EMAIL DETAILS

Dear Parents,
Thsi information does not seem to be readily available elsewhere so I am
reforwarding this email. A few parents have asked me for this info.

* From: *parkers@sidwell.edu

*Date: *April 3, 2012 11:33:39 AM EDT
*To: *parkers@sidwell.edu
*Cc: *palmerl@sidwell.edu, woodsm@sidwell.edu
*Subject: **Graduation*

April 3rd, 2012****
** **
** **
Dear Parents and Members of the Class of 2012:****
** **
****Sidwell** **Friends** **School**** has a long tradition of marking
commencement in a simple, meaningful ceremony on the lawn behind Zartman
House. This year’s graduation, our 124th, will be no exception. The
ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday June 12th at 10:30am.****
** **
This is the first of several letters you will receive from me regarding
graduation as the spring progresses and I hope this communication will
answer your questions about how the process works. First, the ceremony is
a formal, family affair. Boys are asked to wear a suit or coat and tie and
girls should dress tastefully and appropriately.****
** **
Second, in April, seniors will receive their graduation stationery which
will include seven invitations and twenty announcements. Keep in mind that
stationary for those seniors who have not yet completed their community
service requirements will be kept until the proper forms have been turned
in. Each member of the class may invite as many guests as they want to the
outdoor ceremony. Please be mindful that there are a limited number of
seats but standing space is unlimited. If we experience inclement weather,
the exercises will be moved to the new Athletic Center. Due to limited
seating, only *four* guests per graduate can be accommodated in the
Athletic Center; other guests will be seated in overflow seating areas yet
to be determined. ****
** **
Third, the school will have professional videographers taping the ceremony,
as well as professional photographers taking individual shots of the
graduates as they process to their seats and again when they receive their
diplomas. Due to the intimate setting, no other videotaping will be
permitted. DVDs and photos will both be available for purchase. In the
coming months, you will receive two separate order forms – one to purchase
a DVD of the commencement ceremonies, and another to order group photos.
The group and individual photos will eventually be available for purchase
online.****
** **
There are also a number of events planned prior to graduation. On Sunday,
June 3rd there will be Meeting for Worship at 4:00pm for seniors, parents,
and faculty in the new Robert L. Smith Meeting House. Graduation
rehearsals will be held on Wednesday June 6th from 10:00am-12:30pm and the
following Monday June 11th from 3:00-4:00pm. Seniors should plan to meet
in the garden behind Zartman House each day of practice. Yearbook
distribution and the Alumni Senior Lunch will immediately follow
Wednesday’s first graduation practice in the Upper School cafeteria. Due
to the importance of these practices, attendance at both rehearsals is
mandatory. Be certain that you do not schedule any appointments that would
conflict with these rehearsals.****
** **
On the morning of graduation seniors must arrive on campus prior to 8:00am.
Prior to the ceremony, The Class of 2012 will have its final Meeting for
Worship as Sidwell Friends students and will sit for its official class
photograph. In order to allow for maximum guest parking, we prefer that
students be dropped off, rather than driving themselves. This will save
spaces in the parking garage for your friends and family in attendance. ***
*
** **
Next month, I will send an updated schedule of events connected to the end
of the year celebrations. If you have any questions along the way, please
feel free to contact me via phone or e-mail. Thank you.****
** **
Sincerely,****
** **
Susannah Parker****
Graduation Coordinator****
ParkerS@sidwell.edu ; 202-537-8160***