Dear Senior Parent:

Your student has entered the final stretch of his/her senior year. There are many events and activities that remain in the few short months of high school. We encourage all our seniors to take advantage of all the opportunities that await them.

The culmination of your student’s high school career will be Commencement on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta.  Important information is listed below along with an enclosed handout. Other enclosures are the following forms: Graduation Contract and PVI video order form. This same information will be distributed during a class meeting. You may also find the information online at http://www.popehigh.com and in Hound Highlights.

Ceremony

Commencement is a dignified, solemn, and optional ceremony for graduating seniors and their families and guests.  The graduation ceremony will be held at Roswell Street Baptist Church.  This air-conditioned facility may become warm as doors are opened and guests fill-in.

Admission is by ticket only.  Doors will open at 6:00 pm and the ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm. The actual ceremony should be completed in approximately 70 to 80 minutes after the processional begins. The cooperation of all who attend the Graduation Ceremony is appreciated and will help assist in making it the dignified event that it is meant to be.

In appreciation of the contribution of the parents and families to the graduates and to Pope High School, we request that families of the graduate stand when the graduate’s name is called and as he/she receives the diploma.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, parents are asked to remain in the seats and not step into the aisles until the last graduate has recessed.  It is highly recommended that you pre-

arrange a meeting place outside the facility for family gatherings.  Since this ceremony is an official function of Pope High School, all Cobb County School District and Pope High School policies, rules, and regulations are in effect.  

Photographs

 Because of the space requirements imposed by the size of the graduating class and the faculty and in order to retain the dignity inherent within the ceremony, guests must remain in their seats throughout the graduation ceremony.  Also, bulky camera equipment, tripods, or lighting equipment cannot be set up inside Roswell Street Baptist Church.  For these reasons, Pope High School has arranged for Prestige Portraits/Actions International to take an individual photograph of your graduate as he/she receives their diploma.  Data Cards were given to seniors on  prior to the event..  Students were asked to return the cards to PPO or to their homeroom teachers.  Extra Data Cards are available in PPO and in the main office.  The phone number for Prestige Portraits is 770) 696-2588. or you can e-mail Jennifer@asiphoto.com

Caps and Gowns

The caps and gowns worn by the seniors link them to centuries of scholarly, dignified achievement.  Herff Jones --- (770) 795-1626 regarding announcements and cap and gown orders www.herffatlanta.com (preferable contact for late orders)

Senior Dress

Caps and gowns must be worn by graduating seniors.  Each student should have a dark-blue gown, dark-blue cap, blue and white tassel and white drape.  Once the student receives this regalia, the gown should be put on a clothes hanger so wrinkles will fall out.  Please do not hem the graduation gown.  Women should wear a solid colored dress and dark shoes with the gown.  The dress may not hang below the gown.  Men should wear a white shirt, dark tie, solid slacks, dark shoes and dark socks.  Only those in proper attire will be allowed in the processional.  Flowers and large pieces of jewelry are not appropriate with graduation gowns.  Altering the appearance of the cap and gown with writing/decorations will result in the student’s removal from the line-up. Shoes must be worn if your student wishes to walk in the ceremony.

Senior Line-up

Graduating seniors should be at Roswell Street Baptist Church by 5:45 pm and in line by 6:30 pm.  The guidelines in the signed Graduation Contract will be enforced.  All personal items such as cameras, purses, additional clothing, or hangers should be left in the car.  There is no room to store such items at the graduation site and Pope High School will not be responsible for any lost items.

Traffic and Parking Information

Roswell Street Baptist Church is located at 774 Roswell Street SE, Marietta, GA   Parking is limited and will be available onsite and on adjacent property owned by the church.  Please DO NOT park in the surrounding business lots.  Shuttle buses will also be available with sites still to be determined.

Handicapped Access

Handicapped parking will be provided at Roswell Street Baptist Church.  At approximately 5:40, doors will open for guests with disabilities and for guests who require seating assistance.  The handicapped individual and one additional family member will be admitted at this door.  Each of these people must have a ticket to be admitted.  It will not be possible for those who enter early to save a seat for additional family members.

In closing, please, follow your student’s academic progress through the end of the semester to ensure that he/she finishes the year strong and does not build any obstacles that might prevent graduation.

Sincerely,

Jean Mason, Assistant Administrator             Loretta Clune, Assistant Principal