Class of 2024 Graduation Guide
Dear Class of 2024 Students, Your time has come! Congratulations and commendations to each one of you on this remarkable achievement of graduation from Mater Dei High School. You have worked hard during your four years and now you are ready and prepared to receive a diploma from your alma mater and to move on to the world of college and work. We are very proud of your accomplishments and of the outstanding leadership you have provided for your school. Your lived experience of Honor, Glory, Love has brought you to graduation time and the many joys and possibilities that await you in future years! This section of the MD website is your graduation “bible.” Read these pages and become familiar with the information contained therein. Understanding and following the directives and calendar contained therein will make life easier for you and your family and will provide you with your well-earned diploma in a timely manner. I wish you continued success and blessings during your remaining days and weeks as MD students. May graduation and all the activities associated with it bring you and your families great joy, happiness, and pride. As you go forth from your high school, may God hold you always in the palm of His Hand. Sincerely, Frances Clare Principal
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Academic Policy…Page 4 Alcohol/Drugs…Page 4 Alumni Information…Pages 4-5
iPad Return…Page 12
B
Parent Volunteers…Page 12 Prom…Page 13
Baccalaureate Mass…Page 5 Baccalaureate Mass Dress Code…Page 5 Book Return…Page 6
C Cap and Gown…Page 6 Christian Service Hours…Page 6-7 Commencement Ceremony…Pages 7-8 Commencement Ceremony FAQ…Page 8 Commencement Photos & Livestreaming…Page 8 Cords and Stoles…Page 9
D Diplomas…Page 9
F Final Exams (Second Semester)…Page 10
G Grad Grab Bag Pick-Up…Page 10 Graduation Dress Code…Page 10 Graduation Fee…Page 10 Grad Nite…Page 11 Graduation Requirements…Pages 11-12 Graduation Tickets…Page 12
P
S Senior Awards…Page 13 Senior Photo Slideshow…Page 13 Senior Picnic…Page 13 Senior Farewell Rally…Page 13
T Tuition…Page 13
U Uniform Donations…Page 13
Y Yearbooks…Page 13
ACADEMIC POLICY
Seniors who earn an F in the first and/or second semester in any subject must remediate the F grade through credit recovery before a student’s diploma is issued. In addition, any student who has three (3) or more “F” grades on their transcript that have not been made up will not be allowed to walk in the Commencement Exercises. Students receive a diploma only when the “F” grades are made up. As part of our graduation requirements, students must fulfill a Community Service component. Seniors who have not completed this requirement before graduation will not be permitted to walk in the graduation ceremony.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
As Seniors look forward to the many events of Baccalaureate and Graduation Week, may we stress to you that the school rules concerning the use of nicotine, alcohol, and drugs before, during, or after any school function are still in effect and will be strictly enforced. It is not worth risking your privilege of participating in the baccalaureate functions and graduating with your class from Mater Dei High School. Please refer to the 2023-2024 Parent Student Handbook for further information.
ALUMNI INFORMATION
In a few short months, you will join the ranks of Mater Dei High School Alumni! You are now joining a special family of more than 32,000 Mater Dei graduates. Across this nation and the world, whether it is in college or when applying for a job, Mater Dei High School is known for the outstanding young men and women it produces. When you look back on your years at Mater Dei, remember this is just the beginning. It is just the start of your life as a member of the Mater Dei family. Once a Monarch, Always a Monarch. You spend just four years as a Mater Dei student, but a lifetime as a Mater Dei Alum! Your Alma Mater will always be here to support you. It is important you keep in touch with the Office of Alumni Relations, especially when you move or change your name. The best way to stay connected with the school and your classmates is to join www.materdeiconnect.org. You will be sent a special invitation this summer. You are also encouraged to connect through our Mater Dei social media pages and send regular updates to alumni@materdei.org. Staying in touch with your alma mater allows you to receive information about Mater Dei Alumni reunions and events, keep in touch with classmates, and network with the thousands of other Monarchs across the globe. Finally, it is important to remember that Mater Dei helped provide you with many opportunities for success in college and beyond. As an Alum, I encourage you to give back to your alma mater to help ensure the students who follow you through the halls of MDHS will continue to have the same, if not more opportunities you had. Be it time, treasure or talent, any contribution you make to Mater Dei is greatly appreciated. Each year, through the Alumni Heritage Fund (AHF), needbased financial aid is awarded to children and grandchildren of MDHS Alums. When you join 4
your fellow 32,000 alums in supporting our alma mater even with a small gift, we can make a difference for so many Monarchs. Simply start with one dollar and add to that each year, it all adds up quickly when we work together. Good luck and I hope to see you over Homecoming Weekend or at one of our other Alumni events. Be sure to visit www.materdeiconnect.org regularly to ensure you have all the up to the date information about Alumni news, events and information. Look for your invitation to www.materdeiconnect.org this summer!
