Congratulations to the Classes of 2023, 2027 and 2030!

Please read below for information on this year's commencement and promotion celebrations.

• 5th Grade Promotion – Thursday, June 8 – 10:00 am (doors open at 9:00 am)
• 8th Grade Promotion – Friday, June 9 – 10:00 am (doors open at 9:00 am)
• 12th Grade Commencement – Saturday, June 10 – 10:00 am (doors open at 9:00 am)

All Ceremonies Will:

• Take place on the Upper School athletic field
• Begin at 10:00 am (5th grade ceremony last about 1 hour; 8th and 12th grade last about 1 hour 30 min)
• Parking lots open at 8:00 am
• Guest seating opens at 9:00 am
• Number of Guests Allowed: 8th and 12th are provided six floor seats per family; overflow seating is available on the bleachers at the back of the audience area. There is no limit for 5th grade guests. Paper and/or electronic tickets are NOT required for admission.
• Be followed by a refreshment reception on the Upper School (US) patio

Student Arrival Time:

Please make sure that your student is dropped off at the specified time as class photos will be taken prior to the ceremonies.

• 5th grade – June 8 – 9:00 am – US Tennis Courts
• 8th grade – June 9 – 9:00 am – US Amphitheater
• 12th grade – June 10 – 8:30 am - US Amphitheater

Final Rehearsals:

• 5th grade – June 7 – 1:30 – 2:30pm
• 8th grade – June 8 – 12:00 – 3:00 pm (pizza party from 12:00 - 1:00pm)
• 12th grade – June 9 – 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Students—especially those planning to wear shoes with a higher heel—should attend rehearsal(s) in footwear similar to their planned ceremony attire.

Photos and Live streaming:

• Photos of students on stage as they receive their certificate or diploma will be taken by Roots & Shoots.
• Roots & Shoots will reach out after the ceremony with instructions on how to order prints.
• Roots & Shoots will also offer family photo opportunities after the respective ceremonies for Lower School and Upper School, look for an email directly from Roots & Shoots with instructions or reach out to the LS and US division coordinators.
• A live stream of the 12th grade commencement will be made available. The link will be emailed to all 12th grade families prior to the ceremony.

Parking:

• Parking will be available in Lots A, B, C, D and F on a first come first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 8:00 am.
• Valet parking will also be offered at Middle and Upper School ceremonies. There is no valet for the 5th grade ceremony.
• Those needing extra assistance to get to the ceremony location are advised to park in Lot F. A golf cart will be available to take those who are unable to walk the distance from the parking lot to the athletic field on their own - advanced reservations are required. Click HERE to submit a reservation request for shuttle service. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email in June and a special pass for this service. If you have completed the form and do not receive a confirmation email by June 7, please reach out to graduation@headroyce.org as you will not be able to use the service without it.

Guidelines for Events on the Athletic Field:

• No food or beverages are allowed on the turf other than water in a non-glass container.
• Shoes with "pointy" heels that can sink into the turf are highly discouraged.
• The turf surface can heat up on sunny days so please prepare accordingly: water (in a non-glass container), sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc.
• ADA-accessible portable restrooms will be located at field level. Additional restrooms are located in the gym and adjacent to the amphitheater—these require walking on stairs or an inclined path to access.

Student Attire for Ceremonies:

• 5th grade: Students are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for dinner at a nice restaurant or special family gathering—no ripped clothing or sweatpants. There is no need to purchase a new outfit and borrowed clothing is encouraged.
• 8th Grade: Students are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for dinner at a nice restaurant—nice pants, dresses, skirts, tops, blazers, jackets and ties are often the norm. There is no need to purchase a new outfit and borrowed clothing is encouraged. An additional layer for the early morning air is recommended. Denim is not permitted. 
• 12th Grade: Seniors will be in caps and gowns with stoles and tassels (ordered through Natalie Tieng, Upper School Division Coordinator)

Additional Grade-specific Information:

8th grade:

• There will be a printed program, designed by an 8th grader (chosen by peers).

12th grade: 

• Graduation announcements: each graduate will receive ten announcements. A limited number of additional announcements can be requested by contacting Natalie Tieng. Look for more information about announcements from the US Office in April.
• Caps and gowns may be picked up by the students in May. Students should take care not to lose these items prior to the ceremony as extras will not be available in advance of or on graduation day.
• Leis: If you ordered a ribbon lei (fundraiser for senior grad night), they can be picked up at the same time as the student's cap and gown in the US. If you have any questions about the leis, please contact the senior class grade-level coordinators, Stephanie Brandt and Stephanie Coutu.

This web page will continue to be updated as new information is added (last updated 3/31/23).

Questions? Please email graduation@headroyce.org