Independent School District #535

John Marshall High School

Independent School District #535

1510 Northwest 14th Street

Rochester, Minnesota 55901-0244

Telephone (507) 328-5400 • FAX (507) 328-5295

May 8, 2017

Dear Class of 2017 Parents/Guardians,

This is the last year of your student’s high school educational experience in the Rochester Public Schools. The academic year will culminate with our seniors receiving a diploma during commencement exercises at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena on Saturday June 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. This letter is intended to provide you with important information to help your student reach this significant goal.

CONTACTS:

Tim Limberg-Principal 328-5402

Steve Akin-Assistant Principal 328-5416

Tricia Fierst-Counselor328-5342

Amy Carstensen-Counselor328-5344

Cindy Cox-Counselor 328-5343

Mary Sorensen-Counselor 328-5346

GRADUATION CEREMONY: The graduation ceremony will be held at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. All seniors must be in their caps and gowns at the Mayo Civic Center/Riverview Suites by 2:15 p.m.There is not a “special” or reserved section for parents; seating is first come, first served. There will be handicapped seating set aside for those in need.

GRADUATION CEREMONY EXPECTATIONS: We consider this a dignified event for our senior class. All students are expected to dress appropriately. This means dress shoes, dress pants, shirts, etc. Only John Marshall High School issued cords and medallions will be worn outside the gown. While we are unique individuals, this is a ceremony where we want to stand as one united group, the Class of 2017. It is important that all families model respectful behavior during the graduation ceremony. No strollers, balloons, noise makers, signs, or bouquets will be allowed in the arena.

PRACTICE FOR GRADUATION CEREMONY: A mandatory practice for the graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mayo Civic Center/Taylor Arena. Seniors are required to take the shuttle bus from John Marshall High School to Mayo Civic Center for practice.Students must meet at John Marshall by 10:00 a.m.in the Auditoriumwhere they will be given seating information and other important information before loading the shuttles to the Civic center.

DIPLOMA PICK-UP: Students will receive a diploma jacket at the commencement ceremony. Students will pick up their signed diploma inside the Mayo Civic Center/Riverview Suites immediately after the ceremony.

DIPLOMA NAME/CORRECTIONS: All seniors were asked to check the spelling of their names on a posting in the main office at the end of first semester. This determines how names will be printed on their diplomas. This list was sent to Jostens.

CAPS/GOWNS/PICK UP: Caps and gowns were ordered in December. If your student still needs to order his/her cap and gown, please contact Jostens directly at 507-282-5373. Jostens will be here April 19th in the Rocket Center during all three lunches for students to pick up their cap and gown. If there is an outstanding balance, this balance will need to be paid before your student will receive their cap and gown. If you have questions about an outstanding balance, please contact Jostens directly at 507-282-5373.

SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: Senior Awards Night will be held on Thursday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Ilstrup Auditorium. Seniors will be recognized for academic achievements and scholarships they have received. There is an opportunity in the senior survey to submit this information, or details of the honor or scholarship can be forwarded to Bethany Wood in the Student Support Center ().

HONOR MEDALLIONS: Certain students will be wearing honor medallions at the graduation ceremony. These medallions will be given to students who have met one or more of the following criteria: Honor Society Member, Honors Diploma, 4.0 Grade Point Average, Military. Medallions and cords will be given out at the graduation rehearsal.

SENIOR CLASS PARTY: The Class of 2017 graduation party will begin at 8:30 p.m. on June 10 at John Marshall High School and is for members of the Class of 2017 only. Seniors must arrive no later than 9:30 p.m. for admittance and must also show a photo ID. Seniors must pre-register for this event and forms are available in the JM main office or online at: The JM Senior Party Committee sponsors this event. Seniors who are unable or choose not to participate in commencement are welcome to attend the senior class party.

ANNUAL SENIOR SURVEY: Seniors were sent a senior survey to their school email for them to complete. This is a required district activity asking questions about the students’ future plans and reflecting on their high school experience. Portions of data from this survey are used in next year’s high school profile. Please remind your student to complete the survey—it can also be found when you login to Skyward and click on the link provided, or go directly to goo.gl/forms/HXRDfkGcMD7BcCA52 to complete it.

FINAL TRANSCRIPTS: Go to and place your order. Current students may order their final transcript from Parchment at the current student rate of $5.03. As of August 1, students will be considered alumni of John Marshall High School and the alumni transcript fee will be $8.78. When ordering your Parchment transcript, under “transcript type” select to send it after the “next grading period.”

High School graduation and the events that surround it are important for students, their families, and friends. We do hope that every member of this class celebrates these happy, memorable occasions in a responsible way.

Sincerely,

Timothy Limberg

Principal John Marshall High School