#MASSPchat Archive
Chats will be moderated by MASSP staff, members of the MASSP Board of Directors and MASSP Members – we will also have special guest moderators on occasion.
Monday March 21, 2016
It's good to be back...Paul Hungerford, Fulton MS/HS. Good evening all!
Ms. Basgall - English 9 and 10 teacher at Inland Lakes Schools, Indian River, MI!
Looking forward to discussing commencement!
Hello! coming to you from the "Drug Trend" presentation put on by the Michigan State Police. Scary stuff!
Hi All ... Tracy Wilson, Grand Haven HS Principal. Commencement is one of my favorite events of the year ... will be a fun chat!!
Did you see the "Tall Cop" presentation? Or, was it a different presenter?
Scott Pfeiffer, MS/HS Principal at Countryside Academy in Benton Harbor.
We will be using the Q1: abs A1: format again tonight.
Evan Robb-- in from Va-- happy to engage!
. Rockford HS is in the house! Super energized after a day with WENDY learning about SLO's
Q1: What type of pre planning and practice goes into your Commencement ceremony?
Hi Katy- Great to see you today! https://t.co/Pc8hnZaDfv
. Rockford HS is in the house! Super energized after a day with WENDY learning about SLO's
A1: We have several key players that work on the pre-planning and practice for our commencements. It truly is a TEAM effort.
A1: just held our mtg with senior class council to delegate responsibilities &have a follow up in April & practice in May
Hello all! Dan Kelley from Rhode Island. We run 2 rehearsals prior to ceremony. Lots of collaboration with host site
Seniors finish a week early. After their last exam and lunch, we rehearse Commencement entrance and exit, do abbreviated agenda
A1: I'm thankful for our office staff, counselor and Computer Publications (YB) teacher for all their work for commencements.
Senior meeting April 13-handout calendar for yr end. practice morning of grad. Iron out everything! https://t.co/GXArgu6wtP
Q1: What type of pre planning and practice goes into your Commencement ceremony?
We even practice the handshake.
A1 After doing it for many years all of my planning is templates. I have two practices prior to the ceremony.
It does take a team! Who helps you? https://t.co/GVPM8nRa7g
A1: We have several key players that work on the pre-planning and practice for our commencements. It truly is a TEAM effort.
A1: TONS of planning! I was involved as a class adviser prior to my position. Lots of changes over the years.
That's great so do students play a key role in running the rehearsal? https://t.co/tC1mt3aGqp
A1: just held our mtg with senior class council to delegate responsibilities &have a follow up in April & practice in May
My Secretary is a rock star!
Hello Dan- Everyone- the Presisent just joined us! https://t.co/em82Wv1yKZ
Hello all! Dan Kelley from Rhode Island. We run 2 rehearsals prior to ceremony. Lots of collaboration with host site
planning hasn't changed a lot based on our program being at an off-site location! https://t.co/AUPdBeqANW
A1 After doing it for many years all of my planning is templates. I have two practices prior to the ceremony.
Good plan- Do they all attend? https://t.co/7yxeg7o0FD
Seniors finish a week early. After their last exam and lunch, we rehearse Commencement entrance and exit, do abbreviated agenda
A1: We have a great TEAM that works in improvements from year to year. Need to remain classy & upscale. https://t.co/hVPYAyACSY
Q1: What type of pre planning and practice goes into your Commencement ceremony?
A1: We have a rehearsal on the Friday prior to Commencement Sunday. We run thru a shortened version of the ceremony.
We are fortunate to work with Bryant University. Allows us to be indoors. Do not have to make tough decision with weather.
We're changes based on stakeholder input or things you wanted to alter? https://t.co/owRo9G0cBe
A1: TONS of planning! I was involved as a class adviser prior to my position. Lots of changes over the years.
A1: Already in the preplanning stages now!! New gowns this year ... so exciting!
we r also off site and same location for yrs. Helps in planning and getting organized https://t.co/5N6rK01JGi
planning hasn't changed a lot based on our program being at an off-site location! https://t.co/AUPdBeqANW
A1 After doing it for many years all of my planning is templates. I have two practices prior to the ceremony.
