Senior Newsletter Class of 2024
April 2024
Dear IBW Class of 2024 & Families,
The graduation of 2024 is rapidly approaching. This is an exciting time for everyone involved, and we want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you and your family. Here are a few important reminders to help ensure you stay on track to graduate and will be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Continue attending all of your classes and do the best you can until the last day of school. Don't let "senioritis" impact your success. Students who do NOT fulfill ALL of their credits and other graduation requirements will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. This is a district policy, which we cannot alter.
Remember the "60 Day Rule" as stated below
Complete your Personalized Learning Requirements (PLRs):
Counselors & Jessica Wade, IBW Career Coordinator, are available to assist students in the completion of these requirements. Lastly, you must also complete your Senior Survey which will be available in May.
If you have any questions about finishing up, graduation, etc., please do not delay in getting answers!
Ayesha Coning, Principal and Grade 12 Administrator
SENIOR CALENDAR/DEADLINES
Please refer to the Senior Calendar for all the important dates for the year. Dates are always subject to change so please bookmark the calendar and check back often.
April 1 - 60 Day Rule Begins
April 18 - Mandatory Senior Meeting
April 25 - Jostens Orders (Cap and Gown) Distribution
May 3 - Spring Assembly
May 4 - Prom
May 13 - 17 - Senior Spirit Week
May 29 - 30 Finals, Materials Return, Senior Check Out
May 31 - Senior Check Out, BBQ, Graduation Rehearsal and Awards Ceremony
May 31 - Flag Football Games - SR girls vs. 9-11; Alumni (including SRs) vs. JRs
June 3 - Graduation at 7:30pm at Providence Park
June 3 - Grad Night Party
To see the entire calendar, click here: 2023-24 Senior Calendar
IMPORTANT NEWS
60 Day Rule
Please be aware that the 60 day role began on April 1st. The rule states that:
“Seniors shall be disqualified from participation in commencement exercises and related activities if within 60 consecutive calendar days of the last senior school day (May 31, 2024) they are found to be in violation of District Alcohol or Drug policy or any violation resulting in a three or more days of suspension or more serious disciplinary action.” (Reference 4.30.020-AD)
Be also aware that all school pranks, resulting in vandalism or disruption of the school day, could also be a violation of this rule and may result in not being allowed to participate in prom and/or graduation.
Graduation Date and Time
The 2024 Commencement date is scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2024, 7:30P at Providence Park. There will continue to be more information shared as we get it from the district.
Graduation Tickets
Each graduate can receive up to 10 tickets (graduating Senior doesn't need a ticket) but more are available if needed and requested, within reason. Please complete this 2024 Graduation Ticket Request Form to let us know the number of tickets needed and the one email address to send them to (do not use the student PPS email). The form should only be filled out once for each graduate.
The electronic-only tickets are distributed through SeatGeek and will be delivered to the one email address during/after the Check-Out process on May 30/31 (Senior must first be cleared) and no later than 5:00pm on June 2. Once tickets have been received, they can be transferred to other individuals in your group, if needed. If you have any questions regarding Graduation Tickets, please contact Leanne Van Horn, lvanhorn@pps.net
Cap and Gown Orders
Cap/Gown Pick-Up - April 25
Josten's Cap and Gown Orders
Orders that were placed with Jostens will be able to be picked up on April 25th during lunch in the Foyer.
*Seniors who are not passing a class required to graduate will not receive their cap and gown and other graduation materials on April 25. Instead they will receive a letter indicating what class they are not passing along with opportunities for support. The letter must be signed by a parent/guardian in order for the cap and gown and other graduation items to be released. Students can return the signed letter to their counselor.
Haven't placed your order yet?
You can still order but do so quickly! Need a packet? They are available in the Counseling Office or Room 139.
