Class of 2023: End of Year Events & Graduation Information

End of Year Events

The Graduation Program: APS is livestreaming the graduation program. The link to the program can be found here: List of graduation dates and livestream links

Graduation Details: The graduation program will take place at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. The program will begin at 7:30pm and will last approximately 2 hours.

 

 

Thursday, June 8 – Senior Picnic/MacBook/Library Book return:

  • Thursday, June 8 from noon to 3:10pm.
  • Seniors will turn in their APS-issues MacBooks as they check in to the picnic. MacBooks must be returned to APS in good working order or APS will charge for the cost of repair/replacement.
  • Students will need to show their student ID (or Student Vue) to enter the main gym where the picnic will take place.
  • Caps and gowns will be distributed to seniors as they leave the picnic. Most seniors have already ordered their cap and gown. We will have a large supply of extra caps and gowns for students who did not order one. Students can choose either a white or green cap and gown.
  • This is the last day of school for seniors in good academic standing.

Senior Awards Night and Wakefield Education Foundation Hall of Fame Induction:

  • The Hall of Fame Induction Program will be from 6:00pm-6:45pm in the auditorium. Inductees and their guests will be dismissed at the conclusion of the program. The Senior Awards Program will begin at 7:00pm.
  • Students being recognized or receiving and award will be notified in the coming days.

 

Thursday, JUNE 15th – GRADUATION

  • Rehearsal- Thursday, June 15 at 9:00am. We will have donuts and juice for graduates as they arrive.
  • Rehearsal will last approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Graduates will receive 5 tickets for the graduation program at the conclusion of the rehearsal.
    • Guests of graduates who are APS employees can enter Constitution Hall with their APS employee badge and do not need a ticket.
    • We will hold a lottery for unclaimed tickets after all tickets have been distributed. Graduates can put their name in the lottery to receive one extra ticket.

Graduation Details: The graduation program will take place at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. The program will begin at 7:30pm and will last approximately 2 hours.

Checking-In:

  • Seniors need to report to Wakefield at 5:15pm and come to door A2. They will check in and be directed to a classroom for line up.
  • Students are not permitted to have cell phones, bags, backpacks, purses, etc.

Dress Code:

  • We ask that graduates dress nicely as this is a special occasion.
  • We recommend low-heel shoes as the stairs coming down from the stage can be slippery.
  • Graduates may decorate their cap in a school-appropriate manner.

Constitution Hall Information and Regulations:

  • All guests (including children and babies) must have tickets, or the Constitution Hall staff will not allow entry. (Their rule not ours.)
  • Doors will open for entry at approximately 6:45 p.m.
  • Seating is first come/first served.
  • Anyone with a noisemaker may be asked to leave.
  • Handicapped seating is available and allows for the person needing the special seating and one extra person in handicapped seating area.
  • All guests are subject to search.

 

After the Program:

  • Parents must meet students outside of Constitution Hall, not in the lobbies. The security staff at Constitution Hall will move guests out of the facility. Designating a planned meeting spot on one of the surrounding streets is very helpful.
  • There will be APS school buses that return to Wakefield approximately 20 minutes after the program for graduates who need a ride back to Arlington.  Charter buses will be available for students going on the Boat Party.
  • At the ceremony, students will be given diploma covers. The actual diploma will be mailed home later. Diplomas will be mailed to the address we have on file. If you have moved and did not update your address with the school or are moving, you need to give the correct address to Mrs. Michelle Hall in counseling as soon as possible to avoid having the diploma sent to the wrong address.
  • The Graduation Boat Party is a parent-organized event for graduates: information about the Boat Party can be found here: WHS Graduation Boat Party 2023 (wosomoso.com)