Senior year is exciting for both students and parents. There is so much to remember and organize throughout the year; we tried to simply by offering everything in one place. Here you can find out what and when items are due.

  


Announcements and Other Items
Graduation announcements are traditionally sent to family and friends. Each senior will receive 10 official graduation announcements, at no cost, from BSM in April. Additional announcements are available for purchase from Jostens as well as other items seniors and parents may find useful. Seniors and parents will receive information regarding ordering additional announcements and other items in January. These items will be delivered to seniors in April. Questions regarding ordering items may be directed to Jostens at 952-974-0800.

Cap and Gown
Seniors are expected to wear the traditional gown and cap during the commencement exercises in June. Seniors and parents will receive the necessary information to order these items in January. Graduation caps and gowns are delivered to BSM and will be distributed to seniors during graduation practice in June. If you only order a cap and gown, the shipping and handling fees are waived. More info available at the January meeting!

The graduation gown and cap are red in color. The gown is calf length and should be ironed at home. The cap is the only headpiece allowed and must be worn flat on the head. Females traditionally carry a bouquet of flowers provided by BSM.

Seniors with outstanding tuition accounts, detention, fines, missing athletic equipment, or miscellaneous items will not receive their cap, gown, and tickets until all outstanding debts have been satisfied. Laptops must be returned. Because laptops are repurposed, seniors are not allowed to buy/keep their laptop.

Graduation Fee
Each senior is assessed a fee of $150 in January. This fee covers the cost of the commencement exercises and the Baccalaureate.

College Scholarships
On a survey distributed in May, seniors are asked to list all scholarships they have accepted. A list of all student-reported scholarships will be printed in the commencement program and the Crown & Shield.

Transcripts
A survey of seniors is distributed in May. On this survey, seniors indicate which college they will attend and their signature on this form authorizes BSM to release the year-end transcript. The year-end transcript is mailed no later than the end of June.

Baccalaureate Mass and Brunch
This event is held annually for seniors and their parents/guardians. The Baccalaureate Mass is Sunday, May 20, at 11 a.m. Brunch and a short program follow Mass. Questions may be directed to Mary Fran O’Keefe at 952-927-4176, ext. 2448.

Finals
Second semester seniors have the opportunity to skip all of their final exams. Refer to page 29 of the student handbook for complete information.

Finals for seniors will be Thursday, May 24, and Friday, May 25. Seniors who do not qualify or elect to take any/all finals will be given specific instruction in May. Similar to the college experience, some tests may be given only on Thursday May 24. These dates and time are a non-negotiable. Consideration is given to seniors who may require testing accommodation.

Commencement Practice
Practice for the commencement exercises is held on Wednesday, May 30. Students must be seated in the Hamburge Theater by 8:30 am. Practice will last approximately 2 hours. Please do not make any doctor appointments or schedule work which will conflict with this practice. No student will be allowed to leave practice early. Each senior is required to attend practice. Failure to attend practice will prohibit participation in the commencement exercise.

Seniors eligible for History Honor Society, National Honor Society and the World Language Society will receive the appropriate cord at practice. Seniors will receive their cap, gown, and tickets to the ceremony at practice. Seniors eligible to graduate with honors will receive their gold tassel the evening of graduation. The gold tassel is worn in place of the red and white tassel.

Commencement Tickets
Each senior will receive six tickets allowing entrance to the commencement exercises in June. Seniors will receive their tickets to the ceremony at practice. Seating is limited for this event. Graduates do not require a ticket. BSM does not provide additional tickets nor does it have a waiting list for additional tickets. You may contact other BSM families and secure tickets independently.

Graduation Dress Code
The dress code for graduation is strictly enforced. Any student out of dress code will not be allowed to participate in the commencement exercise.

Female Dress Requirements:
•    A dress, skirt or long dress pants and blouse
•    Skirt or dress should not be longer than calf length
•    No shorts or capri or cropped pants
•    Natural, white, or no hose
•    Dress flats or dress sandals - tennis shoes, clogs, “flip-flops,” or excessively high platforms are not acceptable

Male Dress Requirements:
•    Long dress pants
•    Dress shirt with a collar
•    An appropriate tie
•    Dress shoes - tennis shoes or any open toe sandal are not acceptable

The dress code requirements on page 32 of the 2011-12 Student Handbook do apply the evening of graduation.

Commencement Exercise
The commencement exercise is held Friday, June 1, 2012, at 7 p.m., in the William Haben Activity Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. Please be seated at least 5 minutes prior to the start of commencement. Graduating seniors must enter through the main school lobby. Parents and other guests please enter at the Haben Center. Seating is available in the bleachers and in chairs on the floor. Seating for persons in wheelchairs is available on the floor, in designated areas. Reserved seating is held for the family who purchased seating at our annual Auction. Seats will be reserved for students and their families involved in the graduation ceremony. Graduating seniors are not allowed in the Haben Center prior to commencement. Families are encouraged to take pictures throughout the ceremony and may approach the stage area. However, they must remain outside the roped-off area.

Senior Party
The Senior Party is a tradition at Benilde-St. Margaret’s. It is a parent-chaperoned, parent-organized, all-night party for our graduates, sponsored by the Parent Association. The party is designed to allow graduates a chance to celebrate in a safe, chemical-free environment after an emotionally-charged day. Food, games and friendship are all part of the night of good, clean fun. This party is a gift for our children. All the information you need to know about the party can be found at www.BSMSchool.org/SeniorParty.