Tahquitz High School

4425 Titan Trail Hemet, CA 92545 - Phone (951) 765-6300 - Fax (951) 765-6344
Principal - Mr. Eric Dahlstrom

January 10, 2019

Greetings Tahquitz Seniors,

Congratulations - you are in your last semester at Tahquitz! This letter and calendar is intended to help
clarify and inform THS seniors about events and how to plan for graduation. It is very important to
carefully and completely read through with your parents. We will adhere strictly to all procedures and
information.​ There will be no exceptions!

Graduation Requirements​:

First and foremost, understand that now is the time to deal with units/grades and clearing debts owed to the
school. ​No senior will be allowed to participate in graduation unless they have the ​220​ units required
for graduation and have cleared all debts owed to the district​/​school/ASB.​ In addition, good behavior
throughout the remainder of the year is expected of alo seniors. Remember that you are ​still​ a student of
THS until you ​officially​ graduate, all rules and regulations apply and will be enforced. ​Students who violate
school rules run the risk of not being allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Staff, counselors, and administration are available to help you finish this journey successfully. Please
remember that waiting until the last moment will jeopardize your ability to graduate and participate in this
most momentous rite of passage into adulthood.

Senior Contract

The HUSD Governing Board requires that all seniors turn in a signed Senior Contract no later than ​Friday,
January 18, 2019 ​to Mrs. Jones in the Student Activities’ Office. Each senior and their parent/guardian are
required to sign the contract. Failure to do so will result in the senior being placed on the “No Go” list for
senior activities and will not be allowed to participate in commencement. ​Any senior who turns in a signed
Senior Contract to Mrs. Jones by 3pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 will receive a free graduation
ticket.
Graduation Day

THS Graduation​ ​is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. This is a formal and important
event; students should dress in “Business Casual” attire.​ Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Do not bring anything to the event that would be a distraction or would block the view of others as it may be
removed from your possession by security. Security will be performing bag checks this year and no outside
food or beverages or noise makers will be allowed.

We will be using a ticket system for families and friends of the graduates. ​Each graduate will receive two
(2) free graduation tickets and can earn up to an additional five (5) free tickets (bleacher seats) by
doing the following…

1. Purchase the TSB card

2. Attend and SIGN IN at the Grad Fair on October 17, 2018
3. Fill out the Google Form for your graduation gown size by 3:00 pm, October 18, 2018
4. Turn in your Senior Contract by January 11, 2019
5. Complete the FAFSA by the March 2nd deadline and turn in a copy of the confirmation page
to ASB no later than March 5, 2019

Seniors will be able to purchase five (5) additional bleacher tickets beginning at 7:30 am on April
22nd to May 5, 2019. Therefore, every Senior has the opportunity to obtain 12 tickets total​. Tickets
can be purchased in person in ASB or online at ​www.tahquitzhs.org​ by clicking on the Student Webstore
link. Any remaining tickets may be purchased May 6th to 22nd, 2019, while they last. Tickets will be
distributed to graduates during Senior Check-out.

General Guidelines:

The following procedures and rules have been established to afford participating seniors, parents, family and
friends the respect and attention they each deserve. Remember that participation in the ceremony of
graduation is a privilege.​ The school reserves the right to take necessary steps to make sure this is an
appropriate activity in keeping with the Education Code and Governing Board policy.

1. The ​altering​ of graduation attire is ​NOT​ allowed. No exceptions.

2. All school rules will be enforced at all activities. Any senior involved in any ​disruptive celebration
activities​ at Tahquitz High School will ​not be allowed​ to walk for graduation or ​participate​ in any senior
activity. (This may include prom and commencement ceremony.)

3. If a senior cannot attend a mandatory graduation practice or the graduation ceremony, a ​written
request from the parent must be submitted to Mrs. Jones​ no later than Thursday, May 16, 2019.
Notification of approval or disapproval will be made in writing by Friday, May 17, 2019. Students with
unexcused absences for any mandatory graduation practice​ ​will not be allowed to participate in
graduation ceremony​.

4. Only seniors meeting the ​minimum academic and citizenship qualifications​ of the HUSD and the
State Department of Education for graduation will be permitted to participate in the ​senior awards program
and commencement​. If you have any concerns about meeting the requirements, please to speak to your
counselor.
5. ​Seniors must clear all outstanding charges/debts​ for lost textbooks, library items, athletic equipment
not returned, or money owed to ASB, clubs or school organizations. ​Graduation attire will not be issued
until all charges are paid in full​. ASB does not accept checks. Cash and Credit Card only!! Fines and
charges must be paid no later than Thursday, May 16, 2019.

6. If college credit is needed for high school graduation, a college transcript or “work in progress” form in a
college sealed envelope must be given to your counselor. ​You may participate in the cap and gown
ceremony once you have submitted this form, but your diploma will not be awarded until official
notification of completion is received from the college.​ Students using college credit for graduation are
responsible for requesting transcripts be sent by the records office of their college to Tahquitz High School.

