SENIOR Dates to Remember
2/19/25: Senior Interviews
3/7/25: End of 2nd Trimester (When final academic honors will be calculated)
4/10/25: Job Shadow Designated Day
4/11/25: Commencement Speech Submissions Due
4/25/25: Prom at Dewitt Banquet Center
5/16/25: Renaissance Senior Social during Seminar
5/19/25: Senior Superlative Awards during Seminar
5/21/25: Yearbook Distribution for Seniors during Seminar
5/22/25: Last Day of Instruction for Seniors (special schedule)
5/23/25: Senior Exams if needed(See below)
5/28/25: Senior Awards Night (By invitation)
5/29/25: Mandatory Breakfast and Rehearsal
5/29/25: Class of 2024 Commencement (Rain or shine)
Senior Skip Days
SJHS does not sanction, support, or condone Senior Skip Days in any way, shape, or form. There is one day this academic year where Seniors are not required to be in school. That is 4/10/25 when Seniors are scheduled to do an offsite job shadow and 9-11th grades are testing. More details are in the "Job Shadow" Section. Like the unicorn pictured to the right, in the eyes of SJHS, Senior Skip Days do not exist.
Senior Job Shadow 4/10/25
Students will not have classes at SJHS on this date.
Instead, students should seek out an opportunity to observe a workplace of interest.
The job shadow experience must last a minimum of two hours.
Seniors are responsible for securing their own sites.
Although we are providing the time on this day, we understand that availability of job sites and schedules may force this to be done another day.
A brief reflection form and signed acknowledgement from an employer must be submitted before 4/28/25. These are required tasks in Seminar. Additional direction will be provided by Seminar teachers.
Students who attend a RESA program will not be scheduled for this event as they have course obligations on that date. They should follow the directions of their instructor(s).
Commencement 5/29/25
The Class of 2025 will celebrate Commencement on 5/29/25 at 7:00pm at the SJHS Football Field. Gates open at 6:00pm. The stage will be located near the north end zone of the stadium, so seating can be utilized on both sides of the stadium. Decorating of caps is permitted, but should remain tasteful and comply with school dress code. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in being reissued a new cap or exclusion from the commencement ceremony. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved into the SJHS Gymnasium. There is not a rain date for this event. Graduates will need to be present and dressed for the ceremony in the Auditorium by 6:15pm.
Tickets are not required.
Student Commencement Speaker
Attention Seniors! Would you like the opportunity to address your peers at the Class of 2025 commencement on Thursday 5/29/25? Interested students should email a written draft of their speech to Dr. Dobson by 3pm on 4/11/25. Speeches will be screened by a committee of staff and students. Two speakers will be selected. Addresses are no longer than five minutes in length, but the nature of the message is really up to you! We look forward to having two great messages for your class. Feel free to see Dr. Dobson with questions.
Cap and Gown
Please do not wait until Graduation Day to take the cap and gown out of its package. Academic honor cords will be distributed at the Breakfast/Rehearsal. All other cords and/or regalia should be picked up with the sponsor/teacher that coordinates that activity. Honors cords, senior scholar, top ten, and other academic honors are determined based on grade standing at the end of 2nd trimester.
Decorating of caps is permitted, but should remain tasteful and comply with school dress code. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in being issue a new cap or exclusion from the commencement ceremony.
Caps and Gowns will be distributed on 4/24/25 in the cafeteria during lunches, and available in the office after that.
Registering to Vote
As we continue to transition beyond SJHS, have you considered registering to vote? Registering to vote is fast and easy and can be done online! All you need is a driver’s license number and the last four digits of your social security number. You may register online right here through the Michigan Department of State. Students that are not yet 18 can even pre-register so they are ready at 18.
Additional Details:
- Light Refreshments Provided
- A photobooth will be available.
- Tickets go on sale April 7th (open at 8am) - April 18th (close at 3pm)
- Tickets must be purchased individually.
- SJHS Juniors and Seniors are eligible to purchase tickets. Prom Guests must be enrolled in 10th grade or above and cannot be 21 or older. 9th graders (from SJHS or elsewhere) are not permitted. This helps us prioritize tickets for SJHS Juniors and Seniors and their guests.
- Guest forms will be available starting April 7th and are due by April 16th.
- Guest forms must be turned in and approved before the guest's ticket can be purchased. Students must bring their student ID. Guests must bring a photo ID.
- Guest forms must be turned in for SJHS sophomore guests, as well as all outside guests.
- We kindly request that the guest policy not be misused to bring large groups of underclassmen. Prom is a special occasion intended for our upperclassmen.
