It is here! Your graduate(s) will be walking across the stage on Saturday, June 7th! We are so excited to celebrate all of our students and their accomplishments! Please read through and share the following information with all of your guests that will be attending as it pertains to our commencement ceremony guidelines.
Graduation Ceremony Times
Doors will open 1 hour ahead of start time below for general public
Graduates need to arrive at least 45 minutes ahead of start time below:
Lanphier - 11:00 A.M.
Southeast - 2:00 P.M.
Springfield - 5:00 P.M.
All Graduations will stream live on District 186’s Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@SPS_District186
Traffic Advisory
We urge families to plan to arrive early to the BOS Center to find parking.
Parking is also limited as there are events downtown as well as construction that is occupying some street parking and parking lots.
Ceremony Guidelines:
In order to ensure the safety of all and to extend courtesy to our graduates and their families, we ask that you please follow the guidelines listed below:
Students & Guests are expected to dress appropriately. Guests are expected to remove hoods/hats and to demonstrate respect for all graduates.
Every graduate and their family deserve to hear their name announced. Please make every effort to ensure all students have this opportunity.
Metal Detectors will be used to ensure the safety of all guests and graduates prior to entering the BOS Center for the graduation ceremony. For safety and speed of entry, we strongly encourage spectators not to bring bags of any kind.
If you must bring a bag, bags that are no larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” are permitted after visual inspection. Clear bags are preferred.
No weapons of any kind including pocket knives and mace/pepper spray will be allowed in the BOS Center. Confiscated items will be disposed of and will not be the responsibility of graduation staff.
The Springfield Police Department will be at the BoS Center to assist with this process.
Balloons & noise makers of any kind are prohibited ( bells, airhorns, whistles, etc. will be confiscated upon arrival )
Seating at graduation will be on a first come first serve basis.
There is specific seating for handicapped accessibility in the front row of the west side of the BOS Center and in designated areas on the south and north sides of the BOS Center. All Wheelchairs and motorized chairs will need to remain there for safety and to allow for our graduates to have a path for procession & recession. There is also seating in the mezzanine level that is labeled.
There will be no reserved seating. There is no limit on the number of guests for each graduate.
Please keep walkways clear and stay seated.
Access to the Main Hall will be allowed 1 hour before each graduation ceremony is scheduled to begin and will be closed 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled processional. Anyone not seated at that time will be directed to the Mezzanine level. The elevator, ramps and stairs will be available during this time. Ushers will be available to assist family and friends when using the elevator.
There will be NO ENTRY to the lower level of the BOS Center after the beginning of each graduation ceremony. Anyone entering after the graduation processional will be seated in the mezzanine level so as to not disrupt the graduation ceremony.
Please note that all doors will close 45 minutes after the ceremony begins. There will be no admittance at that time.
In order to ensure that there is adequate time provided to prepare for the next ceremony, all families are asked to immediately exit through the front doors of the Main Hall 15 minutes after the conclusion of the recessional. Please do not come onto the main floor.
All graduates will exit through the 9th and Adams St. (south doors) or 9th and Washington St. (north doors) behind the stage after graduation.
Please note that all families should make arrangements to meet outside on the Adams St. or Washington St. sides of the BOS Center after the graduation ceremony concludes. Graduates will not reenter the building after recessional.
In case of any emergency, please follow the directions of BOS Center personnel and/or the Public Address System.
Thank you in advance for following these guidelines and please share with all invited guests. It is the hope of District 186 that your student and your family/friends have a very enjoyable and safe experience during this graduation ceremony.