Dear Senior Families,

Although June is several months away, we are already making plans to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. Commencement is an exciting milestone for your child, and we encourage you to review the following information to help you prepare for this special time. 

On Friday, May 31st, we invite you to a special reception at the Head of School’s House from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This reception is for seniors, parents, and faculty. We hope to see you there!

Commencement is on Saturday, June 1st, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will be held outside, under a tent on the Green. The event will be broadcast live on Ustream for any friends and family who are unable to attend in person. Please RSVP for you and your guests using this form by May 1st. 

Useful Information

Planning Ahead

• Commencement occurs at a very popular time here in Litchfield. We encourage you to make your reservations early; please click here for our Visitor Guide.
• If you need special assistance, please let us know by indicating your specific needs on the RSVP form.
• We will be mailing ten formal invitations in March for your family and any guests you would like to attend. If you need additional invitations, please contact Ashli Langill.
• If you have any questions about arrangements for this event, please contact Ashli Langill.

The Day of the Event 

• Professional photographers from Highpoint Pictures will take a formal picture of the Class of 2024, individual portraits of each senior before the ceremony, and individual pictures of each senior receiving their diploma. Family pictures will be taken directly after the ceremony. All professional photos will be available for purchase two weeks after the event. Highpoint Pictures will reach out to you directly when the photos are available. 
• We will live stream the ceremony for those who can’t attend. The live stream link will be shared closer to the day of the ceremony. 
• We will provide bouquets and boutonnieres to the seniors.
• Commencement is held, rain or shine, under a large tent on the Green. 

Moving Out

• Students will begin packing and cleaning routines during the week leading up to Commencement. Upon departure, the expectation is that dorm rooms are emptied of all belongings and broom swept. A cleaning fee may apply if the dorm room does not pass inspection. 
• Students will have the option to ship items home. Specific UPS shipping information will be provided in the spring.
• Once the Commencement ceremony is over, dorms will be unlocked, and students and families are free to pack up and check out with the person on duty in the dorm. All students are asked to fill out the check-out sheet and hand it to the dorm staff on departure. Please note: Some staff will be filling in for houseparents until around 1:00 p.m. to allow the dorm parents to say goodbye. You do not need to call the AOD if you have checked out with the dorm parent/dorm staff. All travel plans for move-out must be submitted to Orah. Please email Amanda Bender if you have any questions about travel or transportation.

Commencement Attire

Students may wear the following:

• A solid white (not off-white) dress (knee-length or longer) with a slip (as needed) and white dress shoes or dress sandals.
• A shawl or coverup will be required for dresses that do not cover shoulders.
• White dress must be approved in person by Nicole Ostaszewski, Brittany Bloom, or Allie Maxwell before April 22nd.

Or:

• Pressed navy blue blazer with the school emblem sewn on the breast pocket.
• Pressed white Dockers®, which the school will order in April.
• White button-down dress shirt, seniors’ school tie, dress shoes (preferably black), and dark socks.
• Zack Zampaglione must approve blazers, slacks, and shirts in person before April 22nd.

In addition to checking your inbox for Commencement updates, you can also visit the Parent Center on our website for information. Feel free to contact Ashli Langill at ashli.langill@formanschool.org or 860.567.1801 to answer any questions about this wonderful event’s schedule and traditions. 

Best, 

Forman School 

12 Norfolk Road

Litchfield, CT 06759

www.formanschool.org