South Atlanta High School Educational Complex800 Hutchens Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30354

Class of 2014Senior Handbook

Campus PrincipalsMr. Jarod Scott, School of Computer Animation and Design

Dr. Patricia Ford, School of Health and Medical SciencesMs. Charlotte Davis, School of Law and Social Justice

April 2014

Dear Senior and Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2014:

Graduation is rapidly approaching. As we culminate an excellent school year, we are gearing up for senior activities, rehearsals, and the long awaited “Visions of the Future” program and Commencement exercises. With this in mind, we have attached a Calendar of Senior Activities for the 2014 graduating class.

Please remember that participation in the “Visions of the Future” program does not mean that graduation requirements have been met. It simply means that a student has successfully completed his/her selected program of study. Participation in the Commencement exercise requires that the following graduation requirements have been met:

Achieved a minimum of 24 units of coursework in the specific areas designated by Atlanta Public Schools

Completed 75 – 100 hours of community service Passed all portions of the Georgia High School Graduation Test Paid Junior and Senior Dues Has no outstanding books/ balances with any department on campus (i.e. band, library,

athletics, etc)

If you/your child works, he/she has the responsibility to inform his/her employer of the dates for “Visions of the Future” and Commencement rehearsals and exercises. Students who do not attend rehearsals will not participate in “Visions of the Future” or Commencement exercises!

The class picture will be taken during the full-dress rehearsal on Friday May 23, 2014 at 12:00-1:15. All students should come dressed in the same manner as for graduation (cap and gown, white dress/shoes and hosiery for females; white shirt, dark tie, trousers, and black shoes for males).

Sincerely,

Mr. Jarod ScottPrincipal, School of Computer Animation and Design

Dr. Patricia FordPrincipal, School of Health and Medical Sciences

Ms. Charlotte DavisPrincipal, School of Law and Social Justice

2014 Senior Activity/Commencement Calendar*Thursday-Friday May 8-9

Senior Exams

Monday, May 12, 2014 SENIOR BLACK OUTWear all black clothing and accessories

Campus Wide Senior Final Exam MAKE-UPSClearance Form Required to Senior Sponsor No Later than 3 P.M.

Each school will issue a “Cleared Senior” wristband daily. Report to Auditorium

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 MOVIE DAY “MOVIE DAY” AP EXAMS 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Report to Main GymnasiumVisions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 1:15 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014- PAJAMA DAY Visions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Report to Main Gymnasium,Lunch 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Visions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Thursday, May 15, 2014–BLOOPERS BREAKFASTBloopers Breakfast 9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.

Report to Small GymnasiumVisions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 1:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Friday, May 16, 2014 – SPIRIT DAY/SENIOR PICNIC/YEARBOOK SIGNING DAYCap and Gown Distribution 9:00 A.M.– 10:00 A.M.

Visions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.Report to Main Gymnasium

Senior Picnic 1:15 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Monday, May 19, 2014 – CRAZY HAIR/HAT DAYVisions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal – 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Report to Main Gymnasium Lunch 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Visions/Graduation Rehearsal – 1:00PM – 3:30 PM

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 – CELEBRITY DAYVisions of the Future/Graduation Rehearsal 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

KAROKE 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.Report to Small Gym

Lunch 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.Graduation Rehearsal – 1:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014Visions of the Future Rehearsal 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Early dismissal

Visions of the Future 6:00 P.M.Report to Auditorium by 5:30 P.M.

Thursday, May 22, 2014 Student Day OffGraduation Rehearsal – 9:00 A.M. – 12:00PM

Report to Main Gymnasium Lunch 12:00 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.

Graduation Rehearsal – 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Friday, May 23, 2014 – FULL DRESS REHEARSALReport to Front of Building by 10:00 A.M.

NOTE: The bus will leave from SAEC promptly at 10:30 A.M. All Graduating Seniors MUST ride the busWear EVERYTHING that you will wear for graduation including your CAP AND GOWN today!

Distribution of Caps, Gowns, and Tickets 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Sunday, May 25, 2014 Commencement Exercises 5:30 P.M.

Graduates must report by 4:30 P.M.TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED

Report directly to the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center

395 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-523-6275

*Calendar of Events is Subject to Change

Senior Attire-Class of 2014Visions of the Future

Wednesday, May 21, 20146:00 P.M.

Young Ladies: White dress (No Evening Dresses, No Sun Dresses, and No Pants) Ultra Sheer off-white hosiery White dress pumps (at least one inch) No jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, watches, or rings) No dark glasses

Young Men: Dark Suit (blue or black) White shirt Dark shoes, solid tie (black or blue) and dark socks No jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, watches, or rings) No dark glasses

Commencement ExercisesThursday, May 25, 2014

5:30 P.M.

Young Ladies: White Cap and Gown White dress (No evening Dresses, No Sun Dresses, and No Pants) Ultra Sheer off-white hosiery White dress pumps (at least one inch) No jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, watches, or rings) No dark glasses

Young Men: Purple Cap and Gown Dark pants (blue or black) White shirt Dark shoes, solid tie (black or blue) and dark socks No jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings, watches, or rings) No dark glasses

TIPS AND GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW FOR “VISIONS OF THE FUTURE” AND THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Seniors will be pulled out of the Visions of the Future ceremony and the graduation line if they are not properly dressed and on time.

1. Dresses should not be longer than the gown or shorter than the knees. Hairpins should be used if the student has trouble with the hat staying on. Pin the collar of the gown with safety pins before arriving at the Civic Center. Purses and other items should be left with parents or other relatives because they cannot be carried during the ceremony. Please do not use heavy powder or perfume.

