Graduation Information

12/1/2020

Dear 8th grade parents,

We are thrilled to let you know that WE WILL HAVE GRADUATION! The past 8 months have certainly brought with it many challenges but what we have learned is that we need to be flexible and plan for a multitude of scenarios. With that being said, we are actively engaged in planning for a traditional graduation ceremony on May 28, 2021 while also contingency planning for several other scenarios depending on the local mandates as we get closer to the date.

With this uncertainty and unusual nature of our current climate, we have decided to do all event planning in-house and will call upon volunteers as needed. Our goal is to have as many traditional celebrations as possible including the annual Brick Reveal, the video viewing for 8th grade students and 8th grade parents, a pool party prior to graduation and a graduation party on the evening of graduation. Please note that we are at the mercy of the Davidson County Health Department so certain parameters are outside of our control but we are contingency planning to ensure that the Class of 2021 feels loved and celebrated in every way possible.

As we know many people need to plan in advance, here are a few guidelines and requests as we move into 2021…

Graduation Attire for Graduates:

Traditionally, the students are asked to wear navy blazers, beige khaki slacks, (no cargo pants), white shirts, ties and nice leather shoes (not athletic-type shoes), or white dresses for graduation. The dresses should be white or off-white, floor length, and some form of shoulder strap is preferred to keep from adjusting throughout the ceremony. Some dresses may require a slip underneath depending upon the fabric. We also ask that all the students wear dress shoes. When choosing shoes, please remember that the floor and carpet can be cumbersome with certain types of high heels.

8th Grade Video Photo Submission Information:

The 8th Grade Video is a photographic timeline that will remind us all of the friendships and growth that our children have experienced since Kindergarten. The video has become one of the most anticipated components of the Harding Academy experience, with special viewing parties for parents and students. Also, each student will receive a copy of the DVD at Graduation. To ensure each student is represented equally in the video, we need each family to submit 12 photos of your child by January 11. We cannot produce this video without your help! Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this!

Guidelines:

Cull through your photos from the past 9 years.

Choose a max of 12 photos to submit. We're looking for group and individual photos but request at least half of these be individual shots.

Please represent a range of years and activities. You may include things like sports (Harding & non-Harding), dance, Scouts, band/theater, summer camp, other extracurricular activities. Please, no family photos. We’re looking for just your child, or your child with other Harding classmates.

If your child has not been at Harding since Kindergarten, please submit photos that are representative of your child's earlier years (K-8 only; we’re not looking for baby/toddler photos). We want to ensure each 8th grader is represented equally, regardless of how long he/she has been at Harding.

Title your photos as follows: THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT

Grade_LastName_FirstName.jpg

1st_Smith_John.jpg;

if submitting more than one photo in same year then add A/B/C/etc:

1stA_Smith_John.jpg, 1stB_Smith_John.jpg

To submit photos, please email Ruthie Lowney at lowneyr@hardingacademy.us.

We will be sending out reminders and additional information as decisions are made and appreciate your patience. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly,

Sincerely,

Jay Codispoti

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