2008 Commencement

The commencement ceremony for Bartlesville High School's graduating seniors will be at 8 pm on Friday, May 23rd at the school's Custer Stadium. Graduating seniors must arrive early, as there will be a photograph of them in their caps and gowns at 7 pm in the new Field House.

Caps and gowns were distributed at BHS on Friday, May 9 and beginning on Tuesday, May 13 can still be picked up from the main office. All non-academic hold cards in the main office must be paid before a student will be allowed to pick up a cap and gown for graduation. The cap and gown is worn for the Senior Awards Program as well as Commencement. Seniors will rehearse for graduation at 8:30 am in the Bruin Field House Friday morning, which is followed by the Senior Brunch. Caps and gowns are not worn at the rehearsal or brunch.

Inclement Weather Plan

If there is inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved into the new Field House and seating will also be available in the auditorium of the Fine Arts Center, which will feature a big screen with a live feed from the ceremonies. The inclement weather contingency plan calls for each graduating senior to receive five tickets for seating in the Field House and three for seating in the Fine Arts Center. Tickets will be inserted into the bag in which each student receives his or her caps and gown on Wednesday, May 9.

Parking

Site Plan with Parking Areas  (an Adobe Reader file)
Designated seating and access to "restricted" parking for individuals with disabilities – limited to the individual and one guest – will be available by calling in advance to Paula Amen (918-336-3311 ext. 298).

Behavior

The formal ceremonies for graduation are a time for proper and appropriate behavior. All participants and observers are expected to behave in a manner that gives the occasion dignity and honor. This is a special time for all seniors and improper or disrespectful behavior will rob the seniors, their parents and guests, and the school of pride and respect. The faculty, staff, and administration of Bartlesville High School would appreciate your cooperation.

Dress Code for Graduating Students

This is a formal occasion. Students should be appropriately dressed:

Males: White (or light) dress shirt and tie, dress pants, and dress shoes.

Females: Dress or dress slacks and low-heeled dress shoes (shoes with closed toe are recommended).

All Students: Do not wear corsages or carry purses, bags, or cameras. Do not "decorate" your cap or gown. If you have any questions or needs, please see your counselor.

Caps and Gowns:
Caps should be set straight on the head, elastic in the back. The tassel should be over the right temple at all times. After diplomas are received, instructions will be given to move the tassel from the right to the left.

The gown should be fastened at the top. Women will have white collars which come with the gown. Caps and gowns should not be worn on the street, but they may be worn to church if your church desires to honor its graduates as a group.

Graduation Rehearsal & Senior Brunch

Seniors are to meet in the Bruin Field House at 8:30 am on Friday morning for preliminary instructions. They will line up in the gym and proceed to the field to rehearse all parts of the commencement ceremony. The cap and gown are not worn at the rehearsal or brunch.

The Senior Brunch will be at the First Baptist Church after the Graduation Rehearsal. Please make every effort to carpool, as parking at the church is limited. A bus will be available to take students needing rides to and from the Senior Brunch. The bus will load at the circle drive in front of the school at 10:30 am and will leave BHS at 10:35 am. It will return to BHS after the brunch.

Senior Picture

Seniors are to be in the Bruin Field House at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 23 for the senior group picture, wearing their caps and gowns as described above. After the picture, they will line up for the commencement ceremony.

Video

BHS is taking orders for the senior video in the library or from a Student Council member. There are order forms in the main office. The video costs $10 and will be placed in the graduation packet which can be picked up beginning May 28. This year the video will be available in both VHS and DVD formats. The video must be ordered by May 20.

Project Graduation

Following the ceremonies, all graduating seniors are invited to take part in Project Graduation, an all-night celebration scheduled to be held at Washington Park Mall. The safe, substance-free event is set from 11:30 pm until 5 am. It will include food, music, prizes, games, and other activities at no cost to the students.

Diplomas

Diplomas will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28 from 10 am to 3 pm to seniors who are clear on all holds.