Challenger High School

Thanks for opening and reading our family newsletter, the 'Graduation Edition!'

Please read the newsletter over and take note of the upcoming events and schedule changes--thanks!

The main office at Challenger is open from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM daily. If you need assistance please call 253.800.6891 or stop in and see us!

• June 9: Senior Finals, last day of classes. All books, iPads, chargers (blocks and cords) due. All fines and fees paid.
• June 12: Senior Checkout. All graduating seniors must go through the check-out process. See the schedule of the day below.
• June 13: Senior Celebration. All graduates are invited to come to Challenger between 10:00 - 12:30 for fun, games, activities, door-prizes, and a barbecue!
• June 14: Mandatory graduation rehearsal at Pacific Lutheran University. 8:00 - 9:30 AM. Please be prompt!
• June 14: GRADUATION! The graduation ceremony begins promptly at 1:00 pm at Pacific Lutheran University, Olson Auditorium.
• June 15 - 30: Diploma Pick Up in the main office at Challenger. Students must show ID to pick up their diploma.

1. Grad Requirements Certification
   
2. iPad, charger (block AND cord) and book return (should have been completed June 9)
   
3. Fines and Fees paid, and Yearbook purchased (if wanted)
   
4. Senior Exit Survey and BEST Thank You Notes
   
5. Name Cards for Ceremony, Photo Info, Dress Expectations
   
6. Graduation Ceremony Directions

• GRADUATION REHEARSAL: There will be a required graduation rehearsal for those participating, at Pacific Lutheran University in Olson Auditorium (12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma, WA 98447) on Wednesday morning, June 14th from 8:00am to 9:30am. It is important to be prompt, so we can begin on time. Graduates will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony, if they do not attend the rehearsal. Questions? Please call Kim Nelson at (253) 800-6891

• GRADUATION CEREMONY: The ceremony will be held at Pacific Lutheran University in Olson Auditorium (12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma, WA 98447) on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 1:00pm. All graduates are to report to Olson Auditorium at 12:30pm. Parking is free. No pets allowed with the exception of service animals wearing vests.

• INVITING GUESTS: Tickets are provided to attend the graduation ceremony. Each graduate will receive their graduation ceremony tickets after the completion of Senior Checkout on Monday, June 12th. There is no cost for tickets. Students will receive as many tickets as they need.

• REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING: In order to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive your diploma, students must complete all required credits (pass all required classes and have a minimum of 24 credits), including the Culminating Project and complete a Graduation Pathway. In addition, ALL fines, fees, books, and iPads are due to Bethel School District and must be paid and/or cleared by Friday, June 9th. Verification that students have completed all requirements, and are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony will occur on Senior Checkout day on Monday, June 12th at Challenger High School.

• DIPLOMAS: During the ceremony, the graduating senior will receive only the diploma cover. Diplomas may be picked up by the graduate only with photo ID on Thursday, June 15th from 8:00am to 3:00pm at Challenger High School.

Only students who have fulfilled all graduation requirements will be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Graduation Dress Expectations

All graduates must have a cap, black gown, tassel and red stole.

• Caps, gowns and stoles need to be ordered through Jostens
• If you need help in purchasing a cap and gown from Jostens. Please let us know, there are ways to help with these costs.

Dress expectations for ladies:

• Dress, skirt, or dress pants and dress shirt
• Appropriate shoes (short heels) or flats. Be able to walk a distance and climb stairs in your shoes.
• No flip flops

Dress expectations for gentlemen:

• Dress shirt and tie -- or -- shirt with a collar look best
• Dark trousers or khakis and dark shoes
• No (old) athletic shoes or flip flops

Dress expectations for nonbinary students: please dress as you feel comfortable within these guidelines above.

No decorations of any kind can be worn with the cap and gown other than honor cords awarded through Challenger or Pierce County Skills Center.

No decorations will be allowed on graduates’ mortarboard hats during the ceremony.

No leis, flowers, sashes, or sunglasses can be worn during the ceremony, but feel free to present your graduate with these after the ceremony.

Students not complying with these dress expectations will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

If you need help with meeting these dress expectations please let us know! We would be happy to help (there are funds and resources available)!!

Balloons, large signs and air horns will not be allowed into Olson Auditorium at PLU. Please do not bring these into the ceremony.

• Only clear bags or small clutch/purses/wallets will be allowed inside the venue. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” (search clear stadium bag on Amazon.com). A small clutch bag, not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried inside the venue.

• Balloons, large signs and air horns will not be allowed into the Olson Auditorium for the ceremony. Please do not bring these into the venue.

• Only trained service animals wearing vests will be allowed into the ceremony. No other pets or animals allowed.

• Thanks for following these guidelines to help keep the ceremony safe and enjoyable for all.

Pacific Lutheran University: 12180 Park Ave. S, Tacoma, WA 98447

Getting to Pacific Lutheran University

• Take Pacific Avenue north from Spanaway/Challenger

• Turn west on 125th St. S.

• Turn north onto S Yakima Ave

• Turn west onto 124th St. S

• Olson Auditorium will be on the right

• Several free parking lots with ADA access are in the nearby area

Graduation Day

• Arrive at PLU by 12:30 pm

• Parking is plentiful, close and free!

• Graduates and ticket-holding families/friends proceed to Olson Auditorium

• Students gather in the Field House and get ready for ceremony

• Family and friends enter the Auditorium and take seats

• Graduates need to be dressed in graduation cap, gown, stole and tassel

• Balloons, large signs and air horns will not be allowed into Olson Auditorium for the ceremony. Please do not bring these into the venue.

• Professional photos will be taken during the ceremony for families to purchase. Picture purchasing information will be included in each graduate's diploma packet.
  

• The ceremony will start promptly at 1:00 pm and will conclude around 2:00 pm

ORDERING ONLINE: To order caps/gowns/tassels/stoles and class rings, please go to Jostens online: jostens.com

ORDERING DEADLINES: Purchases made between March 1st and May 1st will be sent to the Challenger Career Center in May to distribute to students. All purchases made after May 1st will be charged an additional shipping fee of $12.95 and will be mailed home up until 2 weeks before graduation. All wearable items will be mailed home. Orders within two weeks of graduation may not be received until June 14th.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions concerning your placed order, please contact Jostens at: jostens.com/contact or 1-800-JOSTENS. For any other questions & concerns, please contact Jessie Blocker at Challenger: (253) 800-6810.

Email: jeajohnson@bethelsd.org
Website: https://www.bethelsd.org/chs
Location: 18117 A Street South, Spanaway, WA, USA
Phone: 253.800.6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethelSD