Senior Newsletter

Titan Seniors and Titan Families,

What an amazing accomplishment we are about to celebrate, as we come together to honor our class of 2023 graduates. Though this marks the end of a chapter, we are promoting our seniors forward to a new starting line.

Please take the time to look over the calendar of senior events for the remaining months. Seniors, I would like to personally invite you to participate in all, or as many of these events that you can. This is an exciting and memorable time for you and your parents.

I would like to challenge each of you to continue to run the race and to FINISH STRONG.

We are looking forward to a very special graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Oregon State Fair Pavilion.

Tickets: Ticket sales are available online. In person sales will begin in May during lunch times. https://west-salem-grad-party.square.site/shop/grad-party-tickets/4

Event Info: Party Event Details – Titan Grad Party

Ticket Scholarships: If you need assistance in paying for your grad ticket please fill out scholarship form https://forms.gle/LHb6gFcitbU21Xsz5

Yearbook sales continue but supplies will be limited. The cost is $65.00; order one at the bookkeeper’s window.

Jostens will be at West on May 9th, 2023 in the commons during both lunches to distribute caps and gowns. Jostens is available for questions regarding graduation items at 503-723-8006 or thul.office@jostens.com.

If you still need to order your cap/gown, CLICK HERE!

To be able to participate in the graduation ceremony: Seniors must meet the 24 credit requirement and complete the PEP. Essential Skills have been waived this year. All seniors have met the career related learning experiences and extended application requirements through the courses they have completed. Any additional coursework, such as online, college credit, work experience credit or District Alternative Education credit, must be completed by 3:00 p.m. on June 7th, so that credits can be verified.

Here are the start times for our schools’ Senior Graduates’ Parade of Honor, June 7, 2023.

Myers: 1 p.m.

Kalapuya: 1 p.m.

Chapman Hill: 1:30 p.m.

Brush College: 1:30 p.m.

Harritt: 1 p.m.

Seniors must attend all classes until graduation and total class participation will be expected. You will be notified by your teacher regarding any final exams during the last week of school. The last day of school for seniors is Monday, June 5th, 2023.

Seniors, please join us in the commons for the senior breakfast the morning of graduation, Thursday, June 8th at 7:30 a.m.

This is a special moment where your teachers get to serve you breakfast and connect with you prior to the ceremony. Breakfast is FREE.

Senior Students Only

Graduation practice is mandatory and begins at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion promptly at 9:00 a.m. on June 8, 2023. Seniors must be present at practice in order to walk at the graduation ceremony.

Seating will be limited based on the capacity of the Pavilion and must be strictly adhered to according to fire marshal regulations. Each senior will be allowed 10 tickets. The tickets will be handed out at the Pavilion during the rehearsal the morning of June 8th. If additional tickets are needed, it is suggested that you contact classmates for extras. The school does not have extras.

If you need handicap seating, it is available on a first come, first served basis around the Pavilion. For those more fragile, one handicap seat and one companion seat will be available on the floor if needed.

Graduates will report to the Pavilion at 5:00 p.m. dressed in your cap and gowns.

Once you arrive, find your group and line up at 5:30 p.m.

All graduating seniors will wear their cap and gowns.

Seniors should dress nicely and be sure that graduation gowns are pressed with a cool iron before reporting to the Pavilion on Thursday evening. Doors will open for seating at 5:00 p.m. The ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. The length of the ceremony may be uncomfortable for young children.

Lifetouch will take multiple pictures of each graduating senior. Proofs will be mailed home to each graduate and families will also be able to order online at www.events.lifetouch.com. Parents are encouraged to take pictures before and after the ceremony.

If you would like to be one of the speakers at graduation, please visit the Main Office to sign up. Auditions will be May 19th at 9:00 a.m.

Final transcript requests for two or four-year colleges may be ordered online through West Salem High School Website or Click Here. These transcripts are needed by colleges to prove high school completion.

Any student involved in a senior prank that damages property or degrades the reputation of an individual of this school may be criminally charged and may not be allowed to walk with their class in the graduation ceremony. Any student coming to a school activity who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which includes senior banquet, graduation practice, and the graduation ceremony, will be criminally charged and subject to district discipline policies and procedures.

Seniors should contact Mrs. Warde in the College/Career Center immediately upon notification of any college acceptance or awards of scholarships in order for it to appear in the Commencement Program. Seniors also need to complete the Senior Exit Survey no later than May 12, 2023. The survey can be found on West Salem High School website- Senior Info or Click Here.

Many scholarships are still available with deadlines throughout the year. Be sure to check out West Salem High School Website under Senior Info or Click Here.

Fees, fines, and lost books should be cleared by the bookkeeper by 3:00 p.m. by June 7, 2023.

Chromebooks need to be returned to the Library by Friday May 26th, unless still in use.

All library books, textbooks need to be returned to the Library by Wednesday, May 24th, unless still in use.

Students will be billed for books not returned to the library.

Students still owing materials to the school will not be able to walk during graduation.

Capital Community Media will televise or stream all Salem-Keizer high school graduation ceremonies live on Comcast or their YouTube page. DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital downloads will be available for purchase following the ceremony. While specific viewing information is not yet available, information will be released at www.capitalcommunitymedia.org as plans are finalized over the next few weeks.

Live stream on channel 22 or 322HD, comcast only

In accordance with District Administrative policy INS-A012, Section 7 (see below), seniors who have outstanding fees, fines, or damaged/lost property may result in the loss of privileges of attending the Prom, Senior Banquet and walking at Graduation. Look for fines and fees letters to arrive in early May. Please contact the bookkeeper if you have questions or concerns. A payment plan must be in place before a student who owes fees is allowed to participate in the above activities. Bookkeeper hours are 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

INS-A012, Section 7

• 7.0 The District shall pursue the collection of debts to the full extent allowed by Oregon State statute. Nonpayment of fees, fines, and/or restitution for damaged/lost property may result in:
• 7.1. Loss of privileges related to the student’s participation and/or attendance at school events and/or non-academic activities including but not limited to ceremonies and/ or activities related to graduation, athletic events, and school-sponsored dances or parties (including prom).
• 7.2. The District may take legal action, including referral of an outstanding amount to collections or by filing a civil complaint in Circuit Court after giving the notice required in ORS 339.270.