March 2022

Dear Parents and/or Guardians of the Class of 2022:

We are quickly approaching graduation day, Thursday, June 9, 6:00pm for the class of 2022.  To assist us, please review the enclosed information carefully and discuss it with your senior.  We want to ensure that students are eligible to graduate and complete the semester successfully. We also want students to clearly understand their responsibilities and our expectations of students on commencement night when we celebrate their graduation from high school.

A student must earn 43 credits by June 9, 2022.  Students with 42 credits earned may participate in the commencement ceremony, and must have a plan for completing the last credit.  High school diplomas will not be awarded until all 43 credits have been earned, and all student fines have been paid. (media center, activities/athletics, lunchroom & computer fees) Students who fail to pass any of the classes they are currently taking may not be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony or earn a diploma depending on their credit status.  If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s credit status, please contact your student’s counselor immediately.

Mandatory Student Graduation Rehearsal, June 9 -  Graduation rehearsal will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.  Seniors planning to take part in the commencement ceremony, including post-secondary students, must be at the rehearsal.  Rehearsal should take about an hour. After rehearsal all graduates will receive an envelope with 6 admission tickets.  Students who do not attend the graduation rehearsal will be ineligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. 

Student Arrival for Graduation - Plan to be in your “Ready Room” by 4:45 p.m.  Do not bring unnecessary items with you since they cannot be carried in the ceremony.  Lavatories will be open for last minute grooming.  Please bring hairpins for securing your mortarboards to your head.

Your family and friends are not permitted in the building before, during, or after graduation.  Please share this information with all family members in attendance.  

We will not allow any individual to embarrass the senior class.  Any graduate who is improperly attired, under the influence of alcohol or chemicals, or in possession of items intended to disrupt the ceremony, will be referred to an administrator, who will remove him/her from the ceremony.  Plan your day so there is no chance of a misunderstanding.

The Commencement Ceremony – We are planning an outdoor ceremony, weather permitting, in the stadium at Armstrong.   There is limited seating in the stadium.  The gate will open at 5pm,  seating on the bleachers is first come first serve.  Spectator admission by ticket only, limit 6 tickets per graduate.  Please do not bring any balloons to the ceremony as they interfere with the visibility of the ceremony.

Pictures of each graduate will be taken by a professional photographer as they cross the stage.  Students will receive picture ordering information at graduation rehearsal.

The Program:  The program will take approximately 90 minutes. Diplomas will be distributed in the advisory ready room to students who have completed 43 credits after the graduation ceremony. Graduates are supposed to report back to their ready room as soon as the ceremony is complete as teachers will only be in the ready room for 25 mins after the ceremony. 

Accommodations:  Parking/Handicap Access/Handicap Seating/Sign Language Interpreter- If you or a family member have handicap parking needs or need sign language interpretation, please contact Rob Ware, assistant principal, at 763-504-8802 or via email at rob_ware@rdale.org, for assistance.  The Handicap Seating Area will be reserved for those with physical challenges.  Due to limited space, only the handicapped visitor plus one guest will be admitted to the Handicap Seating Area.  Visitors will need a ticket to access this area.  Please contact Rob Ware if you need to reserve a ticket to access this space.  The deadline for requesting handicap parking permits and seating area tickets is Friday, June 3. Preferential seating will be provided for those individuals needing access to sign language interpretation.

It is our intention that all seniors will be able to complete the requirements for their diploma on time and fulfill all responsibilities in a timely manner.  Seniors, remember that attendance is required through senior finals on Friday, June 3, and that there is no senior skip day. Parents, I know you will continue to encourage your student to keep on target for graduation, June 9, 2022. 

Sincerely,

Erick D. Norby
Principal

Summary of Important Dates

April 25  Senior Prom Tickets go on sale Bookkeeper window 10:30-12:30 (Last Day to purchase tickets May 10th)

April 29 Senior Decision Day 

May 6 Last day to pay fines/fees or your name is added to “THE LIST.”   Fines/fees are to be paid with cash or money order made payable to Armstrong High School.

May 6 Guidance office runs an NC list for mid-quarters to ensure seniors are on track to graduate. Teachers will notify counselors if any grade drops to an NC after mid-quarter. 

May 10 Last Day to purchase Prom Tickets

May 14 Prom @ Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens 8:00-11:00pm

May 31 Graduation cap/gown/tassel/stole, etc., may be picked up during lunch (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in the auditorium foyer by seniors who are academically eligible and do not owe fines or have other obligations.  The Graduation Dress and Behavior Expectations Contract, must be turned in at this time.

June 3 Last Day for Seniors

June 3 Call Rob Ware at 763-504-8802 for special accommodations (parking, sign language interpreter)

June 1-3 Graduation cap/gown/tassel/stole, etc., may be picked up during lunch (10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in the auditorium foyer by seniors who are academically eligible and do not owe fines or have other obligations.  The Graduation Dress and Behavior Expectations Contract, must be turned in at this time.