7. Thursday, May 23rd will be the last regular class day for seniors. Senior Check out begins at 8:00 am
on May 24th - enter through the MPR from the parking lot​. May 28th graduation apparel is handed out
between 8:00 to 9:00 am in the gym foyer; Senior Walk begins at 9:00 am.

Graduation practice will be held on May 29 & 30th - report to the gym by 8:00 am.

8. All the days from May 23 to May 30, 2019 are mandatory school days for Seniors. Failure to
attend any and all mandatory days/events will result in you not being able to participate in the
commencement ceremony on May 30th. No refunds will be issued for any graduation tickets or
graduation attire because you fail to walk at commencement.

Graduation Escort

It is a Tahquitz tradition that you are given the opportunity to have one of your favorite teachers escort and
sit with you during the graduation ceremony. This must be a teacher or staff member that has made an
impact on your life. This cannot be a family member or friend. Ask and confirm that they are willing and
available on May 30th. You must pick up and turn in an Escort form in ASB, which is due to Mrs Jones no
later than 3:00 pm on April 22, 2019 in the ASB office.
 IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS
*Please remember dates & times ARE subject to change
Please be sure to continuously check your school email and the ASB Weebly Page for updated
information and announcements.
January 10 Final Senior Meeting - Theater 2nd Period
Last Chance Senior Yearbook photo in MPR - Report to MPR at your
January 11 scheduled time.
January 11 Scholarship Portfolio Due by 3:00 pm to Mrs. Chavez in Room 234
January 11 Senior Contracts due or exclusion begins
January 18 Final Senior Grad status letters mailed
Januray 19 Saturday School 7:45 am to 12:00 pm
January 24 Winter Rally
January 25 MORP tickets go on sale
February 2 Saturday School 7:45 am to 12:00 pm
February 8 Senior Slam n Jam 5th & 6th (Gym)
February 9 ACT Exam (National testing date - register online at actstudent.org)
February 13 College Fair at Lunch
February 15 Last day to pre-order Yearbooks
February 15 MORP 7:00-10:00 pm (Aux Gym)
February 15 End of 4th Triad
February 18 - 22 Presidents Week Recess - no school
February 27 Cash for College Workshop 6:00 - 8:00 pm
March 2 FAFSA financial aid application deadline
March 4 Prom Permission Forms available
FAFSA Confirmation due in ASB by 3:15 pm for one free graduation
March 5 ticket
March 7 Prom Expo - Lunch
March 8 Prom Tickets go on sale after school - 1 day special pricing
March 9 SAT Exam (National Testing date - register online at collegeboard.org)
March 11 Prom ticket prices increase
March 15 Senior Strike It 5th and 6th (Gym)
March 16 Saturday School 7:45 am to 12:00 pm
March 21 Blood Drive
March 22 Prom Court applications available in ASB
March 29 Prom Court applications due 3 pm
April 1 - 5 Spring Recess - no school
April 8 Prom Ticket prices increase
April 8 Prom Court nominee meeting at lunch - mandatory
Prom Court nominee online voting (begins 9th @ 1pm / ends 11th @
April 9 to 11 midnight)
April 12 Prom Court - sashed 5th & 6th
April 12 Prom Guest Applications due by end of Lunch
April 12 End of 5th Triad
April 13 ACT Exam (National testing date - register online at actstudent.org)
April 15 Spring Rally - assembly schedule
April 16 Prom Court Q&A at lunch
Prom King & Queen online voting (begins on 16th @ 1pm / ends 19th
April 16 - 19 @ midnight)
April 20 Saturday School 7:45 am to 12:00 pm
April 20 PROM 7:00 - 11:00 PM
April 22 Graduation Tickets go on sale - Limit 5 per Senior until May 6
May 3 College and Military Signing Day
May 4 SAT Exam (National Testing date - register online at collegeboard.org)
May 6 All remaining Graduation Tickets go on sale at 7:15 am
May 6 Last day to start a night school contract
May 6 -20 AP testing
May 16 Last day to complete a night school contract
May 17 Minimum Day
May 17 Senior Luau & Sunset 5:30 to 8:30 pm (Pool)
May 20 Senior Check Out Forms Available in the Library
May 20 Graduation Seating Chart begins in ASB
May 21 - 22 Senior Finals
May 22 Last day to complete Edgenuity contract
May 22 Senior Awards Night 7 pm (Theater)
May 22 Last Day to purchase Graduation Tickets 3:15 pm
May 23 Senior grades due
May 23 Grad Bash - Universal Studios Bus leaves at 2:45 pm
May 24 Senior Checkout starting at 8 am (MPR)
May 28 Cap and Gown Distribution 8 am
May 28 Senior Walks
May 29 Graduation Rehearsal 8 am to 12 pm - Mandatory
May 30 Graduation Rehearsal 8 am to 12 pm - Mandatory
May 30 Commencement Ceremony 7:00 pm (Seniors meet in gym at 5:30 pm)
May 31 Gown & Stole return / Diploma dispersal 8:00 am
June 1 SAT Exam (National Testing date - register online at collegeboard.org)
 Tahquitz High School Senior Contract
Class of 2019
I, _________________________________________________, recognize that participation in the Commencement ceremony
is a privilege and is not mandatory to receive a diploma from Tahquitz High School I fully understand that my failure to
completely abide by the state/district/school guidelines could place me on the NO-GO list and/or may terminate my
participation in senior activities and the graduation ceremony.

