​Olathe North High School Commencement Frequently Asked Questions

ALL OLATHE GRADUATION CEREMONIES WILL BE HELD AT ONE LOCATION. *COLLEGE BOULEVARD ACTIVITY CENTER, (CBAC)* 
 
When:   Saturday, May 16, 2019 Time:   2:00 pm Where: College Boulevard District Activity Center (CBAC) 11031 S. Valley Pkwy., Olathe, KS 66061 **In case of inclement weather** Olathe Northwest High School 21300 College Blvd., Olathe, KS  66061 
 
Approx. time of event:  2 hours 
 
How can I be sure I will graduate at the end of the term?
In order to graduate from Olathe North High School, the student must complete the requirements set forth by the Olathe School District and the State of Kansas.  
 
How do I get information about the graduation ceremony?
All senior announcements are listed on the Olathe North website and through Mr. Herman’s blog.  They are also available on the daily announcements that are read during school hours and posted daily. 
 
Is my grade point average high enough to receive recognition at commencement?
Please contact your counselor. 
 
When will my diploma be posted on my transcript?
Please contact your counselor. 
 
Where can I purchase Commencement Announcements?
The senior class meets with the Jostens representatives early in the Fall semester.  During this meeting they are given a packet with ordering options for various products, including the official Olathe North announcement.  
 
 
How do I make sure my name is correct in the commencement program?
The names for the program are collected through the Synergy computer program (Parentvue/Studentvue).  Each student, upon enrollment, is added into this system based on the information given by the parent/guardian.  If there is an issue with the spelling of your name, please contact Mrs. Stanley in the office as soon as possible. 
 
Will my name be included in the graduation program?
All students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements for the Olathe School District and the state of Kansas will be included in the graduation program.  This includes those students who fulfilled the requirements in December and/or through alternative education in the Olathe School District. 
 
Where do I order my cap and gown?
Cap and gown orders are done early in the Fall semester through Jostens.  The information has been available on the Olathe North website.  The Jostens website is thegraduationcenter.com or you may call them at 816-628-6157. 
 
Where and when do I get my cap and gown?
Caps and gowns will be distributed in the Auxiliary Gym immediately following the graduation practice. 
 
When and where do I pick up my stole and/or honor cords?
All graduates will be given a red stole to wear during the ceremony.  These will be distributed before the ceremony at ONW.  The red stoles will need to be returned after the ceremony and exchanged for their diploma.   For those receiving honor cords, they will also be distributed before the ceremony. Cords may be taken as keepsakes. 
 
Graduates:  What time should I arrive?
Graduates should report to ONW gymnasium no later than 12:00pm. Graduates will park in the ONW parking lot. 
 
Guests:  What time should I arrive?
Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony at CBAC.  (For better seats and parking, arrive 1 hour before the ceremony.) **Arrive 1 ½ hours before the ceremony, if moved inside ONW gymnasium. 
 
Graduate: Where do I report for line-up?
Graduates will meet in the ONW gymnasium to the row/seat assigned. 
 
 
If I am unable to attend the graduation practice, can I still walk at the graduation ceremony?
The graduation practice is a required event.  You must attend the practice in order to be allowed to participate in the commencement activities. If you cannot attend practice, you will need to meet with Mr. Herman immediately. 
 
Do we need to purchase tickets for the ceremony?
The graduation ceremony will be held at the College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S. Valley Pkwy. Olathe, KS  66061. There are no limits to the number of guests at this venue.  
 
If we have inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the gymnasium at Olathe Northwest High School. The district office will make that call by  Friday, May 15, 2020. Each senior will receive (4) tickets per family. You must have a ticket to enter. Tickets will be available the week of graduation. We will make announcements when tickets are available to pick up during Eagle Halftime. 
 
How much does the cap and gown cost?
Cost varies from year to year but can be found on the Jostens website:  thegraduationcenter.com or you may call them at 816-628-6157.   
 