Cap/Gown/Tassel/Stole/Honor Cords and Medals – Will be distributed with the cap and gown. We will have another pickup day for seniors, if needed, Wednesday June 2 and Thursday June 3.  Seniors must be current in course work, have no outstanding fines or equipment fees, and must turn in their dress and behavior contract in order to be cleared to obtain their cap/gown/tassel/stole and, if eligible, honor cord.  Honor cords will be awarded to students who have achieved highest honors (1%), high honors (10%) or honors (top 20%) at the completion of the first semester (January 18, 2021).  Honor medals with a blue ribbon (Highest Honors) or a red ribbon (High Honors) are awarded at the graduation rehearsal.  

June  6 Make-up day for seniors who must complete missing work or tests

 June 8 Senior Party 6-Midnight

 June 9 Graduation rehearsal 9:30 am Attendance is mandatory.

Arrive and line up at 4:45 p.m.

Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. 

June 13 – June 14 Cap/Gown Refund* 8:00 a.m. – Noon  – Bookkeeper 

        *OPTIONAL - Bring items to be turned in for a partial refund.

Please review the information on cap and gown pickup day.

GRADUATION DRESS AND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Dress If you iron your gown and stole, use a cool setting. The mortarboard (academic cap) is to be worn flat on the top of the head.  DO NOT DECORATE. The stole is worn around the neck so it is hanging in front of the gown. Wear comfortable, nice-looking shoes.  Remember that you will be walking across the turf and spiked heels or loose fitting shoes make it difficult to walk long distances. Students should wear school appropriate attire to graduation. Highest and High Honor medals and honor cords are worn around the neck.  No other ornamentation is to be worn on the gown (e.g., corsage, jewelry, etc.). Wear your mortarboard tassel on the right side until you receive your diploma case.  After receiving the diploma case, move the tassel to the left. Do not plan to carry anything in your hands during the ceremony.  Your hands need to be free to receive your diploma case.   Behavior Students will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony if they have consumed alcohol or other chemicals. In keeping with the dignity of the ceremony, toys (e.g., beach balls, bubbles, etc.) will not be allowed. Students must comply with all school rules. The commencement ceremony is a formal, dignified occasion.  We ask that students remain quiet and respectful during the entire ceremony.  Each student deserves to have his or her name heard, so we ask that students and family members save their cheers until the end of the ceremony when students toss their mortarboards in the air.  The last student in line deserves the same consideration as the first.

I have read the graduation expectations above and agree to abide by them.  I understand that participation in the commencement ceremony is not mandatory, and that if my dress or behavior does not meet the expectations and/or detracts from the ceremony, I could be asked to leave the premises.

 

__________________________________    ______________________________

          Student name (printed)                             Signature                                                      

Chromebook Collection Changes for Summer!

Here are some changes to our 1:1 Chromebook program that we’d like to make sure all families are aware of:

Current 9th,10th, and 11th Grade Students:

• Current 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students will keep their Chromebook, charger and case over the summer. These students will use the same device next school year. 

• There is extremely limited technology help over the summer.  If a problem arises, hold tight and plan for help in September once school starts.

Current 12th Grade Students:

• Students currently in 12th grade will return their Chromebooks, chargers and cases to AHS on June 2nd or 3rd.

• Incoming 9th-graders will be issued a new Chromebook from your high school in August/September. Watch for information from your high school.

• If you need a device for a summer program offered by Robbinsdale Area Schools, you will have access to a device at the summer site location.

Students Leaving Robbinsdale Area Schools:

• If you know your student will not be attending school in Robbinsdale Area Schools next school year (2022-2023), and they are in 9th, 10th, or 11th-grades, please have your student return the CB, charger and case to the AHS library media center by the last day of school, Wednesday, June 8th.

After June 8th, any Chromebooks, chargers and cases from students leaving Robbinsdale Area Schools can be returned to (District Media Service or ESC).

Armstrong's graduation will be recorded and posted on the school board's web page.  It will be posted after the ceremony is over. Click on "Watch Schoolboard Meeting Webcasts"  you will see Armstrong's graduation ceremony when it becomes available.

Recorded ceremony

Graduation will also be live streamed.  It will begin at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 9th, 2022

Livestream of ceremony

 

 

Here is a link that summarizes all information for seniors and senior families.

Senior Info Summary

Announcements:

The deadline for senior families to order custom announcements is December 15 , 2021.
If you ordered announcements, please pick them up in the main office, if you haven't already done so.

Order your announcements

Cap and Gown

The deadline for Cap & Gown measurements this year was December 15th.  This is to ensure we have everything in process should any unknown shut downs, capacity issues, etc. happen this year. 

Any questions about ordering should be directed to Josten's directly.  Please see buttons below to order and pay.

Order cap & Gown

PAY HERE FOR ORDERED GOWNS

Seniors will have a cap & gown photo which will be part of the senior class photo, which was March 9th, 2022. There are no picture retakes for this opportunity. This is free for our seniors to take and be included in the photo, with the opportunity to purchase through the photographer.  They were called down during the time window to take their solo photo in a cap & gown.  Photos will be available for purchase at a later time.  Please contact Kemmetmueller Photography directly for more information.

