Senior Checklist

See the Kelso High School counseling calendar available in the
counseling office for specific dates.

Graduation is one of those significant life experiences. At Kelso High School, our staff cares deeply about making this event a dignified ceremony to honor the accomplishments of our students. With this in mind, we offer some guidelines for Graduation along with the following schedule. Senior Oral Presentations TBA. The Senior Reception TBA.

SENIOR RECEPTION:
The annual Senior Reception “Kick Off to Grad Night” is scheduled in the Kelso High School cafeteria. Parents and Grandparents of all seniors are invited to attend this special event. Attire for men is dress slacks, shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Attire for women is a dress (or pant outfit) and dress shoes. Date and Time TBA.

GRADUATION SPEAKERS:
Auditions for Graduation Speakers TBA.
Auditions will be held in a room C-13. The first will give his/ her speech at 2:40, and the rest will follow. Each speaker has an approximate time of five minutes. The winners will be announced the following Monday.

SENIOR MEETINGS:
Senior meeting Thursday October 4 at 9:50 AM
Senior order dates for caps and gowns and annoucement material are Tuesday and Wednesday, October 23rd and 24th

SENIOR FINALS:
Senior final examinations are TBA. All seniors are required to participate in final examinations.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS NIGHT:
Senior Scholarships and Awards Night is on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m.
The Senior Awards Night honors seniors who have received special recognition for scholarship and activities. This event is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the South Kelso High School gymnasium. Students who will receive awards to honor cords will be mailed a special invitation; however, all seniors and their parents are welcome to attend. Attire for students attending this event is KHS standard dress attire.

ACTIVITY

Refer to the Higher Education Book, available in the counseling center for college and university admission requirements.

Review transcript or graduation requirement update sheet with counselor.

Take SAT or ACT. (Available in Junior or Senior year).

Take Achievement Tests during fall, if necessary.

Apply for scholarships from September through April. A bulletin listing available scholarships and application deadlines is published seven times a year by the Senior counselor. The bulletins are available in the counseling center and in senior contemporary world problems classes.

Visit college campus and meet with college representatives

Application and fee for admission sent to colleges

Make final college selection and submit confirmation deposit

Financial Aid Form (FAF) sent in to college Scholarship Service (this form will be available in January of the senior year and should be completed immediately).

Check with the institutions applying regarding any individual financial form, other than the FAF available. Return all financial applications promptly.

Submit housing applications and deposits to college, if necessary.

Notify senior counselor of any honors/awards/scholarships/financial aid received by May 1.

Complete high school graduation requirements by end of May.

Order final transcript of high school work be sent to college after graduation.

GRADUATION REHEARSAL:
Baccalaureate will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00p.m. in the South Kelso High School gymnasium. Baccalaureate is a church service sponsored by the Cowlitz County Ministerial Association. Students should plan to arrive at the high school no later than 6:00 p.m. for Baccalaureate. This is a non-denominational service open to the public. Tickets are not needed to attend. The seniors march in wearing caps and gowns. Morning Graduation Rehearsal is on Friday, June 16 at 8:30 a.m. Rehearsal for Graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 16, at 8:30 a.m. in the South Kelso High School gymnasium. Attendance is required for all seniors who plan to participate in Graduation ceremonies. At this time, seniors will receive invitations to their senior party.

GRADUATION CEREMONIES
Graduation for the Class of 2008 will be on Saturday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Graduation is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. The ceremony will be held at Schroeder Field (rain or shine), so please provide your student with an umbrella in case of inclement weather.
Attire for Baccalaureate and Graduations is as follows: No decorations or signs on caps or gowns. Men should wear dress slacks, shirt with a collar, tie, and dress shoes. Women should wear a dress or skirt blouse, nylons and dress shoes. Please either sew or pin on collars for women prior to Baccalaureate. All gowns must be pressed prior to arriving at the high school. Unless students are appropriately attired, they will not march. Families in need of assistance to meet the dress code requirements should contact the principles office. Students should plan to arrive at the high school auditorium no later than 12:00p.m. for graduation. Honor students may wear honor cords and medallions if they wish.

PLEASE NOTE: Graduation and Baccalaureate are dignified, traditional ceremonies at Kelso High School. Your dress and behavior should honor these traditions. Any student who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied participation in the Baccalaureate practice, Graduation practice, the actual ceremonies, and the senior party. Distractions such as noise makers, bubbles, silly string, cameras, cam corders, etc. are inappropriate because they detract from those people being honored. Students who bring these items will be removed from the ceremony.

Non-school related absences. no more than (10) per class:
Students cannot have more than (10) absences (doctor appointments, parents request, ect.) in a class to obtain credit. School related absences ( sports, activities, college visits, etc.) required make-up work, but do not count as one of the ten. Please encourage your son or daughter to attend school regularly. There are no senior skip days. Often times, when students attend these unofficial senior skip celebrations, there can be alcohol-related accidents. We care about our seniors and want them to be safe. If your son or daughter has more than (10) absences, he/she can make up the work and time with teachers.

SENIOR PARTY:
Diplomas and Senior grades will be mailed home in June.
Diplomas and senior grades will be mailed home June provided all fines and fees are paid.

Remember that you earn your diploma from Kelso High School with 21 credits.
Take the end of the year seriously. Attend all of your classes and pass them.
We look forward to seeing you at these special events!