Graduation & Moving Up Ceremonies: Update 6/21/21

This notice provides updated information about the 5th grade Moving Up, 8th grade Moving Up, and 12th grade Commencement Ceremonies. Please review this information carefully for details about tickets, parking, and plans for these ceremonies in the event of rain.

The Moving Up Ceremonies and HHS Commencement Ceremony will be held outdoors on the baseball field at Harrison High School. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved indoors to the Harrison Performing Arts Center. All events will be livestreamed and available through the Harrison Central School District website.

As stated in the email sent to families on Friday, June 17, 2021, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued updated guidance on graduations and moving up ceremonies. Year-end academic ceremonies no longer require social distancing, health screening, or contact tracing. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result are no longer required for students, parents or guests. However, masks are still required for all unvaccinated individuals, including all 5th graders and unvaccinated 8th and 12th graders. We have modified our plans based on the new guidance.

5th Grade Moving Up

5th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies

Samuel J. Preston Elementary School: Wednesday, June 23, 4:30 PM
Purchase Elementary School: Thursday, June 24, 11:00 AM
Parsons Memorial Elementary School: Thursday, June 24, 1:30 PM
Harrison Avenue Elementary School: Friday, June 25, 11:30 AM

Tickets: Each family may have up to six (6) guests attend the 5th grade Moving Up Ceremony. Tickets will not be issued.

Parking: You will be directed where to park upon entering the campus. Parking will be available beginning one hour prior to the ceremony.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up: Students will be dropped off and picked up at the patio outside of the large gym (on the field side of the high school). Graduates should arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.

Inclement Weather: The ceremony will occur indoors in the Harrison High School auditorium. The 6 guest maximum per family applies if the ceremony is held indoors.

Photographs: Opportunities to take pictures during the ceremony are restricted. Parents will NOT be allowed to leave their seats and approach the stage to take photographs during the ceremony. A district photographer will take photographs of all graduates as they receive their certificates. These pictures will be posted on the district website for download.

Questions: Contact your school's main office.

8th Grade Moving Up

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony

Date/Time: Thursday, June 24, 5:30 PM

Tickets: Each family may have up to four (4) guests attend the 8th grade Moving Up Ceremony. Each ticket has an assigned indoor location in the event of inclement weather. Only one guest will be permitted inside of the HPAC with the graduate; others will be assigned to an indoor alternate location to view the ceremony. Any extra available seating in the HPAC will be assigned on a random basis. Tickets can be picked up at LMK Middle School at the following times (please have identification ready):

Tuesday, June 22, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wednesday, June 23, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday, June 24, 9:00 AM-to 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
A will call site will be available at HHS on the day of the event. However, we strongly encourage families to pick up tickets prior to the event to expedite arrival and seating for the ceremony.

Parking: Each family will receive one parking pass in the mail. Please have your parking pass ready to show security as you enter the high school campus. Staff will help direct you to a parking spot. Parking will be available beginning one hour prior to the ceremony.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up: Students should report to the patio area outside the gymnasium (on the field side of the high school). After the ceremony students may be picked up on the same patio outside the gymnasium.

Attire for Moving Up: Students must dress appropriately for the event. Appropriate attire is a collared shirt and pants (khakis are recommended) OR skirt, dress slacks, or dress. We do not recommend wearing high heels as students will be walking in soft grass and having to walk-up stairs to cross the stage.
Photographs: Opportunities to take pictures during the ceremony are restricted. Parents will NOT be allowed to leave their seats and approach the stage to take photographs during the ceremony. A district photographer will take photographs of all graduates as they receive their certificates. These pictures will be posted on the district website for download.

12th Grade Commencement

12th Grade Commencement Ceremony

Date/Time: Friday, June 25, 5:30 PM

Tickets: Each family may have up to four (4) guests attend the Commencement Ceremony. Tickets will be distributed with cap and gowns. If your child is unable to attend or you will not be using all 4 tickets, please inform Mrs. Lorraine Fontana by June 22 at FontanaL@harrisoncsd.org or 914-630-3336. Each ticket has an assigned indoor location in the event of inclement weather. Only one guest will be permitted inside of the HPAC with the graduate; others will be assigned to an indoor alternate location to view graduation. Any extra available seating in the HPAC will be assigned on a random basis.

Parking: Parking for commencement is available at Harrison High School. ONLY one parking pass per family will be issued. It will be provided at the distribution of caps and gowns. Please have your parking pass ready to show security as you enter the high school campus. Staff will help direct you to a parking spot. Parking will be available beginning one hour prior to the ceremony.

Distribution of Caps & Gowns, Parking Permits and Tickets:

Caps & Gowns, Parking Passes, and Tickets for Commencement will be distributed along with Class Distinction Medals (Summa, Magna, Cum Laude), Seal of Biliteracy Medals, and National Honor Society Sashes in the Student Union on:
- Tuesday, June 22, 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- Wednesday, June 23, :00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Senior Obligations require return of all school-issued textbooks, technology, and property. Graduates must resolve outstanding obligations to receive caps, gowns, and tickets. Graduates have been notified by the teacher and/or received a letter if an obligation exists. Further information regarding obligations can be obtained by emailing Mrs. Rebecca Salerno at SalernoR@harrisoncsd.org Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have a financial hardship that prevents you from meeting this obligation.

Student Drop-off & Pick-up: Graduates should report to the Large Gym no later than 4:30 p.m. where room assignments will be posted for attendance and lineup. After the ceremony, graduates will follow a recessional which ends in the large gym and patio outside of the large gym where they will pick-up their diplomas (the diploma cases they receive on stage are empty).

Attire for Commencement: Graduates should bring/wear: graduation gown, cap, tassel and all medals awarded and/or NHS sash. Graduates must dress appropriately for the event. Appropriate attire is a collared shirt and pants (khakis are recommended) OR skirt, dress slacks, or dress. We do not recommend wearing high heels as students will be walking in soft grass and having to walk-up stairs to cross the stage. Students may choose to respectfully decorate their graduation caps. Students may not wear additional adornments on their gowns outside of those our school issued to mark their achievements.

Photographs: Opportunities to take pictures during the ceremony are restricted. Parents will NOT be allowed to leave their seats and approach the stage to take photographs during the ceremony. A district photographer will take photographs of all graduates as they receive their diplomas. These photos will be available for download on the district website. A photo is also taken of each graduate off-stage after they receive their diploma. Information about the purchase of this photo is available in the program.