● There are lots of great packages available online at Jostens. If you are just looking for a Cap, Gown and Basic Tassel, use this link cap and gown unit (it includes a basic tassel). And good news! with all of the school closures and power outages, Jostens will keep the lower price of $38 for the cap, gown and tassel unit. The price will however increase to $43 on March 1 so get your orders in now! When ordering a cap and gown unit, you are not required to select a keepsake tassel for the additional price. Select the last option on the right (it says no tassel but means no keepsake tassel) and you will just receive the basic tassel with your cap and gown.
● Want more than the Cap and Gown unit? You can order additional items online at Jostens.
● While we want all of our seniors to wear a cap and gown, we do not want financial concerns to impact your participation in this year’s graduation ceremony, so please reach out to Sharon Dailey (sdailey@pps.net) in the Counseling Office if this is an issue and we will make sure you can borrow a cap and gown.
● Know someone with an Ida B. Wells green cap/gown? You are welcome to borrow one from a friend, neighbor, family member as long as it is in our school colors/style.
Lost and Damaged Chromebooks and Chargers
Students and families are responsible for replacement costs for lost or intentionally damaged Chromebooks or chargers. Seniors will receive an email by Friday, 5/4/2024 with their current Chromebook checkouts. Please carefully review this email and follow the directions to verify that you have the Chromebook or Chromebooks that are currently checked out to you.
FAQs
1) How much is the replacement cost for students who do not return their chromebook or charger?
The cost is $515 for the Chromebook and $15 for the charger.
2) What is included in the cost of the Chromebook? Why is the cost higher than similar Chromebooks I see online?
The cost includes the Chromebook, AC adapter, domain enrollment, Google Chrome Management License, 3-Year warranty, asset tagging, and inventorying done by District.
3) What if I accidentally damaged my Chromebook?
Accidental damage is covered by the Chromebook warranty. Please bring it to the library as soon as possible so we can send it out for repairs. There is no cost for accidental damage unless it is damaged beyond repair more than once per school year.
4) What if my Chromebook was stolen?
If your Chromebook was stolen, please bring a copy of the police report to the library. We will update your account and you will not be charged a fine.
5) What will happen if I do not pay?
If you do not pay, we may withhold graduation tickets and transcripts.
6) What if I cannot afford to pay?
Contact your counselor to ask for a fee waiver. We will work with you if you are unable to pay.
7) Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions about paying for fines please contact Erica Caldwell at ecaldwell@pps.net. If you have questions about your Chromebook checkouts or repairs, please contact idabwellslibrary@pps.net.
Senior Slideshow
While you are at Providence Park for Graduation and at the Grad Night Party afterwards, a slideshow will get played. Make sure you're in the show! Please send us 3 or 4 photos from any year, kindergarten through high school. Photos of 2 or more students work best. Email your photos to IBWgradparty@gmail.com. Don’t forget to put the names of the students in the subject line!
Spring Assembly
Our last School Wide assembly is extremely important for seniors! We will highlight the accomplishments of our senior class, playing some games and introducing new ASB positions. As it is our last assembly, it is required that seniors attend. This assembly is on Friday, May 3rd, during flex and will run slightly longer than usual.
This assembly includes:
Introduction of new student government positions
A fun basketball game with a prize
Recognition of: athletics, band, choir, clubs, etc.
A farewell to our seniors!
We would love to see you there!
Prom
Seniors, this is your last IBW school dance! This year's prom at The Melody Ballroom will be filled with anticipation as we dress up, dance with friends, and step into a venue transformed by Hollywood decorations. Join us and spend the night celebrating away and savoring the last moments of high school! Purchase tickets now on SchoolPay if your attendance is approved!
Ticketing schedule
Monday, April 1st
Ticket sales open on SchoolPay- Everyone approved by admin can purchase a ticket. If a student who is unapproved purchases a ticket, no refunds are guaranteed.
Monday, April 1st
Guest passes are available outside of Ms. Griffin's room and in the office
Wednesday April 24th
Guest passes must be turned in (Hard Deadline)
Monday April 29th
First day of physical ticket pick up
Wednesday May 1st
Ticket sales close- Last day to Buy tickets online
Friday, May 3rd
Ticket Pick up closes- Last day to Pick up physical tickets
Saturday, May 4th
Prom, 7-10 PM, The Melody Ballroom!!!!