2. Press robes thoroughly with cool iron. DO NOT USE HIGH HEAT.3. Earrings are never worn with academic regalia.4. Caps should be worn so that the pointed ends fit directly between the eyebrows (two

finger widths above the eyebrow). They are never worn pushed to the side or the back of the head.

5. DO NOT BRING CHILDREN OR FOOD TO ANY REHEARSALS. Children cannot be watched during rehearsals, and food will not be allowed.

REHEARSAL FOR VISIONS OF THE FUTURE AND GRADUATION

All graduating seniors must attend all rehearsals for both Visions of the Future and Commencement. Failure to attend a rehearsal will mean not participating in either Visions of the Future or Graduation. Students absent from school on any day of rehearsal will not be permitted to participate in either activity unless cleared by the administration. Attendance will be taken each day. After you have missed sign in on 2 days you will be pulled from the ceremonies.

All students may leave campus for lunch during on rehearsal days as applicable and must report back to the gymnasium promptly by 1:00 P.M. to sign in. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria if you choose not to leave campus. The cafeteria is the only location in the building where seniors are permitted. Seniors are not permitted to go into any other part of the building at any time unless escorted by a staff person. Please follow administrative guidelines regarding early dismissals.

The Visions of the Future ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. in the South Atlanta High School Educational Complex Main Gymnasium. All graduating seniors must report at 5:00 P.M. All guests are encouraged to arrive by 5:30 P.M. to ensure seating.

AUDIENCE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COMMENCEMENT

It is the right of every senior to expect a dignified commencement worthy of the time, effort, and financial investment. This occasion should reflect the highest possible excellence in accordance with established academic etiquette and protocol. Anything less defeats the real purpose and nullifies the unique educational value of Commencement. In order to provide deserving, memorable moments to be treasured throughout the life span of the graduates, there must be close cooperation between the participants, planners, and audience. The audience can pay their personal love and respect to their loved one, as well as to all graduates by following the guidelines listed below:

1. Arrive at the Civic Center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time for graduation time to be comfortably seated.

2. Occupy only the seats you and your family, and guests are actually seated in, and do not reserve seats with personal possessions.

3. Move to the center of the row so that others will not have to squeeze pass you.4. Take no more than a single program. All programs will be shared with the graduates.5. Follow the directions of the ushers and guides.6. Refrain from blocking the view of others by standing or obstructing the processional.7. Save applause until all diplomas and honors are presented.8. Refrain from any conduct that might be distracting to the ceremony (cat calls, yelling, etc.).9. Refrain from the use of alcohol or unprescribed drugs.10. Use common courtesy in relating to other members of the audience.

Please note that due to security concerns, no balloons will be permitted on the premises.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

The Graduation Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 5:30 P.M. at the Atlanta Civic Center. All graduating seniors will report to their assigned seat in the designated rooms on the first floor by 4:00 P.M. so that attendance can be taken. The graduation ceremony is a serious, formal ceremony. Seniors and their parents should suggest to other relatives and friends that the ceremony should be a dignified occasion; therefore, applause is much more appropriate than the loud vocal remarks or cat calls when a senior’s name is called. Loud remarks are embarrassing to the senior and disruptive for other guests. We hope this will be a memorable occasion for all seniors, parents, relatives, and friends.

THINGS TO SHARE WITH YOUR PARENTS FOR GRADUATION

1. Parents ARE NOT permitted in the assembly area.2. You WILL NOT be permitted to leave the assembly area for ANY reason after 4:45 P.M.3. All guests, who are not seated in the Civic Center auditorium by 5:25 P.M. will not be

seated until after seniors have marched on stage.4. By Monday, May 20, 2014, the final order of march will be set. Suggest to family and

guests that they sit where they will have the best view of you.5. Parking is at a premium. Over 400 previously assigned parking spaces at the Civic

Center have been deleted. Parents are encouraged to depart early enough to insure an on time arrival and a place to park. Other parking options should be considered, including limited parking at the Georgia Power Building and the parking decks adjacent to the Atlanta Hilton. Public transportation (MARTA) to the Civic Center is also a viable alternative.

THINGS FOR YOU TO REMEMBER

1. Strictly observe the time schedule. Failure to be at the appointed place at the designated time may jeopardize your participation in the activity.

2. DO NOT bring valuables with you to the assembly areas. Young ladies, if you must bring a purse, leave it with your family. Young men, if you carry a wallet, make sure to keep it in your possession at all times.

3. Do as much preparation as possible before leaving home. Your gowns will look fresher if you bring them on hangers and put them on after arriving at the assembly area.

4. Do not bring food, drink, or gum with you to the assembly area.5. Strict adherence to the time schedule will make your graduation more pleasant and

memorable. Crisis mode can be avoided by being certain that you have everything you need before you leave home. As you are preparing to leave home, check off items to insure that you have them when you need them. If you are wearing academic regalia, be sure to have it with you. The check list below is provided to help you:

GRADUATION DAY CHECKLIST

Things Everyone Should Bring Things for Young Men Things for Young Ladies ______Tassel ______Dark Shoes ______White Shoes______Cap and Gown ______Dark Socks ______White Dress______Comb/Pick ______White Shirt ______Sheer off-white/white hosiery______Safety Pins ______Dark Tie ______Bobby Pins______Official Academic Regalia ______All Jewelry off ______All Jewelry off______Directions to Civic Center

NO JEWELRY IS TO BE WORN. NO EXCEPTIONS!