Senior Information 2008

The information on this page is quite important and will answer many of your questions concerning graduation activities. If you have any questions or special circumstances, please contact us by phone at (847) 755-1630.

 CALENDAR FOR CLASS OF 2008 – MAY & JUNE

1.   All graduates will receive four tickets for graduation.  The tickets will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28, during cap and gown distribution.  No extra tickets will be distributed.   Extra seating for the commencement ceremony will be available in the auditorium and the cafeteria.  Guests will be able to view the ceremony via video enhancement.  The auditorium and the cafeteria are air-conditioned and are ideal locations for families with small children and elderly guests.  No ticket is needed to sit in the auditorium or the cafeteria.  The best way to get extra tickets is to request them from a graduate not needing the original four.  If you need special seating arrangements (handicap/elderly), you will need to exchange a regular ticket for a special seating ticket, with a limit of two. 

2.   Caps and gowns will be distributed in the east gym on Wednesday, May 28.  All obligations to the school must be cleared before we issue the cap and gown and diploma.  This includes library fees, detentions, athletic wear and summer school signup for July/August graduates. Your student will be told if fees are due.  If you have not ordered your cap and gown, please contact Jostens immediately at (847) 818-8419.

3.   May 29 is the last full day of classes for seniors.  Also, on May 29, the senior class will be hosting a senior picnic during periods 5 through 8.  The cost of the senior picnic will be $7.00.  Students are invited to participate in the picnic or attend class.

4.   Commencement practice will begin at 8:00 AM on Friday, May 30, in the gymnasium.  Attendance at practice is essential in order to understand the progression of the ceremony.  Allow at least 2-1/2 hours for practice.  Attendance is mandatory!

5.   The senior breakfast is Saturday, May 31, at 10:00 AM, at the Schaumburg Marriott.  The cost is $40.00.  Tickets may be purchased in the attendance hallway beginning May 19, during lunch hours. Ticket sales end Wednesday, May 28.  Dress is semi-formal. The breakfast will conclude at 1:00 PM.

6.   Commencement begins at 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 1.  Doors will open at 1:00 PM.  All members of the class will meet in the east gym at 1:30 PM.  All guests, including those with special seating (handicap/elderly) tickets, will use the main gym door entrance on the south side of the building.  Before and after the ceremony, wheelchairs will be available for those in need.  However, the chairs are only intended to move people and cannot be used as a permanent seat during or after the commencement.  We ask your understanding and cooperation in this matter.  The football stadium parking lot will be open, and a shuttle bus to the school will be available. Please note that all guests must be seated in the gymnasium by 1:55 PM.  After 1:55 PM, guests will be directed to sit either in the auditorium or cafeteria.   The ceremony should conclude shortly after 3:15 PM. Please be advised that our ceremony will conclude with a balloon drop.

7.   For the commencement, boys are asked to wear dark socks, dress pants, dark shoes and shirt and tie.  Girls should wear dress shoes, dress, skirt or dress pants.  We request that nothing be pinned to the gown.  The ceremony is formal, and we ask parents to dress accordingly.  Because seating is at a premium, we ask that you do not use tripods for video cameras.  Graduates will be asked to return their cap and gown immediately following the ceremony.  Please plan to take photographs before the ceremony.

Congratulations to parents and students.  Let’s make the 2008 commencement week activities the most memorable in the history of Palatine High School.

Jennifer Grapenthin                               Shannon O’Brien

Senior Class Sponsor                           Senior Class Sponsor