Wilmington Public Schools: Wilmington High School 159 Church Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

Wilmington Public Schools
Wilmington High School 159 Church Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

Telephone:(978) 694-6060 Fax: (978) 694-6074
Eric R. Tracy Mahoney Principal Principal
Dennis P. Assistant Deborah L. Deacon Assistant Principal

May 1, 2012
Dear Parents/Guardians of Seniors: Graduation and all its festivities are upon us! Included in this letter is a list of Senior Activities and Events, as well as some important Graduation information. Please review this letter carefully as it also serves to share with you our concerns to ensure that this time is also safe and incident free.
1. Final Exams: All exams are 90 minutes.

Friday, May 18th Monday, May 21st Tuesday, May 22nd Wednesday, May 23rd Thursday, May 24th Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Exam 7 and 2 Exam 1 and 3 Exam 4 Exam 5 Exam 6 Seniors in school all day Seniors in school all day Seniors report for exam only Seniors report for exam only Seniors report for exam only
2. Outstanding Financial Obligations: Seniors who have outstanding financial obligations must have them
met by Thursday, May 24th, or they will not be allowed to participate in any senior activity, including the Graduation ceremony. Only bank checks or money orders, made out to Wilmington High School, will be accepted (no cash, no personal checks). Cancellation: Graduation will not be cancelled in the event of bad weather. In case of inclement weather, Graduation will be moved into the Gym. Graduation seating outdoors is on a first come basis. If the ceremony is moved indoors, seating is by ticket only. All students will be given four (4) tickets. Graduation Attire: Graduation is a formal affair, conducted with dignity. Students are to dress appropriately (no shorts, no jeans, no sandals, no T-shirts, etc.) so as not to embarrass the school or themselves and their families. Your cooperation is a must and a big help. Young men are to wear a dress shirt and tie no shorts. Young women are to wear appropriate outfits. Students dressed inappropriately will be sent home and not allowed to participate in the ceremony. Graduation Practice: Attendance at Graduation practice is mandatory for all seniors who wish to participate. If a student does not attend both Graduation practices, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the Graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Graduation Ceremony: Students are expected to behave appropriately. Graduation is a time for mature behavior and celebration. It is also a public event to commemorate a milestone in the lives of the students. Nothing less is expected. I respect the character and judgment of our students and problems have been rare. I am confident that with everyones cooperation, we will have an excellent ceremony at Graduation. We ask that the audience respect the speakers. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, thank you for your help. No Smoking: State law prohibits smoking at all school events and on all school property. Compliance with this law is expected by all who attend the ceremony.
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Although this is a time for celebration and congratulations, unfortunately it is statistically the
most dangerous time of year for teenagers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading causes of death for teens 15-18. Historically, Fridays and Saturdays in May and June have the highest rate of incidents. What these statistics say is that having a plan is worth thinking about. So, here are some thoughts: 2. Information: Take the time to have that all-important discussion with your child as to where they are going, with whom, how they are getting to and from the activity and what time they will be home. Let your child know you actually do want him/her to have fun, but safety is always paramount. Plan B: Provide for your child an alternative option if a problem occurs that evening, especially if it involves getting home. Make a pact with your child that if they are in such a spot, you will go and get them any time, any place, no questions asked (at least not until morning). Communicate: Talk with other parents. Parent Information is invaluable when trying to plan or organize these last four (4) weeks. Lastly, your cooperation is needed on these three (3) items:
1. Safety and Behavior: We are always concerned of course with the safety and behavior of
seniors at senior events as it may relate to the use of alcohol and drugs. We have reviewed with the seniors the expected behaviors and the severe consequences (exclusion from all remaining events including the Graduation ceremony) for violators. We have provided wellorganized and properly chaperoned events. WE WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE SAFE. Your cooperation and support is necessary to ensure your childs safety and their participation in the Graduation ceremony. Senior Skip Day: Please know that Wilmington High does not approve or condone any Senior Skip Day. A skip day is defined as a day when a group of students decide to take advantage of the weather and have a day off from school. Parents are often misled into believing that this type of activity is allowed if parental consent is given. This is not the case. Parents cannot approve this or excuse their child for this activity. Any student or group who is out of school for this activity will be considered truant from school and disciplined accordingly. Our expectation is that students will attend school as scheduled and enjoy the summer when school is dismissed in June. The reason for this should be obvious. With a large group of unchaperoned students at the beach or at a party, the chances of alcohol and other illegal substances being present is high. Even if your child doesnt participate in those illegal activities, they will run the risk of being in an unsafe atmosphere with those who do. This is a matter of common sense and safety. Hotel Parties: Please be aware that a recent trend for some time now is for an over 21 friend or even a parent to book a hotel room for a post prom or other occasion party. These are unchaperoned events with the usual risk of alcohol and illegal substances being present. Parents may want to consider organizing a safe, drug and alcohol free party with other parents. Involve the graduates in the planning but dont compromise common sense, safety or the law.
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Wilmington High has a reputation of having respectful students with solid character and judgment. We repeatedly receive compliments from function managers, the business world and the public regarding the behavior of our students. We do not wish for any incident to tarnish our reputation or the festive atmosphere during these upcoming weeks. More importantly, we do not wish for any incident to cause someone to miss Graduation, the Prom, or to put them at risk in regard to safety. Having said all of the above, we are looking forward to all the fun and celebration of the next few weeks! Sincerely, Eric Tracy Principal
ET/mlm

Wilmington Public Schools: Wilmington High School 159 Church Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

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Wilmington Public Schools: Wilmington High School 159 Church Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

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Wilmington Public Schools

Wilmington High School 159 Church Street Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887

Eric R. Tracy Mahoney Principal Principal

Dennis P. Assistant Deborah L. Deacon Assistant Principal

1. Final Exams: All exams are 90 minutes.

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