As we prepare to send our current 8th graders off to high school, we're excited to offer this dedicated space where students and parents can find all the information they need to navigate this important transition. Whether you're exploring public or private high school options, you'll find valuable resources, updates, and opportunities here.
We encourage you to check back with each new issue to stay informed about the latest developments and ensure you have all the tools necessary to make this journey as smooth as possible. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Dan Whelan was here today, Friday, Janaury 17th taking 8th Grade Cap and Gown photos. Order forms were sent home with students on Friday, January 10th. You may also click here for the form. Cap & Gown photo make-up day will be on Thursday, January 23rd.
Dear Eighth Grade Families:
As we look forward to a new year, it is time to start making plans for the graduation of the Class of 2025.
There will be many special events planned with your student in mind. At this time, we anticipate the
graduation fee to be $185. This fee will cover all Graduation expenses, including Cap & Gown, Diplomas & Covers, Class T-shirt, the 8th Grade field trip to Gettysburg, the 8th Grade Retreat & Day of Service lunch/activities, flowers, yard sign, and a yearbook.
This year, we will be collecting graduation fees through your FACTS account. This fee will be added to your FACTS account to process on February 7th, 2025.
On December 2nd, the 8th Grade T-Shirt Order Form and Cap & Gown Order Form are due. Hard copies of these forms were sent home with your student on Friday, November 22nd. Once they arrive, 8th graders may wear their unique Class of 2025 tees with P.E. pants every Tuesday to show their school pride throughout the remainder of the school year.
On Friday, January 17th, students will have their Cap & Gown photos taken for the yearbook. The school will provide a cap & gown for the photo. Girls wear a white button down blouse with the sweater vest or SJRCS sweatshirt. Boys wear their uniform pants with a dress shirt and tie.
On January 15th, diploma name information will be due. Please complete the “2025 Diploma Name
Preference” Google Form indicating how you would like your child’s name to appear on the diploma.
Students must use their legal last names. It is an option to include a middle name or middle initial. First names can be their legal first name, or the first name your child usually goes by. For example, someone named Charles, who is usually Charlie. It is important to complete this Google Form in a timely manner, as the diplomas need to be ordered and printed. Google Forms will not be accepted without a parent’s email address.
On January 15th, the remaining contributions to the 8th Grade section of the yearbook will be due. The tradition of the 8th Grade section of the yearbook includes a thank you message from each student. The text must be less than 45 words and appropriate. All submissions are reviewed and approved by the administration. Students will have the opportunity to begin writing their message during class and may bring them home to finish with you – they should be turned into Mrs. Crow.
Additionally, the 8th Grade section includes an optional baby photo collage. If you would like to include your student’s photo in the collage, please send the baby photo electronically to yearbook@sjrcs.org (requirements: 300 dpi saved as a jpeg file).
We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and special events with your families. The following are important upcoming dates and activities for our 2025 graduates:
Cap & Gown Photos
● Photos will be on Friday, January 17th
The school will provide a cap & gown for the photo.
Girls wear a white button down blouse with the sweater vest or SJRCS sweatshirt.
Boys wear their uniform pants with a dress shirt and tie.
May Crowning
● On Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 AM, the 8th Grade students will celebrate Mass and May Crowning in
the church.
Gettysburg Field Trip
● Our 8th Grade class has a scheduled trip to Gettysburg National Park on Thursday, May 8th. This
immersive experience serves as a culminating activity that perfectly complements our studies.
We are excited to explore the park and its historical significance, creating unforgettable
memories that we will cherish. The field trip permission slip will be shared in April; the fee has
already been included in the overall graduation fee.
8th Grade Dance
● On Friday, May 16th, there will be an 8th Grade Dance from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Girls should wear
appropriate dresses, skirts, or pants that abide by the guidelines set in the Family Handbook for
out-of-uniform days. This includes not having bare shoulders, plunging necklines or backs, and
short hemlines (should be no shorter than 2 inches above the middle of the knee). Boys should
wear appropriate dress pants and dress shirts, and ties are optional.
Financial Obligations
● Per our tuition contract, in order for your child to participate in any of the graduation activities,
all tuition and fees must be paid by Friday, May 16th. Additionally, students must be academically
eligible to participate in graduation.
Day of Reflection and Letters
● The required Day of Reflection will be Thursday, May 29th, and all students are required to
participate in the day’s activities. Lunch will be provided. Students will wear their Class of 2025
t-shirts with gym shorts.
● As part of the retreat, we would like you to provide the most essential element – YOUR
AFFIRMATION, as parents, of your child. We ask for this affirmation to come in the form of a
letter addressed to your child that includes proud, fond, funny, poignant moments (particularly
any connected to his/her time in school), as well as your hopes and prayers for his/her future,
and anything that you believe would be positively meaningful to your child. These letters will be
used at the retreat and only be read by your child. No one else will read it, so feel free to be
sentimental.
● The letter should be sealed inside an envelope with your child’s name and “Day of Reflection
Letter” on the front. This sealed envelope should be tucked inside another envelope labeled to
the attention of Mrs. Coughlin and your child’s name. If you think your child might be overly
curious about the contents, mail it to the school to Mrs. Coughlin, St. John Regional Catholic
School, 8414 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. We need to receive the letters
by Wednesday, May 21st. Thank you for your help with this very important part of our Day of
Reflection experience, and remember.... IT’S A SECRET!
Last Day of Classes
● The last day of classes for the 8th Grade will be Wednesday, May 28th. If your student owes any
work, all work must be submitted by this date in order to be graded. Their report cards will be
printed with the whole school. Report cards will be sent to parents after T-3 ends. Once report
cards have been printed, we will send final transcripts to any high schools requesting them.
Graduation Practice
All 8th Grade students are required to attend graduation practice on Friday, May 30th, and Monday, June 2nd.
On Friday, May 30th, students will practice in the morning and enjoy a picnic and game of kickball in the afternoon. This is a full day of school for 8th Grade students. If you are interested in volunteering to help coordinate this fun afternoon, please reach out to Mrs. Coughlin at acoughlin@sjrcs.org.
On Monday, June 2nd, following the graduation practice, students will have an opportunity to sign yearbooks in the Mary Garden. 8th Grade students will be dismissed at noon on this day.
Baccalaureate Graduation Mass and Awards
● The Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation will occur on Tuesday, June 3rd at 2:00 PM in the church.
● Students need to arrive at 1:15 PM and report to their classrooms. The students will line up in
the school hallway before proceeding to the church for Graduation.
Girls’ Attire: Appropriate dresses, skirts, or pants; No bare shoulders, plunging neck or
back lines, short hemlines (should be no shorter than 2 inches above the middle of the
knee). For their safety, young ladies should practice walking in heels and on stairs prior
to the award ceremony.
Boys’ Attire: Appropriate pants, dress shirt, and tie.
The Baccalaureate Awards will follow immediately upon the completion of Mass.
In Christ,
Mrs. Kim Hanner
Principal
St. John Regional Catholic School
