Final Update on Graduation – Letter to the Class of 2021

Dear Class of 2021 and Families,

The Senior Administration Committee wants you to know your voice and concerns have been heard and we want to make sure that we are always “Dewin’ It Right”. We have decided to hold one graduation for the graduating Class of 2021.

Updated and Final Graduation Plans

On June 25th, the graduation ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 AM, and we ask that all graduates show up by 9:15AM to prepare for their big entrance. Every senior participating in the in-person ceremony must wear their official John Dewey HS Cap and Gown.  If you have not purchased your Cap & Gown, you must do so immediately; the cost is $60. Requested sizes may not be available due to limited inventory, but we will do our best to accommodate all new purchases.  Distribution of the senior items will take place on Wednesday, June 23 from 9am-12pm. This will be your last chance to pick up your senior items before graduation day.  To order your cap and gown package use this link:

Cap and Gown Package

If you need to pay for your items, you can bring a postal money order made out to: John Dewey High School, or cash with you when you pick up your items. Receipts will be given when payment is received.

Every senior attending the in-person commencement ceremony will receive 2 guest tickets only.  We are unable to allow any additional guests under any circumstances because of DOE regulations capping the number of people allowed to attend graduation ceremony while allowing the seniors to graduate alongside their peers.

Seating arrangements will remain the same as done in previous graduations where graduates will be seated on the cement, socially distant, and all guests will only be allowed to occupy the grass area. Seating for guests will be available on a first come, first serve basis. All seats will be distant enough to abide by CDC, DOE and NYS guidelines. Seats are not to be moved or tampered with. All graduating students will have their names called at graduation whether they attend the in-person ceremony or not. ALL GRADUATES WILL BE ALLOWED TO WALK ACROSS THE STAGE WHEN THEIR NAME IS CALLED, but will not receive the paper scroll or shake hands with the staff. We will also be live streaming the ceremony for anyone wanting to watch at home.  Details on the login information will be sent out the day before the ceremony. 

The entire John Dewey staff and PTA have been working diligently to make sure the Class of 2021 gets the most authentic experience of a graduation ceremony as possible.  We appreciate your support and cooperation and look forward to celebrating our extraordinary seniors in this life-changing moment. 

Seniors will be able to pick up their diplomas beginning Monday, June 28th based on a schedule that will be sent to the seniors soon. 

Sincerely,

Senior Administration Committee

PS- Our graduation ceremony is Rain or Shine. Please bring an umbrella if the weather is threatening. 

Also, please understand that the following City policy will be enforced for our graduation ceremony- All attendees must show evidence of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of 6/25 or must have proof of being fully vaccinated.