So important to practice- really helps the kids to feel relaxed and able to enjoy the event. https://t.co/5Fy00z9XeI
A1: We have a rehearsal on the Friday prior to Commencement Sunday. We run thru a shortened version of the ceremony.
A little of both. Really has been awesome & very well received. https://t.co/i085Z0JWH2
We're changes based on stakeholder input or things you wanted to alter? https://t.co/owRo9G0cBe
A1: TONS of planning! I was involved as a class adviser prior to my position. Lots of changes over the years.
Likewise we work with Western MI Univ, they have been wonderful over the years!
https://t.co/sNgpVXqbFv
We are fortunate to work with Bryant University. Allows us to be indoors. Do not have to make tough decision with weather.
BAM! Really nice to have a great indoor facility. https://t.co/ueKdEtyrw2
We are fortunate to work with Bryant University. Allows us to be indoors. Do not have to make tough decision with weather.
Same color gown for all? https://t.co/2ZEiNaW2mU
A1: Already in the preplanning stages now!! New gowns this year ... so exciting!
not so much w\ running the rehearsal but rather with coordinating everything from flowers to photos to Senior ASL song
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
boys are green girls are gold. Curious how many of you use a solid color?
P-W's seniors doing a song in ASL is something to see...absolutely amazing!
Seems to be becoming more popular. https://t.co/KX9zi9dVUZ
boys are green girls are gold. Curious how many of you use a solid color?
I run evening, Supt. and SC Chair speak. Val & Sal. We added the class president a few years ago. We are done 1 1/2 hours
A2:Students tryout for speaker role, some years 2 others 3. Adviser, forensics coach, Prin, 2 staff. https://t.co/cglURds7Wb
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
Not too late to join! Just posted Q2:
Solid brown with stoll at NHS https://t.co/mcEjPt4AME
boys are green girls are gold. Curious how many of you use a solid color?
A2: The only speakers we have are our valedictorian(s) and salutatorian(s).
Commencement Speaker, Valedictory and Salutatory Addresses are the main speeches. Other than that just intros and anecdotes.
Nice! How many graduates are in the Class of 2016? https://t.co/O3Uxn7l57b
I run evening, Supt. and SC Chair speak. Val & Sal. We added the class president a few years ago. We are done 1 1/2 hours
A2: valedictorians, class pres., keynote, & senior sendoff speaker-keynote & senior send off selected by senior cl. counc
I like the try out a bit better than just Val/Sal personally. https://t.co/Bl2OdjWGCK
A2:Students tryout for speaker role, some years 2 others 3. Adviser, forensics coach, Prin, 2 staff. https://t.co/cglURds7Wb
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
A2: Commencement Speaker, Valedictory/Salutatory Addresses are major ones, the rest is intros and anecdotes.
A2: No outside speakers ... All students and it's been awesome. https://t.co/RcZsfwpwTG
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
I like your senior send off idea. https://t.co/aiYOfgjIBp
A2: valedictorians, class pres., keynote, & senior sendoff speaker-keynote & senior send off selected by senior cl. counc
Sup., BoE pres., principal, student mayor, Val., Sal.--6 total https://t.co/AyFMWKciZX
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
We also have one staff speaker per year, usually the one that is retiring if we have one. So young now...might be tough!
Nothing wrong with being student centered! https://t.co/FdF1521nxM
A2: No outside speakers ... All students and it's been awesome. https://t.co/RcZsfwpwTG
Q2: How many speakers do you have during the ceremony? If there are students how are they selected?
A2 Supt does very short address. I MC and make anecdotal comments. Val/Sal speak.
A2: Student Senate President, Class President, #1 in class, 4 students present 4 faculty awards and speak about each.
all wear black and an orange stoll. Super sharp!
Q3: Do you speak at the ceremony? If so how long? Any themes or topics yet?
A3: I just MC the event...introduce speakers, etc. No formal speeches given by any of the admin.
A2: Superintendent towards the beginning. I give my address just before we move the tassel.
Has it always been that way or did you make that change to no Admin speeches? https://t.co/EvqKqQ6MEF
A3: I just MC the event...introduce speakers, etc. No formal speeches given by any of the admin.
