Class of 2023 Graduation Information

Dear Seniors and Parents:

Glenbard West High School will hold its Commencement for the Class of 2023 at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023.  Our teachers and administrators are looking forward to this ceremony that will recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2023.  We know how hard they have worked to achieve their goals and prepare themselves for life beyond high school. Most have built relationships and connections within the school that will last a lifetime.  We would like to emphasize the importance of exiting with pride and acknowledge that the most important tradition is for our seniors to end the school year with positive memories and enriching experiences.  Our faculty and staff are hard at work planning a commencement ceremony that will allow your graduate and family members the opportunity to celebrate this special moment.

The administration, faculty and staff at West believe that it is important to make the end of the year special for seniors.  We know that our seniors and their parents share this objective.  We have worked with student leadership and planned a number of activities that are designed to maintain expectations, celebrate the accomplishments and recognize the achievements of our graduates.  

As we look forward to this year’s culminating activities, we will maintain our expectations for serious work and proper behavior through the last day of student attendance.  There have been unfortunate times when a graduating senior used poor judgment during these last days in high school and engaged in campus vandalism or improper conduct.  Please realize that such behavior could jeopardize that student’s participation in the commencement ceremony and/or result in more serious consequences.  This year we have held meetings with senior leaders to hear their concerns and make sure our expectations are known and clear.  Also, remember that there are NO “Senior ditch days” and students who miss school for unauthorized reasons will face academic and disciplinary consequences.  We appreciate the support we receive from parents in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all students throughout the school year.  

We look forward to sharing this commencement with our families and the Class of 2023. Commencement will be an occasion where we reflect the significance of their accomplishments and the pride we all feel on their behalf.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Chris Mitchell

Assistant Principal for Student Services

Important Dates:

Monday, April 03, 2023- Graduation information with required forms will be sent to all senior families via email.

Thursday, April 06, 2023– Mandatory Senior Meeting in the Auditorium at 1:47pm (8th period) 

Friday, April 28, 2023– All Graduation Forms Due

Monday, May 08 – Friday, May 13, 2023– Seniors that attended a Glenbard District 87 school for less than 4 school years need to complete an iPad Buyout request or return their iPad to the Help Desk. 

Tuesday, May 09, 2023– Senior Honors Convocation 7:30pm in the Auditorium

Wednesday, May 10, 2023- All financial obligations due

Friday, May 12, 2023– Complete Senior Survey

Friday, May 12, 2023– Senior Picnic/Last Day

Tuesday, May 16, 2023– Mandatory Graduation Practice 11:30am/Field House  

Thursday, May 18, 2023– Commencement Day.  Graduates report to the Field House by 5:00pm. 

Friday, May 19, 2023 – Ceremony rain date if necessary 

Additional Information:

Mandatory Senior Meeting (April 6): During period 8 (1:47pm) in the Auditorium, Seniors will hear important graduation and end of the year information.  

TextBooks/iPads- Seniors need to return all rented library books May 10. Seniors that attended a Glenbard District 87 school for less than 4 school years need to complete an iPad Buyout request or return their iPad to the Help Desk.  Students who do NOT return books/iPad will be fined the replacement cost of the item.  Students with outstanding fees may not be able to participate in graduation.  

Cap, Gown & Commencement Tickets- Seniors with all obligations resolved will be issued their cap, gown and commencement tickets after Graduation Rehearsal on May 16th.  If you have not ordered a cap and gown, please contact Herff Jones immediately at (815)756-4743 or www.highschool.herffjones.com

Commencement Video –  Communication Resource Management will be providing a Digital Download of the Commencement Video for all interested parties.  Watch the High Definition video on any video streaming device including desktop, mobile, tablet, and Smart TVs. To order your Digital Download please visit: http://mygraduationvideo.com/ 

Live Streaming of the Ceremony: The ceremony can be seen live using THIS LINK. Please note you will need to create a free account to view the ceremony. This can be done at any time before the ceremony.

Photographs- Gradimages is the official photographer for the Commencement Ceremony.  Each graduate will be photographed and the proofs will be available for viewing soon after the event at www.gradimages.com.

Senior Picnic- Starting period 6 (12:00pm) on May 12 the entire senior class will come together to enjoy sharing memories, looking forward to graduation and eating some delicious picnic food.  Seniors are encouraged to wear their senior shirts to the picnic. “Senior Most” awards will take place at the end of the picnic and Seniors will leave campus by 2:00 p.m.

Tickets- Each senior participating in commencement will be issued four (4) tickets.  Students can request up to two (2) additional tickets by completing the extra ticket form by April 28. More ticket information will be sent via email April 3, 2023.