I recognize that any granted privilege or activity may be withheld if the following guidelines are not met:

A. I will fulfill all requirements for a diploma or certificate of completion (see BP 6146.1). Satisfactory progress in all
courses must be maintained to participate in senior activities. "F" grades on progress reports and semester grade
reports during 2​nd​ semester will result in my name being placed on the "NO-GO" list for all school-sponsored events
including senior activities and will remain there until proof of a current passing grade is furnished to administration
and ASB. Separately, and with specific attention to the graduation commencement ceremony, I understand that I
may not be allowed to participate and/or receive a diploma or certificate of completion until all HUSD graduation
requirements are met.

B. I will attend school on a regular basis, BE ON TIME and will be absent less than 6 days during 2​nd​ semester of Senior
year. Truancies will affect my grade and place me at risk of not graduating. Confirmed truancies will result in being
placed on the "NO-GO" list.
a. Six or more tardies must be cleared by administration before purchasing an event ticket.
b. Seniors can clear tardies through completion of A-G or by community service (see administration for details).

C. I will return or make payment for all outstanding fees to include library books, textbooks, equipment and athletic
uniforms/equipment, etc. no later than Senior Checkout, on Friday May 24, 2019.

D. I have read and will abide by all school policies, rules and regulations as stated in Tahquitz High School Student
Handbook (​www.tahquitzhs.org​) during the school day, at ALL SENIOR ACTIVITIES both on and off campus, and at
any school sponsored event to include MORP, Prom, and all extra curricular activities. Failure to follow the
guidelines, which includes all suspension offenses (cheating, drugs, alcohol, fighting, defiances, etc.) will be grounds
for me not to participate in the end of the year Senior Activities up to and including graduation.

E. I will not consume any form of an alcoholic beverage, legal substance not prescribed to me (if a legal substance is
prescribed to me it must be on file in the Health Office), or illegal substance prior to, or during graduation or at any
other senior class function to include Prom, Senior Activities, Grad Night or any school activity.

F. I will clear all outstanding discipline (detention, Saturday Schools), attendance issues, and financial debts in order to
participate in ​ANY​ senior activities, MORP, Senior Prom, and the commencement ceremony.

G. I understand senior pranks will not be tolerated and if I participate in a senior prank, I jeopardize the privilege of
participating in the senior activities, including the graduation commencement ceremony.

H. I will attend all commencement practices. I agree to report to all practices ON TIME and give my full attention and
cooperation. If I do not attend commencement practice without prior approval by an Administrator , I will not be
allowed to participate in the graduation commencement ceremony.

I. I agree to wear the cap and gown selected by the district with no alterations or deviations and if found to be altered I
will be immediately removed from graduation. I agree to wear appropriate and suitable attire during the graduation
ceremony. (Please see HUSD dress code.) I agree not to call personal attention to myself, not to behave in any
manner that may disrupt the graduation ceremony, or cause embarrassment to the school, class, myself, my family or
guests.

I agree to abide by the terms of this Senior Contract for the duration of my senior year, specifically as it relates to any and all
senior activities, including commencement. Should I fail to strictly follow the above guidelines, I am aware that I may be
excluded from the graduation ceremony and/or senior activities. If I return this contract to ASB by January 11, 2019, I will
receive a free graduation ticket. I understand that failure to return this contract still binds me by it’s content. Failure to return
this signed contract will result in student not being able to participate in any school related activities including commencement.

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature ID# Date

I have discussed the graduation program with my child and agree that all of the above guidelines will be followed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
 Graduating Class of 2019
Student Graduation Attire Information

Hemet Unified School District is excited for you to participate in the

upcoming graduation ceremony in May. All participants in commencement
are required to wear school and district approved regalia, which includes a
cap, gown, tassel, and stole.

HUSD is providing every student with a loaner of these items. The cap and
tassel are yours to keep. The gown and stole MUST be returned on May 31st
to the gym at 8:00 am to receive your diploma.

As a reminder, there is no altering of graduation attire. No Exceptions.

I understand that Hemet Unified School District is providing a loaner

graduation gown and stole for the commencement ceremony. I am
responsible for returning items in the same condition as I received them.

Student Name: _________________________________ID#:____________

Student Signature:______________________________________________

Parent Name:__________________________________________________

Parent Signature:_______________________________________________