Class of 2024 Newsletter

Bruin Families,

We are in the final count down! We are two weeks away from our graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024. Below we have updated important information of upcoming dates, reminders and more. Please take a moment to review. Additional information is also available on the Class of 2024 Canvas page, and on the Forest Park main webpage, Class of 2024 link.

Before we get to May 30, we kindly ask you to read the enclosed information to ensure graduation is a special experience and to make certain everyone understands the expectations of this special event. Should you have questions, please contact Assistant Principal, Mr. Geisinger, 703-583- 3200, e-mail: geisinjj@pwcs.edu or the Graduation Coordinators, Mrs. Goldman, and Ms. Makuta, at 703-583-3200 or by email: goldmap@pwcs.edu or makutaBN@pwcs.edu

A reminder that outstanding senior obligations/balances should to be fulfilled prior to the final graduation practice. There will be a location for students to return items or bring payments at graduation practice. Cash or Money Orders can only be accepted at practice. If you would like to make online payments, please contact the school for Rycor payment options.

Please ensure that your gown has been ordered. This is a custom gown that is not readily in stock.

The final exam schedule is available on our website. Please be sure that your child has a good night's rest and breakfast prior to their exams.

We are proud of each graduating senior and look forward to sharing the upcoming activities and graduation day with you.

Richard Martinez

Principal

Commencement Ceremony

Thursday, May 30, 2024

2:00 p.m.

George Mason University EagleBank Arena

4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030

Seniors must have completed all requirements for graduation in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. If you have any questions about credits please contact the appropriate school counselor at 703-583-3200.

Aimee Linder A-Bo

Tiffany Jackson Br-Di

Judy Flores Do-G

Tera Scott H-Kop

Andrew Miller Kor-Mor

Anna Phalan Mos-Ren

Elizabeth Neace Reo-Su

Rebecca Young Sv-Z

Seniors who do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must present written verification from their parents/guardians to Kathy Scowcroft, Registrar, in the Counseling Office no later than May 24, 2024.

If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please do so immediately. Visit the Jostens website at: www.jostens.com to place order. You may also call 1-800-Jostens to order.

Punctuality is mandatory. The Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on May 30, 2024. All students must arrive by 12:30 p.m. and report to the loading dock area (service entrance outside the south entrance). Be prepared for possible warm temperatures. Parking attendants will provide directions to ensure graduates gather in the designated area.

The academic procession will begin promptly at 2 p.m. Faculty members will usher graduates to the reserved seating on the arena floor. The graduation order will be arranged alphabetically. The actual diploma is presented at the ceremony. As graduates receive the diploma, a professional photographer, from LifeTouch will take pictures of the graduates with the principal. Photos will also be taken as they exit the stage. No one from the audience will be allowed to approach the podium with a camera. The use of video cameras and digital cameras are allowed. However, attendees may only film from their seats. Standing in aisles/portals and the use of electrical cords or tripods is prohibited. Memories Videography will be live streaming graduation, and a link will be provided prior to graduation for you to view graduation if you are unable to attend.

To ensure a smooth transition between recognition of each student, please hold your applause until all students have received their diplomas.

To access your photos after the ceremony, text the code below to 90738

Your PhotoDay Access code is 228288GY24

Please see below for ordering information of the graduation ceremony and streaming link:

Ordering link

All financial obligations (laptops, cafeteria services, lost library books or textbooks, unreturned choir attire, sports equipment/uniforms, musical instruments, etc.) must be reconciled by 12 p.m. on May 28, 2024. Failure to do so may forfeit a student’s opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony.

• May 28: Senior Awards at 9 a.m. (Invitation only)

• May 28: iT Awards at 11:30 a.m.
  

• May 28: Graduation Practice 1-4 p.m.

• May 28: Senior Picnic/Sunset 4:30-8 p.m. ( Seniors will need their school issued ID as their ticket to get into the picnic)

• May 29: Graduation Practice 8:30 a.m. - Noon (Gym) and Panorama picture Report in cap and gown

May 28: 1-4 p.m. (Gym)

May 29: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (Gym)

*come dressed in full attire (shoes, outfit, cap and gown)*

The senior class sunset picnic will be held at Forest Park High School on May 28, from 4:30 -8 p.m. Seniors will need to bring their school issued ID as their ticket to get into the picnic.

Snacks, games and activities will be available for all seniors to celebrate their final group gathering before graduation.

This event is FREE for all graduating students.

Senior yard signs are still available for sale, $20 each. Order your Senior Yard sign today! Cash or online payments are now available (use QR code). If you pay online, please bring a copy of your reciept to the front office when picking up. Signs must be picked up in the office any time from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Students may NOT take signs home on the bus (safety reasons), so please make arrangements for pick up.

Below is the link for Quick Pay:

https://forestparkhs.pwcs.edu/student_quick_pay

All National Honor Society members in good standing and advanced studies graduates will be recognized in the commencement program. Grade point averages of these students will be determined at the end of the first semester. The following honors will be recognized:

Summa Cum Laude 4.0+ GPA

Magna Cum Laude 3.8 - 3.99 GPA

Cum Laude 3.5 - 3.79 GPA

National Honor Society members will wear stoles and tassels. Members in good standing will be contacted by the NHS advisor. Other honor society or distinguished graduates will wear cords or pins provided by their sponsors.

It is the goal of Forest Park Senior Class of 2024 to make this year's commencement exercise one of the most dignified graduations in the history of FPHS. The seniors have worked diligently to make this a memorable occasion. We ask that all persons attending the ceremony conduct themselves in a proper manner. The members of the Class of 2024 have devoted much time in preparing this commencement ceremony. We ask those attending to be appropriately dressed in business casual or other appropriate attire. So that every family may hear the name of their graduate when called, please ask your friends and family members not to yell, ring bells or blow air horns. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

EagleBank has new rules concerning bags, posters and signs. Please click here to review details.

**Should celebrations become disorderly, the commencement WILL STOP until order is restored and inappropriate guests will be asked to leave.

Eagle Bank Arena provides ample accessible seating for patrons in wheelchairs as well as those who may have difficulty with steps. Please ask venue employees for seating location.

We will have ASL services available. Please contact Mrs. Rocco, roccoSM@pwcs.edu, ASAP so that we can notify you and reserve special seating.

All other seating is on a first come, first serve basis at the EagleBank Arena.

No admittance tickets are required.

All seniors are to be reminded that attending school on a regular basis is important. Improper attendance patterns may negatively affect grades and could result in students not meeting the course requirements necessary for graduation. In addition, it is essential that all seniors adhere to county/school rules and regulations for the remainder of the year. Failure to do so may cause suspension and may jeopardize an individual’s privilege to participate in the graduation ceremony.