Senior Information

Welcome to your senior year! Samueli Academy is very proud to present its fifth graduating class, the Class of 2021. There are many activities that honor and reward seniors for their four arduous years of high school. Parents/Caregivers may share in some of them, while others are reserved exclusively for students. It is our intent, through this informational website to acquaint you with all the activities which your student is entitled to attend and those in which you would have an interest. We request that you review all of this with your student. Samueli Academy staff feels that a clear understanding of the rules governing the activities will assist all of us in enjoying them fully.

Our Mission

To ignite the passion within all students to reach their greatest potential through a nurturing and innovative learning environment.

Academic Information

Academics

In order to participate in senior activities including graduation exercises, you must meet the Samueli Academy graduation requirements.

Students must pass all required classes. Make sure to check Aeries and ECHO on a regular basis. Students in danger of failing should communicate directly with the teacher and/or counselor.

Attendance/Tardies

Attendance policies are applicable to the end of the school year. It is important that all seniors continue to attend all classes. All unexcused absences can lead to Saturday School. All Saturday Schools must be cleared if you are going to attend any Senior Activities such as the senior breakfast, senior picnic, and graduation.

Awards and Ceremonies

For all students participating in any award ceremony, it is important to consider some basic rules that are enforced at each event, such as proper behavior and attire.

Gentlemen need to wear a dress shirt, dress pants, tie and dress shoes (no tennis shoes permitted).

Ladies have the option to wear a dress or pantsuit and dress shoes (no flip flops).

Senior Awards: program will recognize academic excellence, athletic awards, Senior Defense, community, and SA scholarships. This event is open to all seniors, though students being recognized and their parents/caregivers will receive an invitation to the event. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Reyes.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF)

Students who earn four or more semesters of membership in CSF (with at least one semester during their senior year) qualify for Life Membership in CSF and are eligible to wear the CSF stole and pin during the graduation ceremony. Students will also have the CSF Seal embossed on their diploma.

California Seal of Biliteracy

This program recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English. Students who meet the criteria will be able to receive a special Seal on their diploma. Please see your Counselor if you have any questions.

Graduation Information

Caps and Gowns

Herff Jones

To place your order online, please visit the website provided below:
https://www.herffjones.com/schools/highschool/04023037000/

To rent your Cap and Gown for FREE please fill out this form and turn into Mr. Reyes.

If you do not place your order by the deadline, cap and gown sizes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a late fee will be added to the original price.

Graduation Practice

This practice is mandatory for all graduating seniors who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony. YOU MUST ARRIVE ON TIME!!!

Time, Location, Tickets & Parking

Each student will receive tickets for the ceremony. Tickets will be given to students only. Tickets will NOT be distributed to anyone else. Graduation ceremony tickets will be distributed the week of graduation to students who have all fines paid and/or cleared, and academic clearances are taken care of.

Graduate Conduct and Prohibited Items

All graduating seniors will be checked for inappropriate items at the entrance. If any items are found, they will be taken away and depending on the items students may be asked to leave. Inappropriate items include, but are not limited to:

  • Cellular phones
  • Audio/MP3 players
  • Cameras
  • Video games
  • Purses
  • Make-up/cosmetics
  • Air horns, balloons, confetti, noise makers, etc.
  • Food and drinks

School officials will remove any student who distracts from the dignity of the ceremony. Any student under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony and will be arrested.

Dress Code

Ladies should wear a pantsuit or dress and dress shoes. High heels are discouraged in order to prevent falling/injury on the stairs. Block heals are permissible. Men should wear dress pants, dress shoes, and a shirt with a collar (ties are optional but encouraged).Only approved tassels, cords, honor stoles, medallions, etc. may be worn. Students NOT dressed appropriately will NOT be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Items NOT Allowed:

  • High heels
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Flip-flops
  • Denim pants/jeans, shorts, t-shirts
  • Bare feet
  • Defaced caps or gowns
  • Floral, Money, Candy Leis and any other accessories not school-issued

Graduation Ceremony—Guest Rules

In order to make this a pleasant event for all guests, please inform your friends and family that they are not to bring any noisemakers, confetti, or other disruptive party items to the Graduation Ceremony. Umbrellas, strollers, and baby carriers are not permitted. Balloons and signs are popular items purchased for graduates, however, these items also block the view for guests. Thus, individuals that bring balloons or signs to the center will not be allowed to enter with the items.

Diplomas

Diplomas are issued to all graduating seniors who:

  • Have completed all Samueli Academy academic requirements
  • Have paid and/or cleared all fines

Diplomas will be distributed the following week after graduation.

Each student will receive tickets for the ceremony. Tickets will be given to students only. Tickets will NOT be distributed to anyone else. Graduation ceremony tickets will be distributed the week of graduation to students who have all fines paid and/or cleared, and academic clearances are taken care of.

Graduate Conduct and Prohibited Items

All graduating seniors will be checked for inappropriate items at the entrance. If any items are found, they will be taken away and depending on the items students may be asked to leave. Inappropriate items include, but are not limited to:

  • Cellular phones
  • Audio/MP3 players
  • Cameras
  • Video games
  • Purses
  • Make-up/cosmetics
  • Air horns, balloons, confetti, noise makers, etc.
  • Food and drinks

School officials will remove any student who distracts from the dignity of the ceremony. Any student under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony and will be arrested.

Dress Code

Ladies should wear a pantsuit or dress and dress shoes. High heels are discouraged in order to prevent falling/injury on the stairs. Block heals are permissible. Men should wear dress pants, dress shoes, and a shirt with a collar (ties are optional but encouraged).Only approved tassels, cords, honor stoles, medallions, etc. may be worn. Students NOT dressed appropriately will NOT be allowed to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Items NOT Allowed:

  • High heels
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Flip-flops
  • Denim pants/jeans, shorts, t-shirts
  • Bare feet
  • Defaced caps or gowns
  • Floral, Money, Candy Leis and any other accessories not school-issued

Graduation Ceremony—Guest Rules

In order to make this a pleasant event for all guests, please inform your friends and family that they are not to bring any noisemakers, confetti, or other disruptive party items to the Graduation Ceremony. Umbrellas, strollers, and baby carriers are not permitted. Balloons and signs are popular items purchased for graduates, however, these items also block the view for guests. Thus, individuals that bring balloons or signs to the center will not be allowed to enter with the items.

Diplomas

Diplomas are issued to all graduating seniors who:

  • Have completed all Samueli Academy academic requirements
  • Have paid and/or cleared all fines

Diplomas will be distributed the following week after graduation.

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