High school bands across the county are practicing Sir Edgar Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” graduates are picking up their caps, gowns, cords and medals, and parents are wistfully remembering when their seniors started kindergarten and wondering where those 13 years went.
“This is a very special time of year for PCPS. Graduation is what it’s all about: getting students to the stage and celebrating the hard work they’ve put in,” Superintendent Fred Heid said. “Our students will take many different paths after graduation, and we’re proud of them all. We look forward to welcoming families for this momentous occasion.”
The first ceremony: Graduation season kicks off with the district’s special education center schools — Doris Sanders, Jean O’Dell, and Karen Siegel — on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lake Region High School’s auditorium.
Ticketing: Tickets are required for ceremonies at the RP Funding Center and will be issued by individual schools. The number of tickets per student will be based on the size of the graduating class. Children age 3 or younger don’t need a ticket if they do not occupy a seat.
Tickets will be collected when attendees enter the arena. People will not be allowed to leave and re-enter.
Seating is unassigned: Doors will open 90 minutes before each graduation ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Family members planning to sit together should enter the arena together, as seat-saving is not allowed.
Live streams: “Knowing the importance of this event and that some family members may not be able to attend in person, the ceremonies taking place in the RP Funding Center Jenkins Arena will be live-streamed on the PCPS YouTube channel,” district officials said on the PCPS website.
For those whose ceremonies are being held at the RP Funding Center, there are some new and old rules to follow.
No large bags: To ensure the safety and security of all graduates and their families, families will be screened by a metal detector and bags are being limited to:
- Bags that are clear plastic, clear vinyl or clear PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 9″.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 8.5″ x 6”.
- Small, clutch-type purses no larger than 4.5” by 6.5”. These purses will be subject to search.
- Medical bags.
- Childcare bags, including diaper bags, when guests are accompanied by a child.
The RP Funding Center is relaxing the rule on camera bags, but backpacks, totes and large purses are prohibited. People with unapproved bags or items will be asked to return them to a vehicle.
Banned items: Guests are prohibited from bringing weapons into the RP Funding Center’s arena or any building or grounds. Weapons include but are not limited to firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, pepper spray, tear gas and knives. Guests with concealed weapons permits are still prohibited from bringing weapons onto the premises or grounds.
Other prohibited items include: alcoholic beverages, outside food or beverages, beach balls and other inflatables, bota bags or wine skins, bullhorns/whistles or noise makers, confetti, helium balloons, coolers, drones, framed backpacks, glass bottles or aluminum cans, illegal or illicit drugs, laser pointers/pens, pets or animals (with the exception of service animals), selfie sticks, skateboards or rollerblades, stools or folding chairs, and water bottles or mugs.
In addition, the RP Funding Center is a nonsmoking facility.
Meet your grad outside: Parents or family members will not be allowed into graduate holding areas. Following the ceremony, parents and other guests will meet graduates outside. Guests are not allowed on the floor during or after graduation and graduates are not permitted to leave graduation early.
Be courteous: The school district asks that all guests be respectful during the entire ceremony, specifically during the presentation of diplomas to ensure all graduates receive their moment of recognition.
“Graduation is a formal ceremony,” the district’s website states. “Any inappropriate action observed during the ceremony may result in immediate removal from the venue. Graduation attendance is not mandatory.”
No charge for parking: Parking will remain free again this year.
“We just want them to have fun and be happy,” said RP Funding Center Director Cindy Collins. “We’re just so grateful. I saw a girl graduating high school and college at the same time.”
Tag your pics: District officials asked that graduates share their joy and tag their photos with #PolkGrad24.
2024 graduation schedule for Lakeland-area schools:
| School | Day | Date | Time | Location | To be livestreamed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doris Sanders, Jean O’Dell, Karen Siegel | Saturday | May 11 | 10 a.m. | Lake Region High School Auditorium | Yes (Link) |
| Harrison School for the Arts | Friday | May 17 | Noon | RP Funding Center | Yes (HSA Link) |
| Lakeland Senior High | Friday | May 17 | 3 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Yes (LHS Link) |
| Lake Gibson Senior High | Friday | May 17 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Yes (LGHS Link) |
| Bartow/IB/ Summerlin | Monday | May 20 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Yes (Link) |
| Kathleen Senior High | Tuesday | May 21 | Noon | RP Funding Center | Yes (KHS Link) |
| Tenoroc High | Tuesday | May 21 | 3 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Yes (THS Link) |
| George W. Jenkins Senior High | Tuesday | May 21 | 7 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Yes (GJHS Link) |
| Polk Virtual & Polk Grad Academy | Wednesday | May 22 | 10 a.m. | Florida Southern College Branscomb Auditorium | No |
| Ridge & Traviss Technical Colleges (East Area and West Area Adult Schools) | Wednesday | May 22 | Noon | RP Funding Center | Yes (Link) |
| Fresh Start – Bartow/ Lakeland | Wednesday | May 22 | 6 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts Auditorium | No |
For the full list of Polk County Public Schools graduations, go here.
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