Sam H. Lawson
Middle School
8th Grade
Graduation '10-'11
June 7,
Tuesday 4:00p.m.
FAQs
What is
this graduation?!
First of all, remember that it really
isn't a true graduation, that it really is a promotion from Grade 8 to Grade 9.
The fact is, however, that it is such a grand move, from elementary grades to
high school. It's such a big concept…. Our children are moving into a new phase
in their lives, and we are celebrating the closure of their early years in
school and the opening of their upper grades into adult-hood. We take this
opportunity to provide them with a very nice celebration!
When and where is this graduation?
The graduation ceremony is on Tuesday,
the 7th of June, at 4:00 pm. It will be
easy, at that time, to see the bleachers, stage, and seating on the main field
along Vista Drive.
How long does it last?
In years past, the ceremony lasted
approximately an hour and the students and families went home for about an hour
and a half, and the students returned for the dance at 7:00pm. This year, we have made a change to the
program and will keep the students after the ceremony and family photos have
been taken. Due to this change, we will be providing more substantial food
items during the party. The party will end at 9:00pm.
Who gets to come to this event?
Parents, siblings, and other family
members that you invite are welcome to the graduation ceremony. There is enough seating for all when we consider that
some children have 1 or 2 guests, and some have 4 or 5. Don’t let this worry
you. Unless you plan on bringing 50!
Do we need a ticket to attend?
No, you don't. You will be receiving an
invitation during the last weeks of May. We are planning on distributing your
invitation and the student's tickets beginning May 24th.
Is there a theme?
Yes, but we keep it quiet.
What's the difference between the
graduation ceremony and the graduation party?
The graduation ceremony is sponsored by
the Cupertino Union School District - there is no cost associated with the
ceremony. The graduation party is a PTA-sponsored event and is funded by the
PTA and the ticket sales.
Who gets to come to the party?
The party is
developed, decorated, food is provided, games are provided, it is chaperoned by
the teachers and parent volunteers - - all for the students only! Sorry, no
guests, no siblings, and, only parent chaperones , which are hopefully all 6th
and 7th grade parents. If we run short, we might need you!
How will we know what you might need?
We have been
using the Lawson Link (surely, you get the Lawson Link?) to communicate to the
families about volunteering and other grad topics, such as ticket information.
Please continue to refer to the Lawson Link as more information becomes
available. For example, we may need some
last minute items for decorations, we may need some food items donated…. Please
subscribe to the Lawson Link via Kristin Furuta in the Lawson office. (furuta_kristin@cusdk8.org)
How much does the event cost?
We ask you to
purchase a ticket at a cost of $25.00 per student. With this we purchase entertaining games, good
food, build really fine decorations, and the Lawson Middle School Student
Council provides a DJ for the dance. All
of this, except for the DJ, is provided with the funds from the tickets.
If you've read
this far, we are gratefully accepting donations in any amount! Our student
population has grown, and we have decided to feed them more substantially. We would very much appreciate it if you feel
you can contribute to the fund beyond the ticket purchase price.
How do we buy a ticket for our child?
Ticket purchases
can be made by writing a check to the Lawson PTA, while noting your child's
name in the memo field, and placing the check in the Graduation Box on the left
side of the front counter, as you enter from the flag pole office doors.
Is the event chaperoned?
Yes. This year,
2011, due to the school "furlough days" that our district has had to
impose due to budget constraints, the chaperones will be Lawson Middle School
parent volunteers only. In the past, we
have had the gracious participation from our school teachers; this year,
however, school officially ends on the 7th of June, and teachers are not
required to be on site after the school day ends. We *may* have teacher
chaperones, but it would be strictly by their choice and goodwill.
Mr. Jeff Bowman, our Vice-Principal, *will* be on-site the entire evening,
however!
Are there any behavioral rules?
School dance
rules will apply at the graduation ceremony and will be enforced by the
chaperones during the entire event after the ceremony. Students know these
rules of behavior, and should understand that they will be sent home in the
event of misbehavior.
When does the event end?
Parents are expected to pick-up their child at 9:00pm at the
gate in the Vista Drive bus loop.
What should the children wear?
Ceremony
The graduation ceremony will be held outdoors. June weather
is never predictable; we've experienced mild, even cool afternoons, and very
hot ones. There have been very windy days, and an occasional overcast day. As
is always the case, even with an overcast day, the sun and heat can be intense.
Girls:
·
Dresses with sleeves or spaghetti
straps in moderate spring colors or prints are always appropriate.
·
Strapless dresses must have a
sweater or a jacket - strapless dresses can't be worn alone.
·
Please do not dress in formal, very
dressy attire.
·
Shoes should have low heels, and be
practical for walking on grass, the bleacher steps and stairs, and for the
dance as well! No flip-flop type
sandals or very dirty tennis shoes.
Boys:
·
Dress shirts and slacks are
indicated, but clean, casual solid-color shirts with buttons would be fine.
·
Ties, jackets, and shirts with
sweaters are optional, and look wonderful in photos!
·
Pressed khakis, or dark or neutral
slacks are fine. No jeans, thank you!
·
Good shoes but no sandals (flip-flop
or otherwise) or very dirty tennis shoes.
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