Our 2024 graduates will be walking across the stage next weekend on Saturday, June 1st! 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 and 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. Please no excessive yelling, screaming, chanting etc.
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.
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.
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, large signs etc. will be confiscated upon arrival).
Seating at graduation will be on a first come first serve basis.
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 as soon as the graduation ceremony begins.
Accessible seating is along the west bleachers and dedicated areas in the Mezzanine 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 exit through the front doors of the Main Hall after the conclusion of the recessional.
All graduates will exit through the 9th and Adams St. (south doors) or 9th and Washington St. (north doors) behind the stage after graduation.
Families should make arrangements to meet outside on the Adams St. or Washington St. sides of the BOS Center after graduation.
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 sharing 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.