A3. I talked briefly about the class. %of students involved, class GPA, recognize any special accomplishments by teams/clubs ect
A3: MC, but that is it. The kids have heard enough of me over the years. :)
It's always been that way. The Commencements Ceremony is very traditional...hard to make changes.
No doubt about that! :) https://t.co/kfuC6Sdt35
It's always been that way. The Commencements Ceremony is very traditional...hard to make changes.
As an AP I give a short moment of silence at the beg. for those not there-classmates or family members https://t.co/6NZQ9gie3x
Q3: Do you speak at the ceremony? If so how long? Any themes or topics yet?
A3: try not to talk long prior to intro top 10-but it's hard not to give love to kids you've worked alongside for 7 years
How long do you speak? Any ideas on a theme or topic for this year? https://t.co/ahpM2GlPPY
A2: Superintendent towards the beginning. I give my address just before we move the tassel.
A3: I wrap it up, start by saying "You really didn't think you'd get away with me not addressing you?"😂" https://t.co/yidlHJl5pT
Q3: Do you speak at the ceremony? If so how long? Any themes or topics yet?
Exactly! I enjoyed reminding them of some of the things that happened over their 4 years. https://t.co/1qCLBJmXQW
A3: try not to talk long prior to intro top 10-but it's hard not to give love to kids you've worked alongside for 7 years
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
About 10'ish mins. I usually talk about things they've accomplished & legacy they leave. https://t.co/mEG2Fc6mMb
How long do you speak? Any ideas on a theme or topic for this year? https://t.co/ahpM2GlPPY
A2: Superintendent towards the beginning. I give my address just before we move the tassel.
Need to step out. Fantasy baseball draft tonight. I hope to host a session with you all soon. Have a great week!
We have gradbash run completely by the parents and boosters! It's awesome, leave right from WMU. https://t.co/8eNGtQGhrx
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Q4: We have our all-night party on the night of prom. All of our Sr.'s get door prizes to use for college.
A4: We do not. Ours happens on Prom night. Organized by parents. https://t.co/1e98Xto954
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
yes! All parent run-the lead P's r those in leadership positions with St. Council. Those P's get others https://t.co/Od9R3oRg1v
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Thanks for checking in! https://t.co/VIqatlZMkB
Need to step out. Fantasy baseball draft tonight. I hope to host a session with you all soon. Have a great week!
A4: Our all-night party is put on by our SADD Organization and I'm there all night as well.
Cool! Where is it held? Do you attend the whole night or just stop in? https://t.co/Aonk0KFRPe
We have gradbash run completely by the parents and boosters! It's awesome, leave right from WMU. https://t.co/8eNGtQGhrx
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Great! Do the parents run that or is it school sponsored? https://t.co/cl8oe25LZt
Q4: We have our all-night party on the night of prom. All of our Sr.'s get door prizes to use for college.
A4: no ma'am but we need it we are adding this initiative to our SIT agenda
secret location each year! Surprise for all of the students. We check em in and they take em! https://t.co/al8nuPA4qA
Cool! Where is it held? Do you attend the whole night or just stop in? https://t.co/Aonk0KFRPe
We have gradbash run completely by the parents and boosters! It's awesome, leave right from WMU. https://t.co/8eNGtQGhrx
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Is there an expectation that Rockford Admins attend? https://t.co/IV81q9X8aP
yes! All parent run-the lead P's r those in leadership positions with St. Council. Those P's get others https://t.co/Od9R3oRg1v
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Good for you! I'm sure the kids will love it. https://t.co/rGJeYxNw9Z
A4: no ma'am but we need it we are adding this initiative to our SIT agenda
Neat! Awesome to have that kind of parental support. https://t.co/JhlG8JLp7y
secret location each year! Surprise for all of the students. We check em in and they take em! https://t.co/al8nuPA4qA
Cool! Where is it held? Do you attend the whole night or just stop in? https://t.co/Aonk0KFRPe
We have gradbash run completely by the parents and boosters! It's awesome, leave right from WMU. https://t.co/8eNGtQGhrx
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
No Admin. At AfterGrad!! We go drink pop afterwards-😁 https://t.co/v0xhWoGcLI
Is there an expectation that Rockford Admins attend? https://t.co/IV81q9X8aP
yes! All parent run-the lead P's r those in leadership positions with St. Council. Those P's get others https://t.co/Od9R3oRg1v
Q4: Do you have an all night party for the seniors following Commencement? If so, is it run by the school or parents?