BACCALAUREATE MASS
Mater Dei High School would like to cordially invite the class of 2024 graduates and their families to the Baccalaureate Mass. At this Celebration we have the privilege of giving thanks to our God for the many graces and blessings that have been bestowed on this wonderful class. As a community we continue to pray together for God’s amazing Grace for the Class of 2024 as they graduate and begin a new chapter of their lives. Our Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2024 will be held in our Meruelo Athletic Center on Thursday, May 30, 2024 @ 5:30 PM. Tickets: Tickets are NOT required. There will be plenty of space for you and your guests! Livestream of Baccalaureate Mass: For guests not able to attend Baccalaureate Mass, it will be livestreamed. The link for the livestream will be available on the Mater Dei website www.materdei.org. On the day of Baccalaureate Mass, all seniors should report to the LeVecke Center by 4:45 PM.
BACCALAUREATE MASS DRESS CODE MALES: ■ Dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and dress socks. ■ Dress shoes or tennis shoes in good repair. ■ Jacket or blazer is required. ■ Students must be clean shaven. FEMALES: ■ Dresses, dress pants, pantsuits, or skirts with blouses or sweaters, and dress shoes. ■ The length of dresses and skirts must not exceed 3 inches above the knee. ■ Bare shoulders must be covered by a sweater or pashmina. ■ Shirts and dresses must have a modest neckline. ATTIRE FOR GUESTS: ■ Business Casual 5
BOOK RETURN
For senior students who have textbooks to return, the Campus Store will accept them as follows:
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Tuesday, May 28 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wednesday, May 29 – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Students should take books they are returning to the Campus Store. For a list of textbooks that are being accepted and guidelines please visit the Campus Store webpage.
CAP AND GOWN
All seniors have completed a Google form for their graduation cap and gown measurement. Each student will receive a cap, gown, and tassel, all of which will be distributed in late May with their Grad Grab Bags. These items are issued only to those students whose accounts are cleared of all financial obligations by May 1, who have returned their iPad, and who have met all requirements to graduate. The Business Office must be contacted well in advance of the above date if there is a problem meeting these financial obligations. The graduation caps and gowns purchased for students are theirs to keep. Graduating seniors are highly encouraged to remove their gowns from the packaging in advance of the ceremony to ensure it is wrinkle-free. Please note that gowns should not be ironed as they can easily burn or melt. To remove wrinkles, please place the gown in the dryer on low heat.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE HOURS
Each four-year student at Mater Dei High School, as part of their graduation requirements, must complete a minimum of 80 volunteer service hours. All students must record a minimum of 10 hours per semester. Transfer students are required to record 10 hours for each semester enrolled at Mater Dei. A minimum of half of the required hours must be considered “direct”. A final Christian service Exit Reflection assignment must be completed by the specified date in the spring of a student’s senior year. Through this requirement, students are provided a structured program in which they can potentially experience Christianity in a dynamic way by actively participating in a wide variety of outreach opportunities.
