Subject: Graduation
From: <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Cc: <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Date: 3 Apr 2012 11:33:39 -0400

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">April 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2012<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Dear Parents and Members of the Class of 2012:<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><span style="font-family: 'bodoni mt','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Sidwell</span></st1:PlaceName><span style="font-family: 'bodoni mt','serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Friends</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">School</st1:PlaceType></span></st1:place> has a long tradition of marking commencement in a simple, meaningful ceremony on the lawn behind Zartman House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This year&rsquo;s graduation, our 124<sup>th</sup>, will be no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The ceremony is set to take place on Tuesday June 12<sup>th</sup> at 10:30am.<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">This is the first of several letters you will receive from me regarding graduation as the spring progresses and I hope this communication will answer your questions about how the process works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>First, the ceremony is a formal, family affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Boys are asked to wear a suit or coat and tie and girls should dress tastefully and appropriately.<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p _rdEditor_exists="1">&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Second, in April, seniors will receive their graduation stationery which will include seven invitations and twenty announcements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Keep in mind that stationary for those seniors who have not yet completed their community service requirements will be kept until the proper forms have been turned in. Each member of the class may invite as many guests as they want to the outdoor ceremony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Please be mindful that there are a limited number of seats but standing space is unlimited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If we experience inclement weather, the exercises will be moved to the new Athletic Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Due to limited seating, only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">four</span></b> guests per graduate can be accommodated in the Athletic Center; other guests will be seated in overflow seating areas yet to be determined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Third, the school will have professional videographers taping the ceremony, as well as professional photographers taking individual shots of the graduates as they process to their seats and again when they receive their diplomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Due to the intimate setting, no other videotaping will be permitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>DVDs and photos will both be available for purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In the coming months, you will receive two separate order forms &ndash; one to purchase a DVD of the commencement ceremonies, and another to order group photos. The group and individual photos will eventually be available for purchase online.<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">There are also a number of events planned prior to graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>On Sunday, June 3<sup>rd</sup> there will be Meeting for Worship at 4:00pm for seniors, parents, and faculty in the new Robert L. Smith Meeting House.<span style="color: #ff0000; mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Graduation rehearsals will be held on Wednesday June 6<sup>th</sup> from 10:00am-12:30pm and the following Monday June 11<sup>th</sup> from 3:00-4:00pm.<span style="color: #ff0000; mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Seniors should plan to meet in the garden behind Zartman House each day of practice.<span style="color: #ff0000; mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yearbook distribution and<span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span>the Alumni Senior Lunch will immediately follow Wednesday&rsquo;s first graduation practice in the Upper School cafeteria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Due to the importance of these practices, attendance at both rehearsals is mandatory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Be certain that you do not schedule any appointments that would conflict with these rehearsals.<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">On the morning of graduation seniors must arrive on campus prior to 8:00am. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Prior to the ceremony, The Class of 2012 will have its final Meeting for Worship as Sidwell Friends students and will sit for its official class photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In order to allow for maximum guest parking, we prefer that students be dropped off, rather than driving themselves. This will save spaces in the parking garage for your friends and family in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p _rdEditor_exists="1">&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Next month, I will send an updated schedule of events connected to the end of the year celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to contact me via phone or e-mail. Thank you.<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Sincerely,<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p _rdEditor_exists="1">&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Susannah Parker<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal">Graduation Coordinator<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:[email-masked]">[email-masked]</a> ; 202-537-8160<o:p _rdEditor_exists="1"></o:p></p