Everyone brings physical tickets and student ID to the dance
Attendance requirements are in alignment with school policy.
A 85% average daily attendance is required to purchase tickets and attend prom. I am meeting with all seniors over the next 3 weeks and putting together an agreement so that your attendance improves. That is the goal.
Students at risk of the attendance policy will be notified and have the opportunity to improve their attendance with an attendance growth form during the week of April 15th through April 19th.
Attendance growth forms are due in the main office on April 22nd.
Guest permission forms are available after spring break in the Main Office and outside room #143. and due no later than April 24th.
Senior Spirit Week
Get ready for Senior Spirit Week now! May 13 - May 17
Monday, May 13 - Senior Citizen
Tuesday, May 14 - Dress for Success
Wednesday, May 15 - Walking Yearbook
Thursday, May 16 - Tie Dye
Friday, May 17 - College and Career Day
Be sure and follow our class instagram for other updates and news!
ibwclassof2024
Send in your post High School plans! And thanks to Zoe, Vincent and Emily for being the first 3 to do so and check out the 20+ others who have also sent us their plans!
NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE CENTER
Personalized Learning Requirements
Please check in StudentVue to see if you have completed all of your CRLE’s and Personalized Graduation Requirements.
These are all required to be completed in order to graduate this spring. The deadline to complete has passed, please complete the following ASAP if you have not done so already.
My Plan Essay (Turned into your Senior English Teacher)
Follow the above links to complete these requirements, if you need help completing them please visit the College and Career Center ASAP!!
Ida B Wells Scholar Award
Seniors,
You may be eligible to receive the Ida B Wells Scholars Award at graduation! You have completed the first step which is meeting the minimum 3.5 GPA requirement. Here are the remaining requirements:
Complete 80 hours of community service during high school
Earn 18 credits meeting the following criteria (6 minimum AP or dual credit courses):
4 credits of English – with at least one AP or dual credit class
4 credits of Social Studies – with at least one AP or dual credit course
4 credits of Science with at least one AP or dual credit course
4 credits of Mathematics: with at least one AP
2 additional credits from the following: additional World Language credits beyond the graduation requirement, any other AP or dual credit course(s) that are not already used above
If you have reviewed your transcript and meet all of the requirements, please use the QR code above and complete the Google form. When the form is submitted, your school counselor will be notified and confirm the information you have provided. The form is due by April 30th.
Year-End Award Nominations
It's that time of year where we need to nominate our classmates and staff members for their hard work over the last few years. Please take time to nominate as many seniors/staff as you would like. The recipients of these awards will be chosen by our scholarship committee and will be announced at either our senior assembly or graduation.
This includes: Outstanding Seniors, Outstanding Scholars, Mabel Whitted Award, Faculty Service Award, and IBW Guardian Award. ***These awards DO NOT have scholarships attached***
Due Wednesday, May 1st
Follow this link to nominate: https://forms.gle/EsnGjwEPHTVnuZyJ6
Athletics
Congratulations to our Winter Season Seniors!
College Athletics
We have received information that these seniors are going on to participate in Athletics at the college level. If you are not on this list but should be, please let us know in the Athletic Department (Room 121) ASAP. We want to be sure everyone is included in the Signing Ceremony later this Spring!
Cole Aman
Jacey Canalin
Henry Cannon
Colden Carson
Asher Danielson
Sierra Donis
Quin Dufort
Josie Fale
Jayden Igarta
Olivia Kozitza
Oliver Lurix
Zoe Mish
Pierce Myer
Misha Ratner
Griffin Scott
Andie Wieber
Kaia Young
GRAD NIGHT 2024
Grad Night Tickets - Price increase extended to April 30th!
Have your purchased your tickets for Grad Night? Do not delay as the ticket price increases from $100 to $125 on April 30th (extended). Here is the link to purchase a ticket https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Senior-Grad-Night-Party-Tickets. We want everyone to attend Grad Night so if finances are an issue, please check in with your counselor.