CLASSIFICATION OF SERVICE HOURS Service must be performed through a charitable organization or agency. Any service opportunity outside of a charitable organization or agency MUST be pre-approved by the Director of Christian Service to qualify for Mater Dei. “Direct” service hours are given when the student’s volunteer work exclusively involves personal interaction in some way with the elderly, disabled, sick, poor, or youth (with youth, the Mater Dei student must serve as a tutor, coach, mentor, or counselor). Of the 80 hours needed to satisfy the graduation requirement, at least 40 must be categorized as “Direct”. All volunteer service hours will be recorded in the student MobileServe account. Students who have not completed their Christian Service Graduation Requirement (min. of 80 6
hours of community service- with 40 of those hours being “direct” service hours – and the successful completion of their Christian Service Exit Reflection) will not be permitted to participate in the Graduation Exercises of that year’s graduating class.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024 will be held at the Bren Events Center at UC Irvine. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 9:30 AM. The Bren Events Center is located at 100 Bren Event Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92612.
ARRIVAL, PARKING, SEATING, AND BAG CHECKS
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Arrival Graduates must arrive by 8:00 AM and report to Crawford Hall to be lined up. Guests cannot enter the Bren Events Center until 8:30 AM. All guests, ages 2 and up, are required to have a ticket.
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Parking Parking in the Bren Events Center parking structure immediately next to the Bren Center is complimentary on Graduation Day. Parking passes are not required, but all guests must register their vehicle with UCI Security. A link will be provided from Mater Dei the week of Commencement.
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Seating UCI Bren Center and Mater Dei personnel will direct families to available seating. Seating is first-come, first-served based on when guests arrive. Guests will not be allowed to save seats for members of their party who have not yet arrived. Accordingly, it is highly encouraged that your entire party arrive together. This will be a sold-out event, and we ask that as guests enter the arena, they do not leave empty seats so all guests are seated. Guests will not be permitted to stand in seating areas.
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Bag-Check In addition, as we are sure parents may appreciate, MDHS and the Bren Events Center always place the highest priority on community safety. Therefore, as an added safety measure, all bags will be searched. The following items are not permitted in the Bren Events Center: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
food or drinks noise makers (cow bells, air horns, etc.) confetti large signs or balloons that could obstruct vision bubbles
DEPARTURE & EXIT Families and guests will meet graduating seniors outside of the Bren Events Center at the conclusion of the Commencement Ceremony. All graduates will be escorted to the outside area after their exit processional. Families will be allowed to take pictures outside of the Bren Events 7
Center after the ceremony. The inside of the Bren Events Center will not be available. Security personnel will direct traffic toward the appropriate exit.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can students bring their cell phones into the ceremony? A: No. Students are not allowed to bring cell phones or other electronic devices with them into the ceremony. Students are asked to leave these items in their cars or with their parents. Q: Can I bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony? A: No. To prevent anyone’s view from being obstructed or the ceremony being interrupted, we ask that you not bring balloons, signs, or noisemakers to the ceremony. Q: Are food or beverages allowed? A: No outside food or drinks are allowed into the Bren Events Center. Food and water will be available for purchase. Q: Will restrooms be available during the ceremony? A: Yes. Restrooms are available inside of the Bren Events Center once the doors open.
COMMENCEMENT PHOTOS & LIVESTREAMING
Lauren Studios will be taking pictures at the Graduation Ceremony. To view proofs of these pictures and to place orders, please visit their website at https://www.laurenstudios.com. The graduation ceremony will be available to Live Stream for family and friends to enjoy. The link for the livestream is not available in advance. To access the livestream, please visit the front page of the Mater Dei website the day of the ceremony. www.materdei.org
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CORDS AND STOLES
Cords and stoles are awarded to seniors for both academic accomplishments and service. Cords and stoles are awarded through various programs and at Senior Awards Night. The following cords and stoles are permitted to be worn at the Commencement Ceremony: 4.0 GPA American Sign Language ASB Leadership Team ASB Officers Chinese National Honor Society Cord Christian Service Hours – 400+ Hours CSF Honors Chamber Singers Key Club Monarch Connection Leaders NAHS National Honor Society for Dance Arts National Speech & Debate Association NHS Quill and Scroll Honor Society Renaissance Thespian Honor Tri-M Music Honor Society Cord
White Stole Light Blue Cord White Cord Red, White & Blue Cord Purple & Gold Cord Red & Silver Cord Gold Cord Dark Pink Royal Blue, Gold, White Orange & White Rainbow Cord Light Blue & White Cord Gold, Bronze & Silver Cord Royal Blue Cord Navy & Gold Cord Silver Cord Dark Gold Cord Light Pink
DIPLOMAS
Diplomas are given to seniors who have fulfilled all graduation requirements including:
No F grades on transcript for all four years Total number of academic credits completed Chrisitan Service hours and essay completed iPad (and accessories if needed) turned in All financial requirements are rectified No outstanding discipline
Diplomas are not given to any senior that has not fulfilled one or more of the above requirements. If a diploma is held for any reason, the family will be notified via email. Beginning July 1t, diplomas are mailed to the address that is listed in Aeries, please make sure it is correct. If you need to update your address before this mailing, please click here. Contact the Registrar’s office with any questions.
