Class of '21 Cougar Connection
An Update from your Mankato East Administration Team
May 3, 2021
Dear Seniors and Families,
Here we are, on the home stretch! This is one of the final communication newsletters you and your families will receive from your high school career! Congratulations! Not only have you made it to the end of your senior year of high school, but you have navigated this through one of the most challenging experiences of humanity worldwide. Graduating high school during a global pandemic is a feat of true determination. We are incredibly proud of each of you.
This newsletter has a handful of VERY important pieces of information related to the end of the school year, graduation, and afterward. Please take some time to read through this carefully and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them.
End of The Year Reminders
REMINDER 1: If you are in good standing in all of your classes, you do not need to attend school physically or virtually during the week of June 1-June 4. Those days are required for students who are not passing any course. Distance-only students who are failing are invited to come to the building to receive additional support.
REMINDER 2: Please remember to take care of all obligations (library books, textbooks, chromebooks, fees, etc.) early in order to receive your diploma on June 4th.
Spring Awards Ceremony
COMMENCEMENT 2021 UPDATE!
Mankato Area Public Schools have partnered with the city of Mankato and the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center to host both East and West High School commencement ceremonies.
Mankato East will hold its annual commencement ceremony on Friday, June 4th in the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center at 5:30 pm. Seating will be limited to only ticketed guests and each graduate will be allowed a limited number of tickets based on facility capacity.
We will communicate all details related to graduation in multiple ways. Please watch for more detailed information coming out soon!
Commencement Rehearsal
On Friday, June 4th, Seniors will meet in the Grand Hall in the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center at 10:45 AM!
Reminders for rehearsal:
*Seating arrangements will be distributed in the Grand Hall just before the rehearsal on Friday, June 4th. We will be starting at 10:45 am, SHARP!
*For rehearsal, consider wearing the same shoes you plan to wear for Commencement.
Commencement Speaker Tryouts
Commencement speaker tryouts will be held on Wednesday, May 19th in the auditorium! Only judges and seniors who are auditioning will be allowed in the auditorium. Stay tuned to find out who will be speaking at this year's commencement!
CAP AND GOWN PICKUP
Caps and gowns may be picked up on BOTH of the following days and at the times indicated below:
Wednesday, May 26th in the main entrance vestibule of East High School from 9am-3pm
Thursday, May 27th before school from 7:45am-8:45am and during both lunches on the stage of the commons
Remember: Caps and gowns are yours to keep!
2021 Commencement Reminders
Be sure caps and gowns fit. There are some extras for switching. Hang the gowns to lessen wrinkles. DO NOT IRON.
Be at the Mayo Health Civic Center and ready to go for the ceremony no later than 5:00 pm. Students are to report back to the Grand Hall immediately after the ceremony to receive their actual diploma.
Graduates will receive only the cover for their diploma on stage. After Commencement, report to the appropriate table and you will receive your official diploma to be placed in the cover.
The Grand Hall will not be locked during Commencement; we suggest that all valuable items be left at home.
The dress code for Graduation is as follows (from the handbook):
- Under their robes, students are expected to be neatly dressed. Any form of clothing which is distracting in appearance or detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the ceremony will not be permitted, including writing on the graduation caps. Clothing should not expose the body unnecessarily, such as midriff tops, halter tops, or muscle shirts. Students also will not be allowed to wear blue jeans, shorts, or sunglasses during the ceremony. Clothing that advertises alcoholic beverages, tobacco, illegal substances or that has obscene or inflammatory symbols or printing is not permitted. Students choosing to wear inappropriate clothing to the commencement ceremony will not be allowed to take part until they change into clothing that is more appropriate. Nothing may be carried with you during Commencement.