November

• Nov 3–21: Senior Headshot & Jersey Fundraiser

December

• Dec 11: College Night — FAFSA help, scholarship info, student panel, transcript ordering, and Bulldog Winner’s Circle photo booth.
  Show your college pride by wearing college gear!

January

• Jan 16: Cap & Gown Purchase Deadline — via [Jostens Website].
  No order = No participation.

March

• Mar 25: Senior Day — Financial literacy, banking, adult living workshops.
  All seniors must attend.

May

• May 8: Senior Class Grade Failures Due
• May 9: Prom — Alex D. Krassas Event Center, 7–10 p.m.
• Senior Trip: Date & Location TBA
• May 13: Senior Recognition — 6 p.m., Umsttad Auditorium (invite-only for awardees)
• May 15: Senior Last Day
• May 18: Cap & Gown Pickup — Field House, by appointment
• May 20: Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice & Senior Sunset
• May 21: Graduation Ceremony

• Order Deadline: Jan 16, 2026 via Jostens Website ($30.50)
  Packages optional; cap & gown required.
• Pickup: May 18 (by appointment)
  Students must:
   
  • Complete the Senior Exit Survey
  • Return Yondr bags, iPads, and athletic gear
  • Pay any outstanding fees
     

Students who do not order by the deadline will not participate in commencement.

All college-bound seniors should complete the following:

Common App
Apply to multiple colleges using one platform.

Parchment
Used for sending official transcripts (digital only).
→ Check school email for your Parchment account link.

SchooLinks
Explore careers, manage applications, find scholarships, and communicate with counselors.

FAFSA
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid for grants, loans, and work-study eligibility.

Scholarships
Begin preparing essays (2–3 prompts recommended).
Most open after Jan 1.

College Visits
Available through Counselor Corner and SchooLinks.
Permission slips sent via ParentSquare.

Bulldog Winner’s Circle — Due March 2, 2026

Celebrate your post-graduation plans!
Submit through the Counselor Corner Google Classroom (Code: l5xcxg2).

To qualify:

• Accepted into a college, job, military, or trade program
• Upload unfiltered, school-appropriate headshot
• Include name of institution or employer
• Attach proof of acceptance or employment

Senior Jersey Order Form

Each senior creates a personal slide (through Counselor Corner Google Classroom) for display during commencement.

Guidelines:

• Photos must be clear, unfiltered, and school-appropriate
• No hand gestures or face coverings
• Only student-created slides will be shown

A full-day experience designed to help students prepare for life after graduation — including:

• Opening a bank account
• Building financial literacy
• Scheduling medical appointments
• Understanding driving and insurance basics

Attendance is required for all seniors.

Practice:

• May 20, 2026 — Required (McKinley Main Cafeteria, arrive by 9 a.m.)
  Missing practice = no commencement participation.
   

Ceremony:

• May 21, 2026 — Arrive 4:30 p.m. sharp. Gates open at 5 p.m.
  • No jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, or flip-flops
  • Caps may be decorated
  • Only school-approved stoles allowed
  • No phones, food, or personal items during ceremony

Stoles & Diplomas:

• Return stole after the ceremony to receive diploma, or pay $15 cash to keep it.
• Diplomas available after the ceremony — bring your receipt if purchasing your stole.

Parking and Photography:

• Graduate Parking: Unity Lot (student lot)
• Family Parking: Unity, Honor, Respect, and Courage Lots (enter via Southwest Gate)
• Photos: Lifetouch will capture commencement photos. You’ll receive a text once images are available.

To earn a diploma, students must:

1. Earn 21 Credits

• English: 4
• Math: 4
• Science: 3
• Social Studies: 3
• Electives: 5
• Fine Arts: 1
• Health: ½
• PE: ½
• Financial Literacy: ½
   

2. Show Competency
Pass Algebra I and English II tests or meet alternate requirements (credential, apprenticeship, military enlistment, or college coursework).

3. Show Readiness
Earn two Diploma Seals (one must be Ohio-defined).

Graduation Requirements Flyer

Seals Flyer

Academic Letter
Complete and submit Academic Letter Form

Honors Diplomas
Students who meet advanced academic and extracurricular criteria may qualify for an Honors Diploma in areas such as Academic, Career-Tech, STEM, Arts, or Civic Engagement.
Learn More About Honors Diplomas