Dear Parents, Guardians, and Members of the Class of 2025,
As we approach the final weeks of senior year, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates. Please carefully review the important information below regarding the graduation ceremony, cap and gown distribution, honor recognition, and required end-of-year responsibilities.
🎓 Graduation Ceremony Details
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM (Guests may begin arriving at 6:00 PM)
Location: Sellitto Field (Upper Field), Verona High School
Tickets: Not required for the outdoor ceremony – all guests are welcome.
Graduate Arrival: 5:30–6:00 PM – report to VHS Gymnasium for pictures and lineup.
Parking: First-come, first-served at VHS.
Handicap Parking/Accessible Seating:
Submit written requests to Ms. Brown (jbrown@veronaschools.org) by June 6.
☔ In Case of Rain:
Location: George R. Newman Center, Caldwell University
Time: 6:30 PM (Guests may arrive at 5:30 PM)
Graduate Arrival: 5:00–5:30 PM
Tickets (Indoor Only): 6 per family (Tickets will be provided with the gown distribution after graduation practice or Senior Breakfast on June 17th).
A weather decision will be announced by 2:00 PM on June 18 via Parent Square and VHS website.
🥞 Senior Breakfast & 🎓 Graduation Practice
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – VHS Cafeteria (held rain or shine)
Graduation Practice: Immediately following breakfast
⛅ If rain is forecast, practice will be held at 9:00 AM on June 18.
📣 Attendance at practice is mandatory.
Important Reminders Before Graduation Practice
If you have not yet turned in your Chromebook and charger, please bring them with you to graduation practice to complete the return process.
Additionally, be sure to resolve any outstanding fines and complete all required Naviance tasks prior to graduation.
🎓 Caps & Gowns Distribution
Caps and gowns will be distributed in the VHS Cafeteria after graduation practice or Senior Breakfast on June 17th. To receive them, all fines must be paid and the following items returned:
Chromebooks and chargers
Library/classroom books
Any outstanding fees (Chromebook, cafeteria, library, etc.)
Graduation Regalia Guidelines
To maintain the integrity and unity of the graduation ceremony, only school-approved cords, sashes, and tassels may be worn with your cap and gown. Unauthorized modifications to graduation attire are not permitted unless approved in advance by school administration.
That said, we encourage you to express your individuality—decorating your graduation cap is welcome and encouraged! Let your creativity shine while keeping your design appropriate and respectful.
🎨 Cap Decorating
Caps (not gowns) will be available for early pickup starting Monday, May 12th from Ms. Brown in the Main Office.
Students who pick up their cap early are responsible for bringing it on graduation night.
🏅 Honor Tassels Distribution
Tassels to recognize academic honors will be distributed in the gym before lineup on graduation day. Determined by final unweighted GPA (not rounded):
Gold – Summa Cum Laude: Top 10% (1st Decile)
Silver – Magna Cum Laude: Next 10% (2nd Decile)
Bronze – Cum Laude: GPA 4.0000+ (not just those in the 3rd Decile)
Maroon & White: All other graduates
💻 Chromebook Return & Fine Payment
All items must be returned and fines cleared by June 17 to receive a cap and gown.
Chromebook Drop-Off Options:
Capstone Students (only if they are ready to return their Chromebook):
📅 May 15 | 🕘 Throughout the Day | 📍 VHS Main OfficeNon-Capstone Students:
📅 Any Time on or Before June 17 | 🕗 Rolling | 📍VHS Main Office
Fine Payment Instructions
View Fines: Log in to the Genesis Parent Portal to review any outstanding fines.
Payment by Check:
Make all checks payable to: Verona Board of Education
Submit all checks (except for cafeteria fines) to Ms. Brown in the Main Office.
Please include a note indicating which fine the payment is for (e.g., Chromebook, library, etc.).
Cafeteria Fines:
Pay online via the My School Bucks app, or
Pay directly to cafeteria staff.
🚫 Conduct Reminder
Senior pranks, vandalism, or disruptive behavior may result in exclusion from graduation activities. Please help us finish the year with pride, respect, and unity.
ℹ️ Additional Information
Livestream: Link will be posted on the VHS website prior to the day of graduation.
Photos: Professional photos by Lifetouch (ordering info to follow).
Hydration: Water bottles under graduates’ chairs; guests should bring their own.
Diplomas:
Outdoor Ceremony: Pick up in VHS Cafeteria after the event
Indoor Ceremony: Pickup location to be announced if necessary
Note: Thursday, June 19th is a regular school day for grades 9–11 only. Seniors do not attend.
We are so proud of the Class of 2025 and look forward to celebrating your achievements! Thank you for your partnership and support throughout this special time.
Warmly,
Mr. Cogdill and Mr. Merkler