What side does my tassel go on?
Initially, the tassel is on the right. Tassels will be moved to the left as a group at the end of the ceremony. 
 
Is there someplace for me to store my valuables during the ceremony?
Please do not bring valuables to the ceremony as there will not be a place to store them.  Please lock any valuables in your car or leave it at home. 
 
Can I have my cell phone during the ceremony?
Graduates will not be allowed to use their cell phones during the ceremony. Guests are asked to be respectful of those around them if they need to use their cell phone during the ceremony. 
 
Is there a dress code?
A cap and gown must be worn by all graduates; however, while there is no dress code for what must be worn under the gown, the Code of Conduct is expected to be followed.  Most graduates choose to wear semi-formal attire, but it is not required. Dress for parents, family, and friends who will be attending the ceremony is casual to semi-formal. When deciding what to wear, keep in mind that both graduates and attendees will likely be sitting in the sunlight during the Spring Commencement Ceremony.   
 
What kind of weather should I expect to dress for?
You can look at the local weather forecast a day or so in advance for the most accurate information regarding weather.    
 
Generally speaking, the ceremonies are cooler in the evening and quite warm in the afternoon, so bringing light layers is usually a good idea.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the main gym at ONW.  Should this happen, there will be signs and staff to guide both graduates and attendees to the correct location.   
 
Can we decorate our caps?
The decoration of caps is not allowed as that is a privilege reserved for post-secondary institutions. 
 
Can I leave after I receive my diploma?
No.  All graduates are required to stay for the entire ceremony. 
 
When will I receive my diploma?
After the ceremony is complete, graduates will report to Olathe Northwest's commons to for diploma distribution. Graduates will receive their diploma upon returning their red stole.  
 
Guests:  Where do I park?
The parking at CBAC is open parking. All guests are to park on the west side of the stadium.
 
Where do I park if I have a handicap family member?
There are handicap parking spaces available in the parking lot at CBAC. 
 
Is flash photography allowed during the ceremony?
Yes. 
 
I want to know where my son/daughter is sitting so I can see them when they walk. The students sit in alpha order, beginning with the second row.  As attendees will be sitting in bleachers, giving them an elevated view of the graduates are seated on the field/floor.  Check with your student after graduation practice.  They will know where they are sitting. 
 
When will my son/daughter be walking across the stage?
The students sit in alpha order and will be announced in the same order. 
 
 How can I order a picture of my graduate receiving their diploma on stage?
Pictures of graduates will be taken by Grad Images.  To order, please visit their website at www.gradimages.com. 
 
Do I receive my diploma at graduation ceremonies?
No.  All graduates will be given a red stole to wear during the ceremony.  These will be distributed in the gymnasium before the ceremony.  The red stoles will need to be returned after the ceremony and exchanged for the graduate’s diploma.   
 
I am disabled or hearing impaired and need accommodations, who is the contact or what information do you need from me?
​Those needing accommodations should contact Mrs. Stanley in the office at Olathe North as soon as possible. 
 
Where is the handicap seating for the public/attendees located?
Handicap seating will be clearly marked close to the stage at CBAC.   **You must exchange a ticket for handicap seating if held indoors at ONW. 
 
My grandfather needs to sit in the handicap seating section. Can my family sit with him?
One person may be seated with the person in the handicap seat. 
 
Are reservations required to sit in the handicap or interpreters for the deaf seating?
Anyone needing accommodations should contact Mrs. Stanley in the office at Olathe North as soon as possible. 

Where can the hearing-impaired sit and is there interpretation provided for them?
Two ASL interpreters will be set up close to the band (left of them), near the handicap seating. 
 
Will there be restrooms available?
Public restrooms are available. 
 
How do I ensure I am included in alumni news and events?
All graduates of the Olathe schools are encouraged to contact the Olathe Public Schools Alumni Association: E-mail: alumniassociation@olatheschools.org Alumni Web page:  www.olatheschools.org/alumni Phone:  913-780-8182 Fax:  913-780-8225