Jewelry

Jostens has a great back-to-school offer for rings/jewelry!  The deadline for this promotion is October 1st. 

Order jewelry

Armstrong High School Prom Guidelines

(Prom was Saturday, May 14th, 2022 at Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens 8:00pm to 11:00 pm)

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.

TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.

1. Bring your ticket  with you, in addition to an ID (school, state, or driver’s license).
2. Non-Armstrong guests MUST bring an ID with them. 
3. Guests will only be permitted to enter with the senior/junior who purchased their ticket.
4. Guests will be expected to follow all Armstrong High School rules and regulations.
5. Once a student enters prom, they will not be allowed to exit. A staff member may escort you outside in special circumstances. If a student chooses to leave the venue, they will not be readmitted.
6. All Armstrong High School rules apply at prom. This includes rules concerning both behavior and chemicals.
7. Prom is a formal event; conduct and attire that fits a formal event is expected.
8. There is not a secure or locked area for valuables, so plan ahead. Do not bring backpacks or large bags, as there will not be staff to watch them. Purses/bags will be searched at the entrance (back parking lot/staff entrance).  
9. Charge your phone beforehand, as we will not guard phones that are charging anywhere in the building. 
10. Be sure to secure a ride home before the end of the evening. Prom is over at 11:00pm sharp! We have been communicated that everyone will need to exit the building by 11:15pm as they will need to lock the doors and get ready for an event the next morning.  Do not wait until 11:00 to find a ride! 
11.  Absolutely no party buses!! Students will not be allowed in if they arrive on a party bus.

Senior photos must be submitted by December 1st to be included in the yearbook.  If a photo is not submitted by the deadline the following will take place:

• We will pull the photo from this school year.  This is the photo on your school ID, which was taken on picture day this school year.

• If this year's photo is not available we will use your 11th grade photo if available.

• If neither is available, then we will leave your photo out of the yearbook.

Details can be found on the AHS Yearbook website. 

AHS yearbook website

2022 Yearbook Orders/Ads: 

Early Bird orders are available until December 1.  Order by then in order to lock in your book at the lowest possible price ($70, tax inclusive). Book will increase by $10 after that date.

Seniors and their families may elect to place a Baby Ad, consisting of a favorite childhood photo and custom personal message, for an additional fee. When ordering, look for the Senior Special to save $10  by ordering both a book and ad at once. Info for ads and orders will also be found on the website. 

Please direct any questions to the students of the yearbook staff:  AHS_Yearbook@rdale.org

 

Dear Parents and Families of Seniors, 

As we approach a huge milestone for our senior class on June 10th, we are well aware that many of you are facing new and difficult challenges. Families are being presented with the need to make choices about how to protect their seniors from COVID-19 or being considered a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. With this being our new reality, schools and parents are trying to navigate through the unknown. We know the topic of discussion is: Should I have my senior return to school or go to DL to close out the school year? This is a discussion that we encourage your family to have as you look to make the best choice for your senior.  We want to inform you that there is a chance they would have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19 and would result in being unable to participate in their graduation ceremony on June 10th.  If this scenario were to happen to your family, we are holding a Distance Learning Drive Up Graduation option for seniors who choose to opt out of the June 10th graduation in the stadium.  

Here are some preventative COVID-19 recommendations for seniors that would like to take part in the June 10th in person graduation ceremony helping to eliminate scenarios that would require you to quarantine.  

Distance Learning:

The schools have put many COVID-19 precautions in place to keep Prom as safe as possible such as: pods of six students, QR codes at prom, tables set up with six chairs, etc.  Even with the safety precautions, there is still a chance your senior could be exposed to COVID-19. Prom is being held on May 22nd, and as a family you may want to consider DL as an option if that is the best decision for your senior. This limits your seniors exposure to being a close contact or testing positive for COVID-19. There is still a chance that you could be positive for COVID or be considered a close contact.

Below you will find some helpful tips to keep your senior safe as they prepare for graduation.  One thing to realize, by opting into DL this helps limit the amount of contact your seniors are exposed to within any given day.  Even with being on DL, seniors and parents will want to watch their daily activity outside of the house as you could come into contact with someone with covid at any event, work, gas station, etc. 

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you.  https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/en-US/ 

• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.

• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

• Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

• Monitor your health daily.

• Avoid/limit going to restaurants, stores etc. as we near graduation.

• Avoid sleepovers

• Avoid car sharing/carpooling

If you wish to have your senior switched to Distance Learning, have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your high school office. 

• Dr. Herman
• Principal, Cooper High School
• 763-504-8500

• Mr. Norby
• Principal, Armstrong High School
• 763-504-8800

• Ms. Boyden
• Principal, Robbinsdale Academy and Robbinsdale Virtual Academy
• 763-504-8700