Academics
Upper School

Commencement 2023

This page was created to serve as a resource on all things related to Commencement and the celebratory events leading up to it. You will find relevant information, helpful links, and a calendar of senior-related events.

Please check back often for updates. Questions may be directed to commencement@polytechnic.org. 


Important Information

Family Seating

The Seating Request Form is now closed. From all received RSVP's, seating assignments will be made via random drawing. Assignments will be shared with families one-to-two weeks prior to Commencement. For any further questions, please email commencement@polytechnic.org.

Please note that Poly continues to adhere to the health and safety protocols from CDPH’s K-12 Guidance 2022-23 School Year.

Commencement Attire for the Graduates

  • Navy Commencement gown with orange and white graduation cords, provided by Polytechnic School. Commencement gowns need to be returned at the end of the ceremony. Commencement gowns should be worn over either slacks and shirt or a dress.
  • Please, no sunglasses, gum-chewing, or phones during the processional and ceremony. Flower leis may be worn following the ceremony.

 

Parking and Accessibility

Event parking will be available in the Polytechnic parking garage, which can be accessed from Wilson Avenue just south of California Boulevard. Look for the POLY EVENT PARKING sign. 

Please do not park in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. We encourage your arrival at least 30 minutes in advance of these events. We also strongly encourage the use of shared ride services.

A limited number of special needs parking spaces are available. To request special needs parking and accommodations, please use our online special needs parking request form. We ask that you kindly help us to be good neighbors by obeying all traffic laws and by not parking on the adjacent residential streets. We also ask that you share this information with family members who will be attending.

 

Diploma and Program

In April, seniors received an email through which they confirmed the spelling and pronunciation of their names to be used for all Commencement-related materials and activities.

 

Commencement Invitations

Free printed invitations are available to graduates on request. There are enough on-hand for each family to receive 10, though extras are available for families with greater need. To coordinate invitation orders and pickups, please contact Ryder Livingston at the Upper School office.

 

Commencement Photography and Video

To allow families to enjoy the celebration, the Communications Department will be taking photos of Commencement, including seniors receiving their diplomas, and will make them available on the photo archive on Vidigami. In addition, Poly will livestream and record Commencement and the school will provide a link to graduates to share with families not able to attend the event.

Michelle Feynman and Jennifer Godwin-Minto will be offering Mini Family Portrait Sessions for the graduating seniors and their families on Friday, June 9. The 20-minute sessions will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on East Arden Lawn (south of the Garland Parking Lot) of the Poly Upper School Campus. Please use this SignUpGenius document to schedule an appointment.

 

Class of 2023 Time Capsule

Each graduating class at Poly creates a time capsule in the form of a trunk filled with memorabilia from their time at Poly. The Class of 2023 will open its time capsule at their 10th reunion in 2033. Both seniors and their parents are encouraged to contribute items for the time capsule: school or family photos, letters from parents to students, newspaper articles, prom mementos, etc. The school will include a copy of the senior video and other items associated with the class as a whole. Students and/or parents can put together items and the student can drop them off at the Upper School office. Drop boxes will be available with Emily Fischer in the Haaga House Alumni Office or with Ryder Livingston in the Upper School office anytime before the end of their senior year.

Important Dates

  • Friday, June 2: Parents’ Luncheon at 11 a.m. home of April Danz & Kelly Johnson

  • Sunday, June 4: Senior Family Picnic and Senior Video from 5-8 p.m., Arden Lawn and Garland Auditorium

  • Tuesday, June 6:  Senior Commencement & Speech Rehearsal, Time: TBD  |  Senior Project Expo, Time: TBD

  • Wednesday, June 7: Senior Sports Awards at 5 p.m., Garland Auditorium

  • Friday, June 9: Honors Day at 9 a.m., Arden Lawn

  • Friday, June 9: Commencement at 6 p.m., Babcock Field
Additional commencement week information will be shared with Senior families as event details are confirmed. Please refer back to this webpage for the most current and available information. 


Mini Family Portrait Sessions

Please complete the SignUpGenius form for Family Portrait sessions by Michelle Feynman and Jennifer Godwin-Minto.

These sessions will take place on Friday, June 9.  Please refer to the instructions on the form itself.
1030 E. California Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91106
626-396-6300
communications@polytechnic.org

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