Grad Night participant info

Hello Seniors, Guardians, and Families!

It is almost time for Grad Night, the all-night party the evening of graduation, this coming Tuesday, June 16!

This is a very important information for both parents/guardians and seniors to read carefully.  If any questions come up, please direct them to gradnight@garfieldptsa.org.

When and Where

Graduation Ceremony is at 2pm at McCaw Hall and will end at around 4pm. This gives students and parents/guardians time to take graduation photos and relax  before the all-night party starts. Before arriving for bus-loading please: 

1. Eat some food – There will be food available throughout the night, but it will be after 11pm before the first meal happens.
2. Change into comfortable clothing — Change out of any dress-up/graduation clothing before heading to Garfield.
3. Use the restroom The school will not be open to use restrooms, and it will be a few hours before we get checked in to the first venue. 

Bus check-in time: 8:30 – 9:00 pm, Tuesday, June 16

Plan to arrive at Garfield High School between 8:30 and 9pm. We will start loading buses at 9pm and  buses will LEAVE at 9:45 pm sharp. BE ON TIME. Buses won’t be able to wait for late arrivals, and no outside transportation is allowed to the party location.  

Bus loading is in the loading zone in front of the main entrance to Garfield High School on 23rd   Avenue. 

Additional activity waiver required:  

Students under 18 years old: parents of students under 18 will be sent a QR code or web link at 9:00pmon graduation night. PARENTS/GUARDIANS PLEASE CHECK YOUR PHONES at 9:00pm and complete this waiver right away. 

Students over 18 years old: students will sign the waiver upon arriving at the venue.

Dress code: athletic clothing and closed-toe athletic shoes recommended. Students need to be able to move around and be active comfortably. Skirt and dresses are not good choices. Wear a warm jacket or sweatshirt layering. . 

What to bring: as little as possible. Backpacks and bags are not allowed. If a student needs to bring one, it must be stored away in the luggage compartment under the bus and will not be accessible during the event. We can take no responsibility for lost items, so please only bring what is necessary.  You may bring a small camera but are responsible for its safekeeping.

What not to bring: all prohibited items for a high school classroom. Do not bring money, food, or beverages. This is an alcohol-free, tobacco and vape-free, drug-free, weapon-free party. We will do a light pat-down at bus loading. 

No cellphones allowed on buses or in venue: Upon boarding the bus, all students will TURN OFF and hand over their cell phones to be stored for the entire night in the bus luggage compartment. We’ll provide a Ziploc bag for you to label and store when boarding. All checked items will be locked away during the party, and returned to students on the return bus ride. If you need to bring your cell phone with you for insulin tracking please email gradnight@garfieldptsa.org so that we can note this and make an exception for you.

Personal medications: Any student needing to take medications during the event will need to indicate this on their Emergency Care Plan (form can be found on PTSA Grad Night website) and check the medication in with a Grad Night Committee representative before boarding the buses. Medications should be in a prescription container marked with the student’s name. Please place the container in a Ziploc bag, marked with the student’s name, along with a signed note by the parent with specific dispensing instructions.

General Rules of Conduct:

• This is a Drug and Alcohol-Free Event. If, at any time during the event, there is any suspicion that you are under the influence of, or in the possession of, drugs or alcohol, you will be required to submit to an additional search. If you are found in violation, your parents will be required to come and pick you up.
• Be respectful of classmates, chaperones, personnel and property. If you damage or deface any property, you and your parents/guardians will be responsible for payment of the damages.
• Students will not be allowed to leave the party early, unless this is prearranged with written permission from parent or guardian.

Dinner and Breakfast:

There will be food provided but please eat food between graduation and bus loading if possible. 

• A light snack and bottled water will be provided on the bus.
• Buffet dinner will be served at 11:15-12:45 pm, please get your food within that time frame. 
• Light breakfast will be served 3:30-5:00 am. 

Students with special diet restrictions can bring their own food. 

 

Return to Garfield parking lot:

Buses will arrive back to Garfield by 6 am on Wednesday,  June 17. Please arrange return home transportation options for your students. Parents, keep in mind that they will be tired so a pick-up might be a good option! 

 

YOUR EMAIL includes emergency contact phone numbers to use during the party

Kathleen Judd or Karin Zaugg Black – Please only contact them for emergency purposes. 

See you on Tuesday!

Kathleen Judd and Karin Zaugg Black – Grad Night Co-Chairs