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FINAL EXAMS
All seniors are required to take second semester final exams. The second semester final exam schedule for seniors is:
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Tuesday, May 28 Wednesday, May 29
GRAD GRAB BAG PICK-UP
We have everything students and families need in the Graduation Grad Grab Bags. The Grad Grab Bags include important information regarding graduation; the cap, gown, and tassel; graduation tickets, and any outstanding awards or certificates. Grad Grab Bag pickup is in the Library as follows:
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Tuesday, May 28 Wednesday, May 29
Grad Grab Bags can only be picked up by students who have returned their iPads, whose tuition accounts are cleared of all financial obligations and who have met all requirements to graduate.
GRADUATION DRESS CODE
Graduating seniors may NOT decorate their caps.
MALES: ■ Graduation gowns. ■ Dress slacks, dress shirt, and tie, dress shoes/dress socks. ■ Dress shoes or tennis shoes in good repair. ■ Jacket or blazer is required. ■ Students must be clean shaven. FEMALES: ■ Graduation gowns. ■ Dresses, dress pants or pantsuits, or skirts with blouses or sweaters and dress shoes. ■ The length of dresses and skirts must not exceed 3 inches above the knee. ■ Bare shoulders must be covered by a sweater or pashmina. ■ Shirts and dresses must have a modest neckline. ATTIRE FOR GUESTS: ■ Business Casual
GRADUATION FEE
The graduation fee is $300 and will be added to all senior FACTS Tuition accounts in midFebruary and must be paid in full by May 1. The graduation fee includes the purchase of the graduation cap, gown, and tassel, five (5) graduation tickets, rental of the graduation venue, and the senior class picnic. 10
GRAD NITE This year’s Grad Nite will be held at Disney’s California Adventure. The link to purchase tickets and for additional information can be found on the Mater Dei website. Tickets are non-refundable and must be purchased by March 7.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To receive a diploma from Mater Dei High School, students who attend Mater Dei grades 9-12, must successfully complete the following requirements at Mater Dei High School: 1. A record of good character and citizenship. 2. A passing grade in all subjects taken. All "F" grades on a transcript must be made up before a diploma will be issued.
3. Students who attend Mater Dei grades 9-12, must successfully complete (“D” or better) the following requirements. All graduation requirements must be taken at Mater Dei from the time a student enrolls in the school. 4. 80 hours of Community Service, of which 40 hours must be considered “Direct” hours, and Reflection Assignment. Students who have not completed their Christian Service Graduation Requirement (min. of 80 hours of community service- with 40 of those hours being “direct” service hours – and the successful completion of their essay or oral presentation) will not be permitted to participation in the Graduation Exercises of that year’s graduating class. Required Course (1 semester = 5 credits) Required Years Required Credits Religious Studies
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40
English
4
40
Mathematics
3
30
Science
2
20
Social Studies
3
30
World Languages (Same Language)
2
20
Visual or Performing Art
1
10
Additional Credits/Elective Courses*
Total
70 260 Credits
*Credits earned more than the required courses in any subject area will count toward the “Additional/Elective” requirement
Any student who begins their Senior Year at Mater Dei High School must be eligible for graduation. This means that they must have made up or be in the process of making up any "F" grades that they may have received. Any student who enters the second semester with three or more "F" grades on their transcript or who earns "F" grades during the second semester that bring the total to three (3) or more "F" grades on the transcript, will not be allowed to walk in the Commencement Exercises held in late May / early June. 11
Simply stated: Any student who has three (3) or more "F" grades on their transcript that have not been made up will not walk in the Commencement Exercises. They will receive a diploma only when the "F" grades are made up. Incompletes must be made up no later than the following semester. If they are not made up, incompletes become “F” grades. If your student plans to make up “D” or “F” grades in the summer at a school other than Mater Dei, your student must obtain approval from their school counselor. Upon the completion of the course(s) a report card or official transcript must be submitted directly to the Registrar’s Office. All Religious Studies courses must be made up at Mater Dei’s summer school.
