Graduation

When and where is commencement for the Class of 2026?

Our commencement ceremony is Friday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at Lee and Penny Anderson Arena at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul (2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105).

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What time do we need to be at commencement?

• Seniors must report to the Tommie Ice Plex by 12 p.m.

• Spectators will enter the Main Entrance doors by 1 p.m. The doors open at 12 p.m.

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Do I need a ticket to attend commencement?

Yes. Each graduate had the opportunity to request up to 7 tickets for the ceremony. Only those with a ticket will be permitted into the arena. More details will come regarding when and where they will be available for pick up. 

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Are the graduation tickets physical or digital?

The tickets are physical tickets that will be picked up the week of graduation.

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Can I pay for extra tickets?

No. We are at the venue's capacity and there are no extra tickets available for purchase. 

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If ticketing is limited, why is commencement not taking place at SLPHS?

Due to larger class sizes, we have outgrown our ability to host commencement at Spring Lake Park High School. Panther Stadium would only allow for four tickets per graduate (two if it's inside due to the weather), therefore it was important for us to find a space to allow for more family members to attend. 

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What kind of seating will be available?

There is stadium seating available. Floor and balcony seating is reserved for handicap seating.

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Where will I park at the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena?

There are identified parking areas around the arena. We will share maps and additional information soon.

Please note, parking will be tight. To help alleviate parking challenges, we encourage carpooling and we are looking into busing options.

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Do you provide transportation to Lee and Penny Anderson Arena?

Yes. If you/your family would be interested in getting a ride to the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, we will provide a bus from the high school. Stay tuned for a sign-up form.  

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Will the ceremony be live streamed?

Yes. The ceremony will also be live streamed. We will provide a link as we get closer to the event.

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Will there be photography at commencement?

Yes, there will be a photographer taking candid photos throughout the evening that will shared online for downloading.

Lifetouch photography will be at the ceremony taking a photo of your graduate with their diploma. Ordering instructions are as follows:

1. Text 34636Grad26 to 90738.

2. Receive a link to the gallery when photos are ready

3. Choose your photos

4. Order custom prints, packages and products

5. Receive your order in the mail and enjoy!

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Are balloons or air horns allowed at Lee and Penny Anderson Arena? See the full prohibited items list

No. Balloons and air horns are not allowed at Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. See the full prohibited items list:

• Animals (except service animals) 

• Air Horns/Noisemaking devices 

• Helium balloons 

• Balls (beach balls, footballs, baseballs, etc.) 

• Banners or signs exceeding 24” x 36” 

• Boxes, wrapped gifts or items 

• Coolers of any kind, including small soft packs 

• Confetti poppers 

• Externally-powered heated blankets** 

• Fireworks 

• Illegal drugs 

• Laser pointers 

• Markers (permanent) and/or paint 

• Objects that can be used as a missile or projectile 

• Offensive or profane signage 

• Pepper spray or mace (aerosol or gel) 

• Smoking devices (vape pens, e-cigars, tank systems, etc.) 

• Sticks, selfie sticks, and flag poles 

• Tobacco products 

• Weapons 

• All other items deemed prohibited at the discretion of stadium management 

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What are the commencement expectations?

Commencement Philosophy

 It is the philosophy of Spring Lake Park High School that commencement is designed to honor graduates with activities that are dignified. Graduates and their guests are politely asked to refrain from any action that would disrupt the atmosphere of these ceremonies. With the cooperation of those attending commencement, everyone will experience a positive, memorable event. Participation in commencement is voluntary – if a student chooses not to participate, they must inform the school. Attendance at commencement rehearsal is required of those participating in the ceremony.

Academic Standards for Participation in Commencement

• Only those seniors who have met academic requirements for graduation will be permitted to participate in commencement ceremonies.

• The counseling office will inform students individually of ineligibility due to lack of credits or graduation requirements. Those with specific questions or concerns should call the school at 763-600-5102 or contact Student Services 763-600-5131.

Participation

Only seniors who meet all academic requirements and behavioral expectations may participate in commencement. Participating in commencement is voluntary; however, attendance at rehearsal is required for the commencement ceremony.  Seniors will be given very specific information about the Commencement ceremony during rehearsal.

Dress at commencement

• Cap, gown, tassel, honor cords that have been approved by Administration

• No altering or add-ons to graduation cap and gowns

• No corsages

• No shorts or jeans

• Please wear dress shoes 

Line-Up for Processional

• Line-up and seating will be alphabetical

• Above dress standards will be monitored

Behavior Standards during Commencement

Students

• Behavior consistent with a dignified ceremony is expected

• No beverages

• No beach balls, bubbles, airplanes, or any such distractions

• No performances on stage (including gestures, yelling, and symbols)

• Expressions of celebration should be reserved until the ceremony is concluded

• No cap tossing at individuals

Adults

• Please leave balloon bouquets at home. Items will either be confiscated or you can bring them back to your vehicle. The school will not be responsible for the loss of these items.

• Guests are encouraged to dress in a manner in keeping with the dignity of the ceremony.

• For the courtesy and convenience of everyone, guests are asked to remain seated throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students and family members will exit from the main entrance. 

Diplomas

• During the ceremony, the diploma cover will be awarded to each graduate.

•  All academic requirements are fulfilled.

• Diplomas will be mailed to graduates after final grades have been posted to students’ transcripts.

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Will my student graduate with Honors and/or Distinction?

Your student's GPA determines if they graduate with Honors and/or Distinction.

• Honors Graduate - 3.0-3.399 GPA  -Gold Tassel

• High Honors Graduate - 3.4-3.699 GPA - Gold Tassel

• Highest Honors Graduate - 3.7 or greater GPA - Gold Tassel

• Highest Honors Graduate with Academic Distinction - 3.7 or great GPA and also completed 29 credits of "high rigor" coursework - Gold Tassel & Gold Cord

Decision Day takes place Friday, May 1 and celebrates the post-secondary plans of our graduating class. We ask students to wear gear representing their plans for next year – college, career, military, etc. We’ll take photos and celebrate these important decisions with cupcakes during lunch periods.

The next senior meeting will take place during 6th hour on May 8. After the senior meeting, we will distribute free Class of 2026 yard/window signs at the end of the school day. Seniors should report to the Panther Stadium to pick up their sign and take a group photo on the field. Those who are unable to pick up their sign on May 8 can pick one up in the front office after this date.

The senior survey is now open. Counselors cannot send a student's final transcript to their college of choice unless they have completed the senior survey. Seniors also cannot pick up their cap and gown until they have completed the survey. Seniors can complete the senior survey in Naviance now until May 13. Transcripts are typically sent to colleges in mid-June.

Cap and Gown pick up is scheduled for Thursday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center for pre-ordered caps and gowns. If you missed the order deadline, there will be some for sale during pick up - correct sizing may not be available. Honor cords and tassels will also be available for purchase at this time.

• The last day of regular classes for seniors is Wednesday, May 27.

• On Thursday, May 28, seniors have a required class meeting, iPad turn in and graduation rehearsal starting at 8 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center. Then, we'll see seniors at the commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, to arrive no later than 12 p.m.

The Senior All Night party will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 8 p.m.-12 a.m. at Bowlero in Blaine. Early bird pricing is until May 20 ($75) and then prices go up to $100. Learn more and get your tickets.

Senior Sunset will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 7:30-10 p.m. at Panther Stadium.

We are asking seniors and/or their family members to submit their favorite photos from this school year for a graduation slideshow. Photo submissions should be from school events, activities, athletics or any school-related function. Please send photos to communications@district16.org for consideration.