8th Grade Graduation Parent Letter

April 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians of Eighth Grade Students:

We hope this letter finds you and your family well. We would like to provide an update to families regarding important events coming up at the end of the school year to celebrate our eighth grade graduating class of 2025. Thank you for supporting graduation events by submitting preferred diploma names and graduation gown/tassel orders. Graduation ticket orders are needed from each family (see below). We will celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates in multiple ways. You will find more information about upcoming graduation celebrations and events below.

Graduation Tickets and Ceremony ~ Wednesday, May 28th 

• Wednesday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Niles North High School (approx. 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. end time)
• Graduates will receive up to five (5) tickets for the McCracken Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony. 
  • Families will have the opportunity to receive up to two (2) additional tickets through a lottery system. (Families who are selected through the lottery will be contacted by the school in May.)
  • Please complete this McCracken Graduation Ticket Form to request your tickets. Each graduate must complete a form requesting the number of tickets needed by Friday, April 18th. Tickets will be distributed to students at school on Thursday, May 22nd.
  • All attendees (with the exception of our graduates) must present a ticket in order to be seated.
  • Families who do not complete the graduation ticket order form will be issued 5 tickets and will not be entered into the lottery for additional tickets.
  • The graduation ceremony will include the traditional components of Symphonic Band and McCracken  Choir performances and student and staff speeches. A Graduation Program will be provided to families/guests.
• Students must arrive at Niles North High School no later than 5:30 p.m.

Graduation Diplomas 

• Graduation diplomas will be presented to students during the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 28th at NNHS. Preferred diploma names were collected earlier this year and we do our very best to make sure that all names are spelled correctly in the program and on the diploma. If there is an error, please contact the school office and we will make any needed corrections with a replacement diploma card over the summer.

Yearbooks

• If your family purchased a yearbook, it will be distributed to students at school prior to graduation.

Graduation Gowns and Tassels

• Families had the option to purchase a graduation gown and tassel individually, or as a package.
• If you did not order a graduation gown, please contact the school office as soon as possible. All graduates are expected to wear a gown during the ceremony. There are NO caps per NNHS guidelines.
• Graduation gowns and tassels will be distributed to students at school prior to graduation on May 22nd.

Graduation T-Shirts - Order and Payment Due April 11th

• Each graduate will have the option to purchase a McCracken Class of 2025 t-shirt. 
• The cost is $8.00 (Adult S-XL) and $10.00 (XXL). 
• T-Shirt orders are due by Friday, April 11th. 
• Please complete THIS FORM to order a graduation t-shirt. Families can submit payment by cash, check, or use a credit card online via RevTrak.
• The t-shirt will be distributed to students at school prior to graduation.

Graduation Yard Signs - FREE!

• The District will be providing each graduate with a McCracken Class of 2025 yard sign. (There is NO COST to families for the yard sign this year)
• Yard signs will be distributed to students at school prior to graduation. The distribution date is tentatively planned on Thursday, May 22nd.

8th Grade End of Year Celebration - May 16th

• Friday, May 16th (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) at McCracken
• Students voted for their preferred theme for this event: Tropical Paradise (Hawaiian-themed)
• This event will include music, food, and games.
• 8th Grade Celebration Student Permission Form - Due by Friday, May 2nd

8th Grade Last Days of School Information (May 27th and May 28th)

• Eighth-grade students will participate in the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 28th. 
• The last full day of school for 8th grade students will be on Tuesday, May 27th.
• All fees, textbooks, library books, and chromebooks will be collected on Tuesday, May 27th. 
• Graduation Tickets and materials will be given to students at school on Thursday, May 22nd.
• Monday, May 26th is Memorial Day and a non-attendance day for all students and staff.
• Students will be expected to attend a full day of school on Tuesday, May 27th.
• Students will be expected to attend a half day of school on Wednesday, May 28th.
• 8th grade students are required to report to school at 7:50 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28th to board buses for graduation rehearsal at Niles North High School.
• Students will return to McCracken after rehearsal at approximately 11:00 a.m. Students will be dismissed immediately upon arrival and will need to walk home, be picked up by parents/guardians, or travel by bus (for current bus riders only - bus will run the late bus route)
• Graduation Rehearsal Bus Field Trip Form Due on Friday, May 2nd
• Graduation Ceremony: Students are expected to arrive at Niles North High School no later than 5:30 p.m. The ceremony starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. and we will not be able to wait for students who are late. Any student who is not able to arrive on time will be directed to the back of the stage where a staff member will assist in helping them to their seat.
• Please ensure that your graduate is dressed appropriately for the ceremony. We recommend dress clothes and shoes. Students will be wearing their graduation gown over their clothes. We want each student to be comfortable during this formal graduation ceremony.
• Graduates do not return to McCracken after the graduation ceremony. Student records will be transferred to Niles North High School upon graduates’ completion of eighth grade. If your child will be attending a school other than Niles North High School, please call the McCracken office so we can direct those records to the appropriate school.
• Students are expected to maintain all academic and behavior expectations as outlined in our Student/Parent Handbook in order to fully participate in all graduation and celebratory events. We will be having a focused discussion with all 8th grade students after spring break to emphasize the importance of finishing the school year in a productive manner, prioritizing positive educational experiences that leave a lasting impression on students and staff as they move forward to high school.

Thank you, in advance, for speaking with your graduate about the importance of maintaining continued academic achievement and appropriate behavior throughout their eighth grade year. We are looking forward to celebrating the many accomplishments and achievements of our graduates this year and appreciate your partnership and support!

Sincerely,

Nancy Ariola, Principal
Marty Behm, Assistant Principal
Trevor Dykes, Assistant Principal