From Final Exams To Graduation, Senior Letter Lays It All Out

Senior Letter

Dear Parents and Members of the Class of 2011:

A major milestone in your lives and another chapter in the action-packed story of Daniel Hand High School is nearly upon us. I thought a letter at this time would serve to answer some popular questions and also allow you an opportunity to plan for the busy days ahead. 

Final Exams
Exams for seniors will be given in Career and Technical Education, Art, Music, and World Languages in classes on June 14 and 15. English, Math, Science, and Social Studies exams will be given on June 16 and 17. The schedule for these exams is posted in classrooms and on the DHHS website.

Senior Awards Night - June 16, 7:00 p.m.
The annual awards and scholarships presentation will be held in the Dining and Assembly Hall. We are in the process of notifying students who are receiving awards and/or scholarships and their parents. All seniors are invited to attend this ceremony that will conclude by 9:00 p.m.

Obligations
In order for seniors to receive their caps and gowns all financial obligations must be cleared up. This includes such things as lost or damaged texts, library fines, class dues, activity fees, and the like. If there is a question regarding this, please contact Mrs. Carla Marino in our office at 245-6350 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Caps, gowns, and tickets for admission to graduation will be distributed to those seniors who have no obligations on June 21 following graduation rehearsal.

Senior Brunch
The annual senior brunch is scheduled for June 21 at Woodwinds in Branford from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Seniors will assemble in the Dining and Assembly Hall at 8:15 a.m. prior to boarding the buses. No students are permitted to drive to this event. Upon arrival back at DHHS, students will report to the gym for their first graduation rehearsal.

Graduation Rehearsals
Rehearsals are scheduled as follows:

These rehearsals are mandatory for all seniors and help ensure a pleasant and meaningful graduation ceremony.

Graduation
Our goal for this special evening is to present our graduates to the Madison community in a ceremony that is both festive and dignified. Boys should wear collared shirts, ties, long pants, and shoes. Girls should wear dresses, skirts and blouses, or a pants outfit, and appropriate footwear. Students may decorate their mortarboards, but must refrain from vulgar or offensive expressions and from articles that protrude from the surface of the mortarboard. Students' gowns may not be decorated in any way. Students who do not comply with our guidelines may be prohibited from participating in the ceremony.

Toys, noisemakers, silly string (extremely flammable), cigars, and other articles, which detract from the ceremony, are prohibited. I ask your assistance in assuring compliance with these guidelines so that the ceremony is enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Graduation will take place on June 23 at 6:00 p.m. on the Madison Green. Each student will receive five (5) tickets for seating on the Green. Reserving seats during the afternoon of June 23 is prohibited. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. Graduates should report to the Academy School by 5:15 p.m.

In the unfortunate event of thunderstorms, graduation will take place on Friday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. In that case parents will be notified by an automated phone call and eNotify message after 3:00 p.m.. As well, notification will be posted on the DHHS website at www.danielhand.org or cable channel 19.

Photography and Video Taping
Our TV production students do an outstanding job in recording, editing, and broadcasting the event on local cable television. In addition, we have retained the services of GradTrak to photograph each graduate as he/she receives a diploma. We have found that providing these services for families allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy the event from the audience and minimizes the need to get to the front, which often blocks the view of others. You will receive a free proof of the photo in the mail within 5-7 days following the ceremony. To receive your digital proofs sooner, please view the GradTrak information on our website. You may place an order or obtain answers to questions at www.gradtrak.com or 1-800-261-2576.

Nite-In-Hand
Nite-In-Hand is organized and run by a dedicated group of parent volunteers. It begins at 10:00 p.m. and students may arrive no later than 11:00 p.m. This is an all-night, community-sponsored party for the graduates. Only those members of the Class of 2011 who graduate may attend.

I trust this letter has provided you with helpful information. Mr. Zittoun, Mrs. Schneider, and I look forward to sharing these joyful events with all of you.

Sincerely,
Barbara J. Britton
Principal