Dear Seniors, 

 Students have missed so much in these last several months, but I want to recognize how hard it has been for you, who have had to give up so many of the moments that mark the end to your high school journey.  Mustangs, you have handled this challenge with maturity and grace, and we continue to be so proud of you.

As you know, the current guidelines prevent gathering and require social distancing, which means that the Class of 2020 cannot celebrate together in a traditional graduation ceremony.

In talking with students and families, I have heard that you are hoping for a chance to visit campus, a chance to say goodbye to teachers, a chance to wear your cap and gown, and a chance to have that "moment" when you crossed the stage and had your graduation photo taken.

We have worked to try to recapture some of those important moments as we come to the end of the school year.

I would like to share some information on the end-of-year calendar and necessary steps to close out each student's senior year:

     1. Virtual Graduation - June 15th - 7pm on You Tube

(A link to the Virtual Graduation will be sent on June 15th)  

         2. Laptop/Books/Equipment Turn-In:  June 8, 9, 10

In order to collect materials in a safe and socially distant way, we will schedule students on specific days with scheduled arrival windows.

Seniors will be assigned a time to come to the RHS campus to turn in all school items - this includes:

• Band instruments and uniforms
•  Text books, paperback novels, and curricular materials for all subjects
• RHS laptop computers and chargers
• Athletic equipment and uniforms

Any item that has a barcode and is checked out to a student will be listed on a student's RHS account. 

• Prior to the turn-in days, all students will receive an automated email with a list of items that are currently checked out to them in the system.  This will include the value/cost of the item.
• When an item is returned and scanned back into the school inventory, it will be removed from the student's account.  
• Any items not returned will stay on the student's account and a fine will be charged for the cost of that item.

 During these turn in days, students will also have the chance to retrieve items from school PE and building lockers.

     3. Senior Checkout Form: 

Seniors, click here for the checkout form. Must be completed in order to have transcripts sent to preferred colleges!

     4. Senior Cap & Gown Event - Thursday, June 11 & Friday, June 12

We are looking forward to seeing our Seniors on June 11 and June 12!  Please remember that we are limited to TWO family members to accompany each graduate.  Also, we kindly ask that all graduates and families wear face coverings/masks while on our campus in accordance with state, local, and LWSD guidelines.  Thank you!

During our Senior Cap & Gown photos on June 11 and June 12 – the student line will start in front of the Main Office and proceed up a set of exterior steps. 

RHS staff will be on-site to greet graduates and help with managing physical distancing and traffic flow.

For families who need accessible parking or cannot stand in line for extended periods of time:  During your student’s assigned timeslot, (see below)  please drive around the back of RHS and park in spots 76, 77, 78, 79 (at the corner of the auxiliary gym, by the new softball/baseball fields).  From there, families can access the main courtyard patio via a ramp.  Seating for family members who plan to enter the cafeteria with their graduate, but cannot stand in line will be provided at the entrance to the gymnasium.

We have scheduled our graduates into one-hour time blocks to help us manage the number of people on the RHS campus at any one time. 

Graduates, please arrive in your regalia (cap, gown, honor cords, etc) as we will have a professional photographer from Grad Images to take photos

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

1. Please arrive during your scheduled time window.
2. We know that within that window, graduates will not arrive in alphabetical order. 
3. Graduates will be directed to park and take a place in line in the order in which they arrive.
4. Graduates and family members may be asked to wait in their car until an open place in line is available.
5. As you take your place in line, please maintain social distancing.  Markers will be in place on the route at a distance of 10’.
6. In keeping with King County and LWSD guidelines, we recommend and encourage all graduates and families to cover their faces with masks while on the RHS campus.
7. IMPORTANT:  Graduates are asked to bring an index card with their name clearly printed:  Last, First.  These name cards are necessary in helping our photographer match photos with the correct student.
8. Only one graduate/family will be allowed in the RHS cafeteria or Main Office hallway at a time.
9. Only photos of graduates will be permitted.  Families will not be able to pose with graduates while inside the RHS cafeteria.  Families can take photos at any time while outdoors.
10. As soon as graduate has exited the Main Office hallway and picked up bag with graduation items, we ask that grads and families proceed to their cars and exit campus. 

Please familiarize yourself with the following diagrams.  They will help you know what to expect on June 11^th and June 12^th.

We are working hard to maintain social distance and discourage gathering.

Please know that while this will be an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our seniors on campus one last time, we need to keep our focus on safety.  We are currently in Phase 1 of the Governor's phased reopening plan.  Although we hope to be in Phase 2 by mid-June, we must adhere to all guidelines around physical distancing.  Please note that changes to the Phased Reopening plan may impact our current plans for in-person events.  

Class of 2020, this isn't the ending we imagined, but please know that together, parents, teachers, administrators, and all RHS staff members are working to make this a meaningful and memorable end to your high school experience.

We look forward to seeing you very soon!

All the best, 

Mrs. VanderVeer
Principal
RHS