Dear Graduating Senior and Parent/Guardian,

Although it may seem difficult to believe, the high school journey for our seniors is rapidly drawing to a close. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to you on the graduation of your child from Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). For parents and guardians, this is always a special moment. Without your guidance and support, your child could not have reached this important milestone.

Graduation from high school is an event that comes once in a student's lifetime. Your school's principal and staff have made every effort to provide a ceremony steeped in tradition, one that brings meaning to all graduates, their families, and loved ones. This is not an athletic event, but rather an academic proceeding designed to honor a journey fulfilled, one students and parents/guardians have envisioned for a long time. Our goal, as professional staff in all of our schools, is to provide a ceremony defined by dignity and decorum. Students and parents/guardians deserve nothing less, and we make every effort in our planning to execute a memorable event from start to finish. To ensure that your school's graduation is conducted in a distinguished fashion, we expect students, parents/guardians, and guests to adhere to the following principles of etiquette:

• Appropriate dress is recommended (e.g., business attire for men and semi-formal attire for ladies).
• Guests should wear appropriate shoes, as there are stairs and ramps in all venues.
• Noisemakers, including air horns or whistles, are not permitted in the graduation venue and are strictly prohibited.
• Beach balls, balloons, and similar items are prohibited during the graduation ceremony.
• The throwing of confetti is not permitted during the graduation ceremony.
• Please ensure that all electronic devices are turned off or muted during the ceremony.
• Personal use of cameras without flash and hand-held video cameras is permitted, provided individuals remain seated and respect the viewing rights of other attendees.
• Flash photography and stand-up videotaping are not permitted during the graduation ceremony.
• All graduation sites will have professional photographers.
• Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We request that all students, parents, and guests conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Students and attendees may be removed from the graduation ceremony if their behavior or conduct is inappropriate or disruptive. To acknowledge the importance of proper behavior during the graduation ceremony, please sign and return the attached letter to your school. This letter must be signed and returned before graduation tickets are issued to students.

Sincerely,

Perla Tabares Hantman School Board Administration Building
1450 N.E. 2^nd Avenue • Miami, Florida 33132
305-995-1000 • www.dadeschools.net