GRADUATION TICKETS
All guests, ages two and up, entering the Bren Events Center will be required to have a ticket. Each student will receive five (5) Graduation tickets. These will be in their Grad Grab Bags. An additional four (4) graduation tickets per student will be available for sale at $25 each until sold out. All extra requests must be made by March 27 at 3:00 PM. A waiting list will be available for those wishing to purchase additional tickets if available. If additional tickets are available after March 27, families will be contacted in the order their request was received. Links for ticket purchases and the waiting list will go live Friday, February 16 at 10:00 AM. Links will be sent to all families via Parent Square.
IPAD RETURN All students are required to return their iPad, charger* and iPad case. iPad return will be in the library as follows:
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Tuesday, May 28 Wednesday, May 29
Students will not be able to pick up the Graduation Grad Grab Bags until all items are returned. Failure to return one or all items will result in a fine:
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Missing iPad: $600 Missing Charger* (cable & brick): $40 • Missing cable only: $20 • Missing brick only: $20 Missing Case: $150
*Charger must include original cable and brick provided during MD Days; no substitutions will be accepted.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS Many of our senior events need parent volunteers. As a reminder, all parents wishing to volunteer at Mater Dei High School must be fingerprinted and complete Safe Environment Training. Fingerprinting is free and by appointment only.
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PROM Prom will be held from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the AV Irvine on Thursday, May 23. Tickets will be on sale at the advanced sale price April 22 – May 3 and regular price May 4-12. Students who will be attending Prom are required to attend classes and Marian Mass on May 23.
SENIOR AWARDS
Mark your calendars! Senior awards will be held Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00 PM in the Grotto.
SENIOR PHOTO SLIDESHOW
We are looking for pictures for the Class of 2024 slideshow that will be shown at Graduation. If you have any pictures that you would like to send us from your student’s years here at Mater Dei, we would love to have you share them. CLICK HERE to submit a maximum of four (4) pictures no later than May 1.
SENIOR PICNIC
The Senior Picnic is a long-standing tradition for the graduating class. On the last day of senior finals, Wednesday, May 29, the Seniors will be treated to lunch in the Grotto. It is a great time to say good-bye and to get yearbooks signed.
SENIOR FAREWELL RALLY The Senior Farewell Rally will be held Wednesday, May 22 in the Meruelo Athletic Center. All seniors are invited to wear their college t-shirt or sweatshirt. After the rally we will take one last picture of the class of 2024 in the Grotto.
TUITION All financial obligations for graduating seniors including incidental fees, tuition, or any charges owed to Mater Dei, must be paid in full by Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Students whose accounts are not paid in full will not be permitted to participate in commencement exercises or Grad Nite.
UNIFORM DONATIONS Campus Ministry will be accepting gently used uniform donations. Students can bring their donations to the Campus Ministry during Grad Grab Bag pick up May 28 and 29 or drop them off at Campus Ministry anytime during the summer.
YEARBOOKS Yearbooks will be distributed to all seniors who have purchased one May 28 and 29. Bring them to the Senior Picnic on May 29 for all of your classmates to sign. There are still a limited number of yearbooks available for purchase through Jostens online store. CLICK HERE for information and pricing. 13
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