Hanover High School Class of 2024 End-of-Year Information 4/12/24
It seems that only a few months ago, it was September and the start of senior year. Now, it's only a little more than a month to graduation! Soon after vacation, I will be meeting with the Class of 2024 in their last senior assembly to share some details that will be important as we swing into the final, celebratory weeks of their senior year. I look forward to having an excellent month of May as students culminate their high school careers in Hawk Nation!
While this is one of the most exciting and memorable times in your student's life, with all of the wonderful Senior Class Events we have planned for them, I am always obligated annually to address some policies and procedures with all students and families. I draw your attention to the Hanover High School Student Handbook, page 19, with reference to Graduation Participation, which states:
Graduation is a privilege, not a right. The Principal has the prerogative to award the diploma at a later date. Once seniors have been released from school after their final exams, they are not to return to school except for school business or as directed by the Administration for specific exercises. No disruption of the school will be tolerated at any time. Failure to comply can result in non-participation in graduation and withholding of the diploma until after graduation. Criminal conduct will be reported to the police. The Principal shall, well in advance of graduation, make known in writing to members of the
graduating class and their parents the standards of proper conduct pertaining to graduation. Because the school is interested in maintaining the quality and integrity of its programs throughout the school year; infractions of school rules which occur after May 1st of any school year may be subject to further consequences in addition to those listed below, which include but are not limited to, removal from school activities, senior class activities and/or participation in graduation activities or ceremonies. The Principal has the right to refuse a student's participation in the graduation ceremonies and to withhold awarding of a diploma on graduation day for reasons including but not limited to: (1) Failure to pass the required courses and meet academic requirements for graduation, (2) Failure to participate in the graduation rehearsals as deemed necessary by the Principal, (3) Refusal to wear academic robes (caps, tassels, and gowns) and other appropriate
clothing as required by the Principal, (4) Violation of the Drug & Alcohol Policy after May 1, (5) Serving of a suspension at the time of graduation and (6) Any breach of behavior or decorum that would tend to discredit the school while attending or while en route to or from any of the traditional functions.
I also draw your attention to our Student Handbook, which states in the Student Records section, page 36:
Graduating Seniors will receive their Temporary Records with their caps and gowns during Senior Week. This will include their Guidance records. Please be sure to keep these records with other important family documents as this is the only copy, and this is Hanover High School's method of disposing of the documents in accordance with 603 CMR 23.06(3). "Special Education records will be transferred to the Pupil Personnel Director's office at the Salmond School where they will be maintained for seven (7) years.
We are hopeful all students and families understand the need for exemplary behavior as we move toward graduation. We truly need collaboration from all senior class students to make our planned celebratory events a success for everyone!
The following paragraphs outline the events of the next several weeks in detail. A preliminary Senior Class "Schedule of Events" was sent out a few weeks ago. However, I am attaching an updated outline of these future important dates:
- Our Senior Prom will be held on Friday, May 23rd, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Granite Links in Quincy, MA .Buses will leave Hanover High School at 5:20 pm. As such, the red carpet will begin at 4:30 pm. Students will gather in the gym for pictures and proceed down the red carpet through the cafe, then out the long main hallway to the buses. Seniors should arrive at 4:30 pm and enter the gym through the outside entrance to the courtyard to have your photo taken. Seniors will be in school for "Day Zero" Festivities and leave before lunch.
- Our annual Senior Academic and Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Parents/guardians of students who are receiving a scholarship or award will receive a separate invitation. Invited students should report to the auditorium at 5:45 pm. Doors will open for guests at 6:20 pm. Each student will be allowed to bring four guests. Invited seniors will have an Academic and Scholarship Awards rehearsal prior to the event on Monday, May 20th at 10:00 am. If a student received an invitation to the Awards, they must attend the rehearsal.
- Any and all senior debt must be resolved by Thursday, May 23rd. If you are uncertain of any debt, there will be a list posted in the main office on May 16th. Students who do not clear up their debt will not be able to receive their caps and gowns. Debt includes unserved detentions, return of library books/Chromebooks, community service, fundraiser money, money for lost books, cafeteria money owed, and classroom books.
- Cap and gown distribution is scheduled in the Media Room on Friday, May 24th, during the senior lunch from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and a make-up day on Tuesday, May 28th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. Students should enter the front door and head to the media center.
- Graduation rehearsals will be on Wednesday, May 29th and Thursday, May 30th. These are required and mandatory days of attendance. Students should report to the Auditorium no later than 9:00 am on these rehearsal dates.
We look forward to seeing you at the Hanover High School Graduation Exercises on Friday, May 31st, at 6:30 pm. Graduates must report to the auditorium at 5:30 pm. Currently, Graduation is scheduled outside on the Harry Gerrish Memorial Field. Each graduate will have four seats available for their guests on the turf field. Additional seating will be available in the bleachers for more guests. In the case of inclement weather, we will use the gym and will then limit each graduate to four guests (those tickets will be handed out during cap and gown distribution).
I have truly enjoyed this year as Principal of Hanover High School, and I look forward to the weeks ahead. The entire Hanover High School administration, faculty, and staff wish to congratulate you and your student at this time of year. If you have questions, concerns, or just need more information, please don't hesitate to call the Hanover High School main office at 781-878-5450 or email Administrative Assistant Kara Kenney at kkenney@hanoverschools.org.
Sincerely,
Matthew Mattos
Principal