It's almost graduation time for your high school senior!
Graduation is a time of recognizing accomplishments and meeting a life milestone. Graduation is caps and gowns, hugs and memories, gifts and wishes, and parties! Perhaps the most memorable part of a graduation is gathering with friends and family and sharing the event together.
If you have an online student, graduations can be a bit difficult. Unlike in traditional school, online schools sometime offer limited ceremony options (or sometimes none at all). Don't let the fact that your student attends an online school dampen the excitement of completing high school. Whether or not your online school offers a graduation ceremony, you can still plan a fun graduation party at home for your online learner!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Invite More Relatives and Local Friends. If you can't invite your student's classmates or don't even know them, invite your student's local friends from groups, organizations, or work. Plus, take this time to invite relatives you haven't seen in a while. Graduation is a perfect reason for getting together with loved ones.
- Have Your Own Ceremony. Even if there's no ceremony option at your online school, you can create your own graduation ceremony at home. Make a stage in your living room where you as a parent can present the diploma. Videotape the ceremony or conduct it when all your family and friends or present.
- Do a Combination On-site and Virtual Party. Include your student's classmates virtually with a webcam or Skype. Have a microphone and video so long distance classmates can participate by chatting directly, too. With a webcam, classmates can meet family members and see where your student lives.
- Skip the Party Altogether. If your student doesn't want a party, consider an alternative celebration option. How about a special trip to a destination your student has always wanted to visit? How about a shopping spree or perhaps even a gift of money toward your student's college of choice? Celebrating high school graduation doesn't have to mean a lavish party.
- Take Official Cap-and-Gown Photos or Videos. Sure, senior pictures are fun, but it's also nice to have pictures taken of your student in cap and gown. This significant moment deserves to be documented. Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to capture your student's achievement (even if there is no official ceremony).
Think outside the box for your online student's graduation! Take time to make the occasion special for your high schooler. Graduation can be as simple or as large as you want it to be. Consider what really matters to your online student. After all, it is an accomplishment. Most importantly, remember to celebrate this great occasion together!
What tips do you have for parents planning a graduation celebration? Share your experiences!