Graduation Information
UPDATED JUNE 7, 2021
Diploma Distribution
Diploma distribution will take place the week of June 7 at AVHS. Seniors can pick up diplomas in the commons at the following times:
- Monday, June 7, 2 pm - 4 pm
- Tuesday, June 8, 2 pm - 4 pm
- Wednesday, June 9, 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Diplomas not picked up during these times will NOT be mailed home. Students can call the school to set up a time to pick up their diploma if they are unable to do so during the times listed above. We urge all graduates to pick up their diplomas as soon as possible.
GRAD CEREMONY IS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
Outdoor Graduation Details
The graduation ceremony is dignified and formal; we expect graduates to honor that decision and dress accordingly. Caps and gowns may not be altered in any way, and only academic regalia provided by the school is to be worn.
We will distribute water bottles to graduates before they process into the stadium. Graduates should not bring water bottles or other containers. Family members and guests are allowed (and encouraged) to bring water into the stadium.
The ceremony is outside on the turf field, therefore, flat-soled shoes must be worn. High-heeled shoes will get caught in the turf resulting in possible injury as well as turf damage. Family members are not allowed on the turf field before or after the ceremony.
The stadium opens to the public at 1 pm. No tickets are required for an outdoor ceremony. Balloons are not allowed inside the stadium and must be kept in cars. Seating in both the bleachers and on the track will be available. The ceremony will begin promptly at 2 p.m. and end by 3:30.
The ceremony will also be available to live stream via the AVHS Eagle Media YouTube Page.
Mask Guidance
Have You Paid Your Grad Fee?
Caps, gowns, and diploma covers are provided to students free of charge. To cover the costs associated with presenting a graduation ceremony, students participating in the ceremony are required to pay a $40 graduation fee (this fee is reduced for students in free/reduced-price lunch.) The link to pay the graduation fee is included below.
How Do I Turn-In My iPad and Materials?
Seniors will need to return all checked-out materials prior to receiving their diplomas. iPads will be collected from seniors at the end of the year with the cord and brick charger. Any fines must be cleared as well.Our 2021 Graduates will have multiple opportunities to turn in the iPad and other school-owned resources as we approach graduation:
After turning in the final coursework and classes are complete, open the iPad and select the app “Reset iPad” to erase the device completely and get it ready for the students who will use it next year.
Students can return items to the Media Center anytime during the school day.
Distance Learners can leave iPads and books with our front door security team.
June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd during their Lunch Period (5th hour, 10:50 – 12:20). Stations in the cafeteria will be set up for collection.
June 4th, before or after graduation practice. A station will be set up immediately outside the practice area.
The following times are after the ceremony, and will cause a hold on their diploma until returned:
June 7th, 8th, and 9th in the Media Center. Hand the device directly to staff to be checked in immediately.
June 10th and 11th to the Main Office when retrieving your diploma.
What If We Don't Feel Comfortable With A Large-Scale Event?
Previous Updates Listed Below
Graduation Date, Location, and Attendance Guidelines
Commencement ceremonies for the Apple Valley High School Class of 2021 will be held outside (weather permitting) on Saturday, June 5, at 2 p.m., OR, if necessary due to inclement weather, Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m. Due to turf construction projects at both Apple Valley and Eastview High Schools, AVHS's ceremony will be in the Rosemount High School Stadium. (Our neighbors at Eastview will be going to Eagan.) If there is also inclement weather on June 6, the ceremony would be held inside the AVHS Gymnasium. Every effort will be made to have the ceremony outside on June 5th or 6th.
Important updates following new guidance (May 11, 2021)
- If the ceremony is held outside at Rosemount High School on June 5 or 6, there is no limit on the number of guests who can attend the ceremony.
- If the ceremony is held in the AVHS gymnasium on June 6, the new guidance will now allow for up to four guests per graduate in the gymnasium, while another two can attend a video stream in the AVHS Theatre.
- Under this guidance, the number of guests allowed to attend graduation now aligns with our standard attendance practices in "normal" years.
Graduation Rehearsal - Friday, June 4, 9:00 a.m.
We expect all students participating in the 2021 Graduation Ceremony to attend graduation rehearsal on Friday, June 4, at 9:00 am in the AVHS Gymnasium. Rehearsal is a critical piece of making sure students understand what is expected of them before, during, and after graduation. Some of the important pieces of graduation rehearsal include:
- Learning seating assignments and understanding the overall flow of the ceremony.
- Students have the opportunity to check in with name readers to verify pronunciations.
- Tickets for admission to the Main Gym and Theatre are distributed. (These tickets are required in the event that inclement weather moves our ceremony indoors on Sunday, June 6.)
Indoor Graduation Details
In the event the ceremony is held indoors, each graduate will receive four (4) tickets for family members to attend the ceremony in the gymnasium and two (2) tickets for the broadcast in the theatre. We will distribute tickets at the graduation rehearsal on Friday, June 4. Extra tickets are not available, and guests will not be admitted without a ticket.
There is no late entry to the gymnasium in the event of an indoor ceremony. Once the ceremony begins at 2 p.m., the doors to the gym will close. Guests arriving after 2 p.m. will be permitted to watch the ceremony broadcast in the theatre. Please be on time!
As with outdoor graduation, the gym will open to the public at 1 pm. Graduates should arrive in Gym D no later than 1:30 pm. Balloons are not allowed inside the gymnasium and must be kept in cars.
Cap and Gown Distribution
UPDATE after Distribution Day: Caps and gowns may be picked up by seniors in the Main Office from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday-Friday.
Apple Valley High School
Website: avhs.district196.org
Location: 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Phone: 952-431-8200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avhsscholar
Twitter: @avhsacademics