As you know, we have had an unusual winter that has caused our school corporation to cancel six days of school; however, we have utilized our three built-in snow days. Dr. Bennett, Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has made it very clear that students are required to attend school for 180 days with no exceptions. If there are no more cancelled school days, Wawasee Community School Corporation's last day for the 2010-2011 school year is June 7, which is two school days past the current scheduled graduation ceremony date.
In addition to requiring students to attend 180 days, Dr. Bennett has also made it very clear that seniors are expected to attend the same number of school days as other students. In fact, several schools were reprimanded and placed on probation because they released their seniors earlier than the scheduled 180 days.
With these added weather days and Dr. Bennett's requirement for all students to attend school for 180 days, it has been decided to move graduation to Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 10 a.m. This allows the seniors to complete their courses, take their finals before graduation, and receive their diploma at the graduation ceremony. We believe moving graduation will be the most effective way to ensure seniors receive all of the needed instruction and preparation to be successful as they finish their senior year.
Wawasee High School administrators, Mrs. Amy Miller, and Mrs. Cindi Thornburg, senior class sponsors, are making the necessary adjustments so that the end of the year goes smoothly for our seniors. Herff Jones has been notified, and the new date will be reflected on the students' graduation announcements.
Moving the graduation ceremony to June 11 was a very difficult decision; however, it is our hope that we are giving you adequate notice to make the needed changes for any graduation activities you have planned and to notify family and friends who may be attending the graduation ceremony. We look forward to seeing all of you at graduation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact either of us by telephone or e-mail, Superintendent Dr. Edington, 574-457-3188 or Tedington@wawasee.k12.in.us or Principal Don Harman 574-457-3147 or DHarman@wawasee.k12.in.us
