Graduation

Doors open at 6 p.m. Graduates, families and guests should enter through the main entrance, 175 W Kellogg Blvd. Staff will be available to help assist graduates, families and guests with where they need to go. Please check the Bag Policy for items allowed in the auditorium. 

• Concessions will not be available at Roy Wilkins.
• Balloons are not allowed in the auditorium.
• Printed programs will be available upon arrival. An electronic version of the program will be posted on the graduation hub and will also be available via QR code for download at the event.
• A photographer will be in the arena to capture candid photos at the event, and we will share an online photo album with families the week after graduation. Lifetouch photos of each graduate receiving their diploma will be online 2-6 weeks after the ceremony here. Families have the option to pre-order the photo before the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase.

Lifetouch photographers will be at Graduation capturing a photo of every student after receiving their diploma.

• Photos will be online at events.lifetouch.com 2-6 weeks after the ceremony. 
• Complimentary proofs mailed to graduates
• No obligation to purchase
• You can pre-order your photos by Texting 34636GY23 to 90738* or visit https://galleries.photoday.io/ and enter the access code to get started.

It’s the first time graduation has taken place in St. Paul. We’ve put together a list of potential locations for graduation photos and/or dining before or after the graduation ceremony. View the guide.

Commencement Philosophy

•  It is the philosophy of Spring Lake Park High School that commencement is designed to honor graduates with activities that are dignified. Graduates and their guests are politely asked to refrain from any action that would disrupt the atmosphere of these ceremonies. With the cooperation of those attending commencement, everyone will experience a positive, memorable event. Participation in commencement is voluntary – if a student chooses not to participate, he/she must inform the school.  Attendance at commencement rehearsal is required of those participating in the ceremony.

Academic Standards for Participation in Commencement

• Only those seniors who have met academic requirements for graduation will be permitted to participate in commencement ceremonies.

• Student Services will inform students individually of ineligibility due to lack of credits or graduation requirements. Those with specific questions or concerns should call the school at 763-600-5102 or contact Student Services 763-600-5131.

Participation

• Only seniors who meet all academic requirements and behavioral expectations may participate in commencement. Participating in commencement is voluntary; however, attendance at rehearsal is required for the commencement ceremony. Meeting and Rehearsal is on Thursday, June 8 at 8:15 a.m. in the high school FAC.  Seniors will be given very specific information about the Commencement ceremony during rehearsal.

Dress at commencement

• Cap, gown, tassel, honor cords that have been approved by Administration

• No altering or add-ons to graduation cap and gowns

• No corsages

• No shorts or jeans

• Please wear dress shoes 

Line-Up for Processional

• Line-up and seating will be alphabetical

• Above dress standards will be monitored

Behavior Standards during Commencement

Students

• Behavior consistent with a dignified ceremony is expected

• No beverages

• No beach balls, bubbles, airplanes, or any such distractions

• No performances on stage (including gestures, yelling, and symbols)

• Expressions of celebration should be reserved until the ceremony is concluded

• No cap tossing at individuals

Adults

• Please leave balloon bouquets at home. You will be asked to leave them in a designated holding area during the ceremony. The school will not be responsible for the loss of these items.

• Guests are encouraged to dress in a manner in keeping with the dignity of the ceremony.

• For the courtesy and convenience of everyone, guests are asked to remain seated throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony

At the conclusion of the ceremony, family members will meet graduates on upper floor lobby.

Diplomas

• During the ceremony, the diploma cover will be awarded to each graduate.

•  All academic requirements are fulfilled.

• Diplomas will be mailed to graduates after final grades have been posted to students’ transcripts.

Honors Graduate - 3.0-3.399 GPA  -Gold Tassel
High Honors Graduate - 3.4-3.699 GPA - Gold Tassel
Highest Honors Graduate - 3.7 or greater GPA - Gold Tassel
Highest Honors Graduate with Academic Distinction - 3.7 or great GPA and also completed 29 credits of "high rigor" coursework - Gold Tassel & Gold Cord

The annual Senior All Night Party will follow graduation on June 9. Scan the QR code for registration.

• Time: 9:30 p.m.- 2:30 a.m.
• Location: Bowlero – Blaine Location
  11351 Ulysses St NE Blaine, MN 55434
• Cost: $75 when purchased in advanced
  • The Spring Lake Park Lions Club has provided funding to support seniors who may need financial assistance - see your Counselor
• In-person registration will be available at Bowlero - $85, cash or credit

All activities are included in the registration fee, including food, snacks, and beverages.  Some of the activities will include:

• Airbrush tattoos
• Bowling
• Raffle Prizes
• Minute to Win It Games
• Plinko

NO OUTSIDE BAGS WILL BE ALLOWED. Bags will be provided to attendees for personal belongings.

Check-in begins at 9:30 p.m. at Bowlero. Students are encouraged to be dropped off and picked up from the event. Students will not be allowed to leave early unless checked out by a parent or guardian. 

On the last day of school, Thursday, June 8, seniors will participate in a graduation rehearsal in the high school gym. Additionally, they will turn in their iPad, case, and official Apple charger. If you don’t know where all of those items currently are, we encourage you to start looking to avoid any fees and ensure a smooth turn-in process. The schedule for June 8 is:

• Final senior meeting – 8:15 a.m., Fine Arts Center
• iPad turn in – 8:45 a.m., Auxiliary Gym
• Rehearsal – 9:15 a.m., Panther Gym

We invite our graduates to put on their caps and gown and come to the high school with your families to take graduation photos on Thursday, June 8, 3-5 p.m. or Friday, June 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Please schedule a timeslot on these days that works best for your family.
• Students and families are asked to park in the student parking lot and enter through the pool/athletic doors (Door #6). You will then have the opportunity to take photos in front of an SLP banner logo wall before you make your way out of Door #9 to the Panther Stadium field.
• On the Panther Stadium field, you may choose to have a professional photographer take one photo for you of the graduate alone or with family. The photographer will later send you an email with a link to the photo and you will have the opportunity to purchase the high-resolution image. 

Seniors will be able to pick up and/or purchase their cap and gown and any additional honor cords or tassels they may be eligible for in the Main Office from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Counselors cannot send a student's final transcript to their college of choice unless they have completed the senior survey. Seniors can complete the senior survey in Naviance now until the final day of school. Transcripts are typically sent to colleges in mid-June.

Seniors are asked to pay any outstanding fees they may have acquired throughout the school year. Fees could range from technology to library books and music fees.  To check and pay for any outstanding fees, log in to Campus Parent Portal and click on “Fees” located in the left-hand black column.