Dear Class of 2019 and Parents:

Second semester of a student's senior year is filled with much excitement! Soon, graduation day will be upon us. This thought may bring great anticipation and joy, along with some feelings of sadness too, as students begin to realize they will miss classmates and parents witness their child complete a chapter of his or her life.

No matter what emotion it brings, this is a time to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our young graduates. Commencement means a new beginning or fresh start. We wish to make the start of this new journey an extra special occasion for your family!

In order for this day to run smoothly, everyone must do their part. We recommend both parents and graduating seniors read through this information carefully.

Class of 2019 Commencement Rehearsal: Graduates - Be On Time!

Friday, May 24, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ~ Kellogg Field

Rehearsal is mandatory! If you are not present at rehearsal, your name will not be read on graduation day.

Please be prompt since we cannot begin until everyone has arrived. The sooner we begin, the sooner you will be finished.
We recommend preparing for heat: sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, bottled water.

Class of 2019 Commencement Ceremony: Graduates - Be On Time!

Saturday, May 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ~ Kellogg Field
Light reception in the Quad following the ceremony.

By 9:30 a.m., graduates are to be lined up behind the bleachers. DO NOT BE LATE!
Arrive dressed in pressed gown, cap with tassel, and any chords or pins you receive at the Awards Assembly on Friday, May 17.

Attire Guidelines Will Be Upheld

Every part of the TKA dress code is still in effect for both rehearsal and graduation and will be strictly enforced. This includes no nose piercings for girls or ear piercings for boys. We do not want to send anyone home, resulting in not being allowed to walk at graduation.

Attire guidelines are still in effect for graduates' under-robe attire. If it is something a student would wear to a nice event or a wedding, then it is probably acceptable for graduation.

Graduation caps may not be decorated. Please iron your graduation robe!

Processional: Students may not carry anything in their hands during the processional; purses, cameras, etc., should be given to parents before the processional. Students may have sunglasses tucked underneath their robe to wear during the ceremony, but sunglasses may not be worn during the processional and when on stage.

Male Graduates

Nice dress shoes must be worn (no open-toed shoes, flip flops, sneakers, or canvas shoes).
Shirts must have a collar.
Nice slacks or dress pants must be worn (no jeans or shorts).
A tie is recommended but not required.

Female Graduates

Nice dress shoes must be worn (no flip flops or sneakers). Very high heels are not recommended since students will be walking on the turf field and up stairs to the stage in order to receive their certificate.
Tops must have a modest neckline (no cleavage showing).
Dresses, a modest skirt, or dress pants are appropriate.
Dresses and skirts may be no shorter than 6" above the knee, measured from a kneeling position, and no slits 6" above the knee. Dresses may not have cut-outs.
Strapless, spaghetti strap, or tank top dresses must be worn with a lightweight jacket or sweater at all times.

Details for Parents

Seating

There are no required tickets for graduation, and there is no limit to the number of guests you may invite. Seating will be in chairs on the field and in the stadium bleachers.
Seating will be open one hour before the start of the ceremony (9:00 a.m.) and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend preparing for heat: sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, bottled water. Umbrellas are not permitted as they obstruct the view of other guests.

Guests With Special Needs

Two canopy sections will be available on the field for guests with special needs and the elderly who need to be seated out of the sun. One additional family member is welcome to sit with them. These are also on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests in wheelchairs, or guests with difficulty walking, can be dropped off near the Athletic Office at the front of the school. Ramps will be in place to provide easy access to the field.
Handicapped parking will be available in the front parking lot near the Athletic Office.

Lunch Reservations or Party Start Times

So that you are not rushed on graduation day, we recommend no earlier than 1:00 p.m. for lunch reservations or party start times.

Cap and Gown Distribution/Graduation Announcements

Caps and gowns will be delivered on Thursday, May 2, at lunchtime in front of the W Building. If you did not pre-order a cap and gown, there will be extras in a variety of sizes available for purchase that day so bring $50, cash or check

Video of Ceremony, Orchid Leis, Photos:

Video: Order online here. For your convenience, TKA hires an outside contractor to professionally videotape the entire ceremony. High Def Download $35; DVD-$45; BluRay-$55 plus $5 mailing charge for DVD/BluRay (no fee if pick up at TKA). The video will be ready June 15^th. There is no live-streaming of the event.
Orchid Leis for Graduates: Order online here. Leis are $20 and will be available for pickup in the Athletic Quad starting one hour before the graduation ceremony. Proceeds benefit TKA's Cross Country Team.
Photos: Now & Forever Studios will take a photo of each student shaking hands with Head of School Meadows when receiving his or her diploma. Beginning Thursday, June 6, you may review the pictures and order prints online, and your order will be shipped to your home. Instructions on how to view and order photos here.

Our staff members appreciate parents' efforts to make sure your student adheres to these guidelines. We are excited about this milestone event in your student's life and look forward to celebrating with you. Please contact me with any questions you might have.

Kriss Hayward, Director of Marketing & Communications

kriss.hayward@tka.org (408) 481-9900 x4235