05/26/2024
Check your email for GRADUATION INFO…
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal- Thursday, May 30th, 2024, 5:00pm- 6:00pm Attending rehearsal is a requirement to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. All graduating seniors must arrive in the Old Gym and be ready to begin by 5:00pm. The doors will open at 4:30pm for students to start lining up and will close promptly at 5:00pm. No student will be allowed to enter after 5:00pm. Students who do not attend the rehearsal will not be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
Senior Dinner & Slideshow- Thursday, May 30th, 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:00pm
The Senior Dinner is sponsored by PTSA and will begin immediately following the Graduation Rehearsal. Dinner is free for all graduating seniors. This event will take place in the Commons and will also include a viewing of the Senior Slideshow.
The following frequently asked questions will help you in preparing for the event:
What should students wear to Graduation? What regalia is allowed?
Recommended student attire is semi-formal. All attire should be school appropriate. Students should avoid spike heels as they will sink into the grass. Students will be asked to enter the Old Gym with their gown in one hand and their cap in the other so that we can confirm that there are no dress code violations, inappropriately decorated caps, or inappropriate items brought in. Graduates are required to wear their Herff Jones royal blue or yellow cap and gown. Students may only wear stoles, cords, or pins that are provided by Newark Memorial or Newark Memorial sponsored clubs. Clubs must have pre-approval for stoles or cords; if you are unsure they are allowed, please ask. Leis are allowed; however, it is required that the student’s entire face be visible during the ceremony. Any unapproved stoles, cords, or extra leis may be given to students to wear after the ceremony.
Can a senior decorate their cap?
Yes. All requests for cap decoration were submitted on May 17th and were pre-approved. Caps that were not submitted will not be allowed to be worn.
When should students arrive at the Old Gym on Graduation day, May 31st?
All students must be in the Old Gym no later than 4pm. Doors to the old gym will open at 3:30pm. Doors will close at 4pm and students will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony if they are late.
ALL seniors will be searched as they enter the gym for any distracting items that may detract from NMHS’ dignified ceremony, and any inappropriate items will be confiscated. Inappropriate items include but are not limited to beach balls, inflatable items, air horns, and other noise makers. Cell phones and sunglasses are okay. Students must have their cap and gown with them, but not on. Do not be late. Students will not be allowed in late and therefore will miss the ceremony if they are late.
What time do the stadium gates open?
Gates to the stadium will open at approximately 3:30pm. The main entrance to the stadium will be on Cherry. ONLY handicap and VIP may enter from the gate in the Event Center parking lot.
Where should we park?
General parking is available only at Ohlone College. The Event Center solar panel parking lot is open for graduate, staff, handicapped and VIP parking ONLY. Please enter at the gate closest to the Starbucks shopping center. The main gate will be closed. Parking is by PARKING PERMIT ONLY. There are NO in and out privileges with the Event Center Parking; those that park in the Event Center must remain parked until the conclusion of the ceremony. Seniors without parking passes, must show their caps and gowns to the gate attendant in order to gain access. Please see the attached map for additional parking information.
Handicapped & VIP Parking is located on the blacktop near the entrance to the stadium. Please enter at the gate closest to the Starbucks shopping center and drive toward the tennis courts and behind the Event Center. This area is reserved ONLY for vehicles displaying appropriate CA DMV handicapped placards or with NMHS issued VIP Passes.
When does the parking lot open?
Parking lots open at 3:30pm. The Event Center parking lot will also open at 3:30pm, but again is available only for graduates, handicap, and VIP parking.
What do I do if I have a student to drop off? Is there a drop off location?
The ONLY drop off location is in front of the Administration Office located on Cedar Boulevard. See the attached map for more specifics. This area is for drop offs ONLY.
Is to***co use or ma*****na allowed at the stadium or on campus?
No, per California law, the use of to***co on any campus or possession/use of ma*****na on or within 1,000 feet of a public school is a crime.
Is there a fee or are tickets required to enter?
Neither fees nor tickets are required to attend graduation. Both sides of the bleachers will be open for seating.
Is there an area for handicapped who cannot climb the bleachers?
Yes, Handicapped/VIP seating will be on the track. No reservation is required for this. Each person who needs assistance may be escorted by only one attendant with them.
Is there a limit to the number of guests or family members a student may invite?
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. While there is no limit, NO seats may be blocked off for people who have not yet arrived. Arrive together if you wish to sit together as a group!
When does the Ceremony begin?
The Graduation Ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. sharp.
How long is the Graduation Ceremony?
The ceremony will last approximately one hour and a half. 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
In what order will diplomas be distributed?
Graduate names shall be read in the following order: Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Top 10, and student speakers. The remaining names shall be read in alphabetical order.
When is the public allowed on the field?
Immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony, celebratory music will be played. During this time, family members and guests are encouraged to enter the field to find their graduates. This is at approximately 6:30pm. NO ONE WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE FIELD UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE CEREMONY.
Any inappropriate items that are brought to the graduation will be confiscated. (beach balls, air horns, etc.) Likewise, if students have decorated their caps in a manner deemed inappropriate for our dignified Graduation, they will not be allowed to wear it.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
There ceremony will occur whether rain or shine. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are advisable.
Can family and guests bring balloons?
We encourage people to NOT bring balloon bouquets as they will likely block the view of others who are seated in the stands. People who still choose to bring them will be asked by the field manager to tie them to the back and side rails of the bleachers or along the field’s fenceline until the end of the ceremony. Please be considerate of others seated around your party.
What is not allowed at graduation?
Any illegal substances, noise makers, air horns, to***co, ma*****na, v**e pens, alcohol, etc.
For any additional questions or clarification, please email: [email protected]
We look forward to celebrating your graduate on Friday, May 31st!
