Parents
Students
Staff
Community
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Good morning,
Below is important information for all seniors and families. Please note all items relevant to graduation have been moved to the top of the newsletter. June 10th is quickly approaching, and I want to make sure that all senior families are prepared. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Graduation Items
GRADUATION DATE CHANGE
The date for graduation has changed. Graduation is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024.
Commencement Information
Please use the following links for information about commencement.
Commencement Video Presentation
Cap and Gown
Please use this link in order to order cap, gown, and tassel for graduation: Cap and Gown Order Link. The cap, gown, tassel, and stole cost $57.00. Cap and Gown orders will remain open until April 5th. If you are having difficulty using the online ordering system or you need to pay for your cap and gown in cash, we will have a representative from Balfour available on May 2nd in the Library at 11am.
Graduation Speech Contest
Attention all seniors interested in writing a graduation speech. We are now taking rough draft submissions for graduation speeches. Your graduation speech should be original, 2-3 minutes in length, and related to your experience at Upper Darby High School. Please submit your speech to Mr. Ferrise at jferrise@upperdarbysd.org.
Work Based Learning
One of the requirements for graduation for the state of Pennsylvania is that you complete work-based learning activities to help prepare you for future employment. In order to fulfill this requirement, you must complete an online course similar to the type of training you might complete in the workplace. Below you will find instructions on how to access the work-based learning online course.
Work-Based Learning Instructions
To access the online course, please use the following link.
The online coursework for Work Based Learning is due on March 1, 2024.
Yearbook Orders
Please use this link to order a yearbook for the 23-24 school year: Balfour Yearbooks. To order a yearbook, select “Shop Now” under “Yearbook Products.” Once you enter your student’s information, you will be prompted to select a yearbook package. The yearbook costs $75.00.
Chromebooks
Please be aware that students are required to return their school-provided Chromebook and charger at the end of the year. Failure to do so will result in an obligation that needs to be paid in order for the student to receive a diploma and walk in graduation.
Important News
Prayer Plan
With the time changes for daylight savings time, the following will apply to those who practice fasting during Ramadan:
- Fasting may occur within an assigned Flex Class. We do not have any space large enough to host a large group during this time of the day.
- Because afternoon prayer occurs during an instructional period, the auxiliary gym is not available and instructional time is occurring throughout the school. We will reserve the MMR after school dismissal from 2:45 - 3:15 for those who wish to gather for prayer in the school.
- Families may send in a written request for temporary early dismissal for those who wish to leave campus for prayer at an earlier time.
- Silent prayer in class may be allowed without penalty so long as it does not disrupt the educational environment.
Organization and Time Management Workshop
Do you struggle with time management? Do you want to develop better study habits before college? Do you want to learn about different strategies to stay organized? If so, I would encourage you to attend an organization and time management workshop held in the senior center. Workshops will be led by our resident organization expert and School Psychologist, Stephani Pancerella. The workshops are available to all seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays during FLEX. If you are an early graduate or student with an early out, please contact me if you would like to attend. Please sign up for a workshop using this link. This is an awesome opportunity to please take advantage.
Rolling Admissions - Resources
For resources regarding rolling admissions, please access this document. Our counselors have put together a collection of links of students who are still deciding on their post-secondary plan.
Upcoming Events
Spring Break - March 25th-29th
A well-deserved break.
Reminders
College Acceptances
Please notify your counselor when you get accepted to college. We would love to add you to our wall of acceptances out front the center. Remember to update your acceptances on Naviance as well.
Senior Class T-Shirts
We still have Senior Class T-Shirts available in the Third Floor Center. Speak with Ms. May in the center to pick up a shirt. The shirt is free for all seniors.
Royal Points
In order to participate in school events, students need to have over 85 Royal Points. Royal Points are a measure of student behavior. Students will lose Royal Points for infractions of the Code of Character, such as being late to school or cutting class. We are hitting the time of the year where some students may dip below 85 Royal Points. If you have fallen below the threshold, reach out to Mr. Udovich or Mr. Niagara. We can get you set up with Royal Recovery in order to earn your points back with positive behavior.
Home Access Center
Parents can access their student’s grades and report cards through the Home Access Center. Please use the following link for instructions on how to login to the Home Access Center.
Home Access Center Instructions
Senior Timeline
Be sure to check out this presentation from our School Counselors in the Senior Center. Make sure that you are staying on track with your post-secondary plan.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Kind regards,
Joseph Niagara