Class of 2023 Senior Newsletter

Dear Senior Class of 2023,

The following newsletter includes all the information you need about your last days at Cedar Springs High School. Please take your time to read through the ENTIRE newsletter as this information pertains to your graduation!

If you have additional questions or would like to request a printed copy of this newsletter, contact our high school office team at 616-696-1200.

Cedar Springs High School Staff

May 1-11, AP Exams

(Check with your student for specific dates/times)

May 15, Senior Locker Decorating

2:45-9 p.m. at Cedar Springs High School

May 17, Seniors Last Day Events

Time TBD meet in the High School Cafeteria

May 18-19, Senior Exams

More information will be provided from the high school

May 24, Mandatory Senior Meeting

2:45-4 p.m. in the high school auditorium

May 31, Honors Convocation Events (Invite only)

7 p.m. in the high school auditorium

June 1, Commencement Day

View additional times and locations below

June 2, Diploma pick up

7 a.m.-3p.m. at the high school

December 22, Student Email Shutdown

Seniors are held to the highest expectations in the Cedar Springs Public Schools district. Seniors are expected to follow our code of conduct presented in our handbook at all times on school property and commencement ceremony.

A senior may waive their exams if a student meets the following criteria:

• A "B" or better is earned in the course

• No more than eight absences in the 2nd semester

The state of Michigan requires a minimum of 18 credits to graduate from high school, under what is known as the Michigan Merit Curriculum, including an additional four elective credits per Cedar Springs High School curriculum. To receive a diploma, seniors must have completed these credits. Students must also abide by the attendance policy or credit may be lost for the course.

Students may purchase a yearbook until May 13. Seniors who purchase a yearbook are requested to complete the following google form with your information by Wednesday, May 17. Yearbooks will be available for pickup in July or August. Email madeline.schultz@csredhawks.org with yearbook questions.

Senior locker decorating will happen on Monday, May 15, from 2:45 until 9 p.m. If you have additional time, please stay and help us decorate any undecorated lockers to fill the hallway with cheer for the entire class of 2023!

A communication will be emailed to all parents on Monday, May 8, with additional information on the event.

Seniors should arrive at 8:30 a.m. and meet in the bleachers at Red Hawk Stadium ready to celebrate their last day of school.

The day will kick off with the annual 'senior walk' where the class of 2023 will walk through each of our elementary buildings, greeting our younger Red Hawks.

Seniors will then head over to Red Hawk Stadium to enjoy an afternoon celebration including a BBQ lunch, outdoor games, a dunk tank, and time to laugh, reminisce, and socialize together one last time. The day will end with a panoramic photo of the class of 2023.

Parents are invited to join us at 1:50 p.m. as the seniors take their last walk through the high school.

The mandatory senior meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 24 from 2:45 until 4 p.m. in the high school auditorium. At this meeting the Salutatorian and Valedictorian will be announced. Students will:

• Pay any/all outstanding fines/fees (tuition, lunch fees, Pay to Play)

• Payments can be made only by cash or check.

• Turn in any items (Chromebooks, calculators, missing textbooks, etc.).

• Receive their Cap and Gown (all fees must be paid)

• Complete seating arrangements for commencement

The honors convocation ceremony will be on Wednesday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Highest honors dinner will take place prior, this event is invitation only.

All Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and who made the honor roll for both semesters of their senior year will be recognized.

Additional awards will include:

• Departmental Excellence Awards

• Athletic Academic Awards

• Scholarships*

• Academic cords

• Perfect attendance

• Volunteer hours

• Other special school awards
  
  

Students receiving an award and/or scholarships will receive an invitation to attend the event. All students and parents are welcome to attend.

To be recognized for an awarded scholarship, students must do the following by May 19, 2023:

• List any scholarships received on the senior exit survey in Naviance.

• For instructions to access the survey, view the information video
• The student’s counselor will follow up with additional information, and the student will need to turn in a hard copy of their scholarship documentation to Mrs. Wiles in the Academic Services Office by May 23.

Graduates may wear academic honor cords in recognition of their accomplishments. Honor Cords are received at the Honors Convocation Ceremony.

• Honors Cum Laude (GPA 3.5-3.699) - Gold Cord

• High Honors Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.7-3.899) - Gold and Red Cords

• Highest Honors Summa Cum Laude (3.9 & above) - Gold, Red, and Black Cords

• National Honor Society - White Stole (may be purchased or rented by contacting Mrs. Schultz)

• 7:45 a.m. Commencement breakfast/bag check for SANP, high school cafeteria
• 8:15 a.m. Commencement rehearsal, Red Hawk Stadium (students must attend)
• 5:50 p.m. Photo and commencement line up, high school cafeteria (students only)
• 6 p.m. Gates open for family and friends, Red Hawk Stadium
• 6:55 p.m. Please be seated for the commencement ceremony that will begin at 7 p.m.

We ask all seniors to dress in a white collar dress shirt, blouse, or dress, with dress shoes. Due to safety reasons, please do not wear high-top athletic shoes or flip-flops. Please refrain from wearing shorts or blue jeans. Any senior in need of dress clothes for the commencement ceremony should contact Mr. Simmons as soon as possible.

• Yelling/whistling, use of airhorns when the names of graduates are called
  
• Leaving during the ceremony
  
• Talking during the ceremony
  
  

Registered students should change into clothes they plan to wear to the event and go to the check-in table near the cafeteria directly after the graduation ceremony. Students will return to the high school on June 2, at 6 a.m.

Contact cshs2023sanp@gmail.com with any questions. Information will be emailed from the senior all-night committee to registered students & their parents before the event.

Students can pick up their diplomas anytime on June 2, or after at the high school office. Summer hours are Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Each student receives one copy of their diploma. Your diploma cannot be copied or reproduced, be sure to keep it safe!

• National Honor Society may purchase the white stole worn at commencement for $25

• If renting, students must return the stole when picking up their diploma. (If returned damaged there may be an additional fee)

Academic transcripts are kept on file electronically for 60 years after graduation. You may request your transcript at any time by visiting parchment.com. Your final transcript will be available after June 26, 2023.

@students.csredhawks.org email accounts will be shut off on December 22, 2023. Students should back up information and update any business' (banks, job applications, third-party apps, etc.) with a new email account. Once your email is shut down you will no longer have access to your student account.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Tech Team at helpdesk@kentisd.org.