cigarettes/Vapes, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on School Grounds.

    • Our Video Technology Department will film and record the ceremony. Once the video has been edited, a link on the school website will allow you to download the ceremony to share with family and friends.

    • At no time, before, during, or after the ceremony, should anyone be on the field with graduates. 

    • Parents are asked to remain outside the school building after the ceremony. This is to help with reducing congestion for graduates obtaining their diploma. Pictures by parents, family, and friends should be taken outside the building.

    • The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department will be on hand before and after the graduation ceremony to direct traffic for a safe and efficient entrance and exit to and from the school grounds.

    Please plan ahead for travel for the start of the ceremony, so that you are present for the entire ceremony. A heavy volume of traffic on the surrounding roads is expected.

    Finally, seniors, we are very proud of your efforts.  Congratulations! I am very proud that you all represent our Stafford High School community.