Welcome Congratulations Graduates of the Class of 2014

Welcome & Congratulations Graduates of the Class of 2014 T. E. A. C. H. GRADUATION 2014 Tidewater Educators Association for Christian Homeschooling P. O. Box 64516 Virginia Beach, VA 23467 -4516

THE CEREMONY: If you are not familiar with T. E. A. C. H. ’s Graduation Ceremony, it can be quite emotional and entertaining. Families are given the opportunity to present the diploma to their graduates, offer a charge, a prayer or congratulations, in two minutes or less! Or the student may wish to use that time to express appreciation to his/her parents. The time per family must be limited to 2 minutes out of consideration for others. We ask you to please stay for the entire ceremony and share the joy of the day with all those present. We need 2 fathers to volunteer for the opening and closing prayers.

Reception Announcing This year’s reception theme is: Cookies and Fruit. T. E. A. C. H will supply the décor, sheet cake, punch fountain, and all paper products. Graduates simply supply and drop off unplated cookies or fruit at rehearsal. T. E. A. C. H. will plate and serve the food. Please email us with what item and quantity of what you will be bringing.

MANDATORY MEETINGS: There are two MANDATORY MEETINGS that all graduates and parent(s) must attend prior to graduation: Monday, March 10, 2014 7 -8: 00 pm at Redemption Church, All Payments is required at this time. Graduation affidavits, applications and order forms must be submitted at this mandatory meeting. Friday, May 30, 2014, 12: 00 -2 pm, at Redemption Church. This is the graduation rehearsal. Please bring caps/gowns/tassels.

FEES: All fees will be collected at the March 10, 2014 meeting, and should be made payable to T. E. A. C. H. This fee includes the purchase of one of the 2 packages, the ceremony and the reception after the ceremony, and a memorable ceremony program including a biography of each graduate. Package 1 = $150. 00 Cap, tassel and gown unit Official Class ring 5 Graduation Announcements Economy name cards Diploma Cover and Diploma Package 2 = $125. 00 Cap, tassel and gown unit Diploma Cover and Diploma

AFFIDAVIT: Parents are required to turn in a notarized affidavit verifying their student(s) are indeed homeschooled, and are neither enrolled in any form of school (other than TCC) nor are participating in any other graduation ceremony. This affidavit has to be signed and notarized and turned in with the completed application at the March 10 th meeting. . Please note that the affidavit requires the signature of a notary public – have this done prior to attending the meeting. We will try to provide a notary at the meeting, but this is not always possible.

REGALIA: Orders will be taken at the March 10 TH meeting for caps, gowns and tassels. Extra tassels may be ordered if graduates wish to use one in their displays or for some other purpose. Caps and gowns are royal blue, tassels are blue and white, and no other regalia (such as gold cords) will be permitted. If you do not order extra tassels initially, PLEASE do not ask us to provide them at a later date. Distribution of caps/gowns/tassels pick up date TBA

DRESS CODE: Modest attire must be worn under the graduation gown. We will not be using the white collars that come with the gowns. Ladies should wear dresses no shorter than two inches above the knee and with a modest neckline. Men must wear socks, shoes (no sandals), dark dress pants, white dress shirt and black tie. Jeans are not acceptable.

RING: In package 1 you will receive a Jostens Basic style TEACH class ring. If you would like to upgrade your class ring you may do so by checking the upgrade box. A Jostens representative will contact you and set up an appointment to upgrade your ring. The class ring ceremony will be held at this year’s prom on May 9!. Please turn your form in at the March 10, 2014 meeting. Deadline for orders to be back by Prom is April 1 st. Also, if your child is not able to attend the meeting on the 10 th please check their right hand ring finger ring size at a local jewelry store or if they can attend the meeting a Jostens representative will size their finger when you turn in your order.

Basic T. E. A. C. H. Class Ring School Mascot Symbol T. E. A. C. H. School Name

DIPLOMAS: The new Diplomas and padded diploma covers will be supplied by T. E. A. C. H. and will be signed by the T. E. A. C. H. President. There is also a line provided on the diploma for a parent signature.

BIOGRAPHY: Please write a short paragraph about yourself (10 Sentences maximum) for inclusion in the graduation program. The Graduation coordinator will send you an email stating where to email your bio by April 1, 2014 Some suggested info to include in your biography: Favorite Scripture Birthplace Age Years of homeschooling Places of residence Blessings from the Lord Anyone you want to thank Achievements Awards Special recognition Family Work Important Life Lessons Learned Future plans Involvement in music, sports, contests, missions, community volunteer, service organizations.

PHOTOS: For Slide show: We plan to display on screen a slide show that includes three pictures of each graduate - baby, youth, and current - The coordinator will email you where to email the pictures by April 1, 2014 Cap & Gown Portraits: (optional) If there is interest to have a simple formal cap and gown or group portrait done at rehearsal or during the ceremony we will obtain a photographer. There are many photographers who do senior packets, for example Life Touch/Prestige. Contact: Blair Tompson 420 -9417 (handouts available) Video: (optional) It is a possibility that we may be videotaping the ceremony this year. If you are interested in purchasing a simple copy please sign up for one.

DISPLAY TABLES: Each graduate will be given 1/3 of an 8 ft. table or ½ of a 6 ft. table to display pictures, awards, mementos, academic work or other interests and activities. Please indicate on the application if you plan to use this space. The display tables will be available for setting up after rehearsal.

INVITATIONS: (optional) All invitations are the responsibility of the families of the graduates. These may be ordered or designed yourself and printed on special paper available in stationery stores. If you selected package 1 you will receive 5 complementary announcements and name cards. However; Party City has many books with Graduation invitations at very reasonable prices and offers a group discount. If a parent wants to organize this please sign up at the organizational meeting. If you elect to send a picture postcard invitation (1/2 picture and 1/2 invitation) that does not come with envelopes, any size envelope can be ordered by Norfolk Stationery Co. , 103 Granby St. , 625 -2511.

DEADLINES: Please help us by abiding by all required deadlines, so that we will have time to have everything ready.

Prom Committee This year we are fortunate to have reps from each co-op. We are always looking for help on the day of the prom for decorating. Please contact one of the Prom coordinators and let us know if you can help.

Dress Sales Now accepting Formal Dress Donations for tax deductions or by consignment. Dress and Accessories Sale - Dress Check –Ticket Sales Date: Saturday, April 12 th, from 1 -3 pm at KRT Express Tailor’s Willis Wayside 4216 Va Bch Blvd Ste 150 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Contact: Donna Kuzio 757 -708 -3446/757 -488 -6905 kuzioohana@cox. net If dresses are still available, you will be able to purchase these by contacting: Martha Blau 757 -639 -9354 or April Improta 757 -641 -1571 For more information go to the TEACH Prom web site.

It is an honor for us to be able to help you culminate your homeschool career on May 31, 2014. Initial questions? Please contact the T. E. A. C. H. Board Graduation Coordinators. April Improta- mychangingworld@juno. com Martha Blau- mmsecretary 51@yahoo. com For the latest information check out the T. E. A. C. H. Prom & Graduation Facebook page. Contact us to be invited