Graduation Information

Sandia Class of 2027

Dear Class of 2027 Graduating Seniors,
We look forward to a wonderful celebration and successful Graduation with the Class of 2027!
Please read all the following important information and address any further questions to:
Ann Holmes, Activities Director 294-1511 x 30009 holmes_a@aps.edu

Calendar of Events

Mark your calendars! And…PLEASE - Be on time for ALL events!!!
*All events subject to change pending NM and APS direction.

Senior Saturday Ordering Event	Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ Campus Specialties
Senior Class Picture	Monday, November 16, 2026 during Advisory in Main Gym (wear Senior shirt or black shirt)
White Cap Ordering	November 30-December 11, 2026 @ Activities Office ($10/cash)
Senior Sunset	Friday, May 7, 2027 6:30 p.m. @ SHS baseball field
Senior Finals	May 10th & 11th, 2027
Cap & Gown & Senior Sign Distribution	Tuesday, May 11, 2027 3:30-5:30 p.m. @ Room B-9/Commons *All seniors must attend this and present the “ALL CLEAR" slip
Grad Walk	Thursday, May 13, 2027 *Morning event at elementary and middle schools/Limited space/sign-ups in April 2027 Wear your red cap or decorated white cap and gown and awards!
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal	Friday, May 14, 2027 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. @ SHS Main Gym  Breakfast Break (provided) 9:30-10:30 a.m. *Students only/no parents required/casual clothes *If you DO NOT attend the Senior Rehearsals & Assembly, you will NOT have a seat at Graduation.
Mandatory Assembly Rehearsal	Friday, May 14, 2027 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Mandatory Senior Robing Assembly	Friday, May 14, 2027 6:30 p.m. @ SHS Main Gym *Nice clothing, red cap or decorated white cap and gown and awards! *Seniors arrive in Commons by 5:30 p.m. *If you DO NOT attend the Rehearsals & Robing Assembly, you will NOT have a seat at Graduation.
Graduation	Monday,  May 17, 2027    2:00 p.m.  @ Tingley Coliseum *Seniors must arrive by 11:45 a.m.  *There is a  parking fee at the fairgrounds. Students, please enter through Gate 8

Notes for Graduating Seniors

• Textbook return:
  • Seniors are responsible for returning books/computers directly to the bookroom.
• Fines:
  • It is your responsibility to clear all fines prior to picking up your cap and gown.  Cap and gown will NOT be issued if you are carrying any fines.
• Non-Participating Seniors:
  • Those not participating in the commencement ceremony may pick up their diploma in the registrar’s office starting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

About the Senior Assembly and Graduation

Expected/Required Dress for Senior Assembly and Graduation

• Dress, Skirt, or Dress Pants -any color:  dresses and skirts not longer than “tea-length”.
• Light colored (white preferred) dress shirt and Tie
• Dark Slacks (black preferred) NO JEANS!
• Dark dress shoes or dress boots with hard sole; A sensible walking heel is advised. 
• NO ATHLETIC SHOES or Flip-Flops!

Correct Graduation Ceremony Cap & Gown Attire

Red Gown with Blue Stole (worn with longer portion down the back), Red “mortarboard” cap (worn flat on head, parallel
to the floor-NOT on back on head), and tassel. Gowns must be zipped up during graduation ceremony.
Please do not alter the red cap or gown. No decorations, adornments, or slogans of any type are allowed on cap or
gown, including but not limited to flowers, leis, buttons, balloons, signs, sayings, decals, stickers, etc.
*ONLY APS approved academic honor cords or senior awards are allowed to be worn with the cap and gown.

Senior Assembly (Academic Stole/Robing Ceremony)

This exercise will be done during the Senior Assembly.  Each senior/graduate will have one significant person of his or her choosing (an important adult in your life) seated in his or her chair on the gym floor.  The significant person should place the cap and gown on the senior and then leave the gym floor. The person that will present your cap and gown must be in the gym, sitting in your chair BY 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2027. Family Seating will be available in the bleachers.  

*You may wear your white “decorated” cap at this event!

What NOT to bring to Graduation at Tingley

ALL seniors will be “screened” as they enter Tingley Coliseum. No bags, purses, cameras, cell phones, food, drinks, beach balls, inflatable items, etc. are allowed past the “Student Entrance”. Please be prepared to secure all items (especially cell phones) outside of Tingley Coliseum. Please leave these items secure with family member or guest. Do not bring them in! All graduates planning on participating in the graduation ceremony will be required to open (unzip) gown, walk through a metal detector, and prove that no unauthorized items are being brought into Tingley Coliseum. Please understand any seniors carrying any unauthorized items will be turned away at the entrance.