Final Transcripts
Final transcripts will be available around 6/14. At that time, students should request for their transcripts to be sent to their post-secondary institutions. Requests can be made at any time and are always housed on Parchment. You will need to use a personal email address for Parchment.
Yearbook Spring Distribution
Yearbooks, with an insert from Spring events, will be distributed on May 21 during Seminar in the Gym.
A LIMITED AMOUNT OF 2025 SJHS Yearbooks are available for purchase at Jostens.com.
1/31 IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER A BOOK WITH PERSONALIZATION!
2/1 IS THE LAST DAY TO PURCHASE SENIOR RECOGNITION AD!
2/26 IS THE LAST DAY TO GUARANTEE A PRE-ORDERED BOOK, A LIMITED QUANTITY OF EXTRA BOOKS ARE SOLD UPON DELIVERY.
Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal and Breakfast
Commencement Rehearsal and Breakfast: Members of the Class of 2025 participating in Commencement are expected to attend rehearsal 5/29/25 at 8 a.m. in the cafeteria. Academic cords will be distributed at that time. ALL DEBTS MUST BE PAID AND SCHOOL PROPERTY RETURNED IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE (See Below). The practice and breakfast should take less than two hours.
Settling Debts and Checking Out with SJHS
In order to participate in Commencement students must do the following:
- Athletic and Activity debts must be settled and equipment returned (unless still in season).
- Textbooks and course returned to the appropriate instructor.
- Technology returned or purchased and any debts settled.
- Paint or chalk must be removed from parking spots. They should be restored to their original condition. Failure to do so will result in a $50 cleaning fee.
3rd Trimester Senior Exams and Exam Exemptions
3rd Trimester Exam Exemption: Seniors may exempt if they have an “A” or a “B” (greater than or equal to 80%) OR no missing assignments in that class. Students must also have no suspensions or unexcused absences. Absences may only be excused prior to or for the 5 days following an absence.
Senior Exam Date: Senior exams (if a student must take one) will be given on Friday, May 23 during their regular classes.
Second Trimester Exams: Second Trimester exams will be 3/5-3/7. Students previously earning exemptions may use them at that time. Once exams are concluded grades will be calculated and these are the final grades considered for Senior awards and honors.
Backing Up Files
Upon graduation, students will no longer have access to their SJPS emails, drive space, or logins. Therefore, please see the instructions on how to save Google files to a personal gmail account. Directions can be found here: Google Drive Instructions
Device Purchase
Seniors have the option to purchase their Chromebook. The cost is $20 and must be paid by 5/16. All students who do not purchase their device will turn in their Chromebook on 5/22. A link to purchase chromebooks will be shared at a later date. Many students have enjoyed the idea of having a spare device for their lives after SJHS.
Scholarship and Financial Aid
Parents of SJHS 2025 Seniors,
For information on Financial Aid and Scholarships, please visit our Guidance and Counseling Center webpage on the SJHS Website. Scholarships are updated weekly so be sure to check back frequently. Students may stop by the main office to pick up printed copies of scholarships or to ask any questions they may have.
Again go to our Guidance and Counseling Center webpage for the most up-to-date financial aid and scholarship information.
Good luck and Congrats,
The SJHS Counseling Staff
State Resources and Funding for YOUR Next Steps
YOUR SENIOR COULD QUALIFY FOR:
A TUITION-FREE associate degree or skill certificate at a local community college with the Community College Guarantee. The scholarship also covers tuition for students attending community college before transferring to a four-year university. Plus, students receiving the Federal Pell Grant qualify for an extra $1,000 to help pay for living expenses. All Michigan high school grads are eligible.
Up to $27,500 for a private or public university through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Data shows that 7 out of 10 students may qualify just by filling out the FAFSA, no matter their academic or athletic abilities.
Up to $4,000 for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. Students simply choose an eligible career training provider and complete their application through the MiSSG student portal.
FILLING OUT THE FAFSA IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
Filling out the FAFSA is the key to unlocking funding. The newly simplified FAFSA has only 36 questions. It costs nothing to complete, and your child could be eligible for more money than you think.
FILLING OUT THE FAFSA IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
Create your FAFSA ID. You’ll need:
Your Social Security number
Your email address
Help your child create their FSA ID
It takes three to five days for FSA IDs to become active, and you both must have active FSA IDs to complete the FAFSA.
Fill out the FAFSA together
Take the first step in helping your child take control of their future, whatever their path! If you need any help completing the FAFSA or planning for college, please let us know. You can also visit michigan.gov/achievement for program information, frequently asked questions and more.