A5: No, we really don't have any traditions on the Sr.'s last day...maybe we need to begin a new tradition?
A5: We do not but have talked about adding something. https://t.co/0bkxlQYJKP
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
We had problems w/seniors leaving campus in an orderly manner. The senior walk fixed that issue. https://t.co/IjrIgY3HUg
A5: No, we really don't have any traditions on the Sr.'s last day...maybe we need to begin a new tradition?
A5: Kids are announced and walk the hall before the assembled student body (small has its perks.) at the end of their last day
I have to say it was very successful in Rochester.Nice way for seniors to be recognized on their way out. https://t.co/cgFdRKN9m9
A5: We do not but have talked about adding something. https://t.co/0bkxlQYJKP
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
We have a Senior Parade on their last day. Seniors go back to their elem. school in full cap/gown- so fun https://t.co/YItPlFOjoV
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
A5 Student body forms a tunnel seniors walk through.
That's fun! We just played the fight song/school song & the Ss lined the hallways as seniors paraded. https://t.co/cJwLzrdjEA
A5: Kids are announced and walk the hall before the assembled student body (small has its perks.) at the end of their last day
A5: senior send off and barbecue with outdoor games and panoramic photo
We don't have any senior walk or exit activity, they check out last day with all staff. https://t.co/4Tjbat39qj
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
Nice for staff to say good byes this way too! https://t.co/1lXgXBbFhE
A5 Student body forms a tunnel seniors walk through.
Very neat idea! https://t.co/2z0pYlk4wg
We have a Senior Parade on their last day. Seniors go back to their elem. school in full cap/gown- so fun https://t.co/YItPlFOjoV
Q5: Do you do any type of senior walk or exit activity on the seniors last day?
Q6: Any other notable senior activities or events you can share?
A6: We had a senior breakfast before rehearsal- the PTA sponsored & Juniors serve the food.
A6: We have an end of year talent show, quiz bowl that are big hits. Talent show has student MC's. https://t.co/z6oiWhGPCQ
Q6: Any other notable senior activities or events you can share?
A5 I become very serious and stoic. I want S to understand the seriousness of ceremony. I've never had a problem during ceremony
A6: Seniors were allowed to invite any current/former district employees to the ceremony as their guests (lots of Elem Ts).
Wall of the Future. Seniors put a pin on the map of where they will go next yr. college/military/trades https://t.co/QG9QmV64cO
Q6: Any other notable senior activities or events you can share?
A6: Student Gov does a Senior lunch. Always a good event.
Q6: We do a wonderful Honors Night ... Recognize scholarships, awards & athletics. https://t.co/WylAYiDOmE
Q6: Any other notable senior activities or events you can share?
Now it can be more of an issue to get the families attending to be respectful during the ceremony. https://t.co/mMthYmNi9O
A5 I become very serious and stoic. I want S to understand the seriousness of ceremony. I've never had a problem during ceremony
BAM! Love that! https://t.co/ArtIin4f9r
Wall of the Future. Seniors put a pin on the map of where they will go next yr. college/military/trades https://t.co/QG9QmV64cO
Q6: Any other notable senior activities or events you can share?
A6: We have a very nice Academic Awards Night and our YB teacher puts together a Sr. Video that the kids love!
Videos are always memorable for everyone! https://t.co/3Gv0MCzmLS
A6: We have a very nice Academic Awards Night and our YB teacher puts together a Sr. Video that the kids love!
Thanks for sharing your Commencement thoughts tonight PLN! Great to chat with you all. I hope you enjoy a well deserved break!
A6: our seniors attempt to send written commencement invite to support staff members,bus driver, cook, elementary teacher
Thank you everyone! Have a great remainder of the week and enjoyable Spring Break in the next cpl. of weeks.
A6: Seniors finish week of May 16 with incentive to waive exams with +grades, attendance & behavior. 🎓Commencement May 26🎓
Thanks for another wonderful chat. Appreciate your leadership Wendy.
Have a great week everyone! Finish pre-break strong and make a difference for kids!
