Dear Parent/Guardian,
The information below has been distributed to seniors regarding the end of the year schedule and graduation ceremony. Please read it in its entirety and discuss it with your student. The William Penn Administration would like your assistance in encouraging our seniors to complete the following instructions below:
Financial Obligations - It is especially important that all seniors who have financial obligations for fundraisers, lost textbooks, equipment, etc. to take care of these obligations by May 1, 2026. Obligations must be paid with cash or money order.
(PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE PAYMENT OF STUDENT OBLIGATIONS).
Any senior who still has an outstanding obligation WILL NOT be permitted to participate in graduation practice or in the graduation ceremony on May 28, 2026.
Graduation Practices and Cap and Gowns - Caps and gowns must be purchased by the student for $60.00 cash or money order (No checks); Money is due by May 1, 2026. The caps and gowns will be ordered for those who filled out the order form and will be distributed on the first assigned practice. Cap & Gown cannot be decorated.
STUDENTS MUST REPORT TO ALL ASSIGNED PRACTICES ON TIME AND STAY THE ENTIRE PRACTICE.
Graduation Ceremony – May 28, 2026 (Rain Date: May 29, 2026) at Smalls Athletic Field (31 Hamilton Avenue, York, PA 17401). Doors will open at 4:30 PM and the Ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM.
Please discuss with your student the fact that we would like graduation to remain a dignified occasion and would ask that they conduct themselves accordingly. We will not permit any balloons. Proper decorum is expected and your cooperation with this request is greatly appreciated.
As a reminder, any students who do not meet the ACT 158 or Bearcat Bold requirement are not able to participate in the graduation ceremony. However, the student may pick up their diploma at 10:00 AM on May 29, 2026, or the next school day after graduation during normal school hours.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact William Penn's Main Office via phone at 717-849-1218.
Class of 2026 Important Dates:
April 17, 2026 SAT - April 17, 2026 is the last day for students to register for the May SAT Test. Students are advised to see their counselors for more information on how to register.
Now to May 1, 2026 Financial Obligations - Clear up all obligations! (Books, senior dues, ID fees, etc.). Payments should be taken to the Student Services office or Dr. Still's office (F226). Only cash and money orders will be accepted. Students who still have obligations/debts after May 2, 2026 will not receive their cap and gown. No exceptions!
May 1, 2026 Decision Day - Students are invited to attend this event by invitation only.
May 2, 2026 SAT Test - Students should arrive at WPSHS before 8:00 AM and enter on College Avenue.
May 13, 2026 Music Awards Ceremony - This event is for music students only.
April 25, 2026 WPSHS Prom - Will be held at Wisehaven. Tickets are $50 per student (Cash only) and can be purchased during FLEX in room E306 or F232. Seniors may purchase up to 2 tickets only. The doors will open at 5:30 PM and the dance will be held from 6:00-9:00 PM. No student may enter after 7:15 PM. No exceptions! Seniors must submit a Dance/Guest Agreement by May 5, 2026 and also bring ID of guest to the Prom. Guests must be under the age of 20 years old.
May 21, 2026 Senior Dinner/Awards - The Senior Awards Program will take place from 6:00-7:30 PM in the WSPSHS Auditorium. Families and friends of seniors are encouraged to attend. If the student is receiving an award, they must be present. The Senior Recognition Dinner will take place from 7:30-9:00 PM in the WPSHS Cafeteria. Please enter through door 13. Reservations are required in Principal Still's office (F226) no later than May 18, 2026. No exceptions! Names of Senior and/or Guests must be on the reservation list to attend. Payments will be accepted at the door (Cash only).
May 22, 2026 Senior Trip - The Senior Trip will take place at Hershey Park. Seniors must submit a permission slip to attend. More details will be forthcoming.
May 26, 2026 Mandatory Graduation Practice - Graduation Practice will take place from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM for all Seniors with the last names of A-L who are eligible to participate in graduation. Seniors should report to the WPSHS Auditorium. Please enter on College Avenue and go directly to the auditorium. Caps and gowns will be given out.
May 27, 2026 Mandatory Graduation Practice - Graduation Practice will take place from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM for all Seniors with the last names of M-Z who are eligible to participate in graduation. Seniors should report to the WPSHS Auditorium. Please enter on College Avenue and go directly to the auditorium. Caps and gowns will be given out.
May 28, 2026 Graduation Day Mandatory Graduation Practice (Rain Date: May 19, 2026) - All Seniors who are eligible to participate in Graduation should report to the Graduation site (Smalls Athletic Field) from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.
May 28, 2026 Graduation Ceremony (Rain Date: May 29, 2026) - All Seniors participating in Graduation must report to the Senior preparation area at Smalls Athletic Field at 4:00 PM. No valuables are to be left in the Senior preparation area during Graduation. Seniors will form the procession line starting at 5:15 PM. Graduation will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. No families or guests may visit the graduate area prior to the ceremony.
GRADUATION ATTIRE: Business Casual and all students must wear black, navy, beige or white shoes. (DO NOT WEAR BLUE/RIPPED JEANS OR COLORFUL SNEAKERS. REMEMBER THAT IMPROPER DRESS WILL BE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM THE GRADUATION CEREMONY). No decorations, signs, writing, etc. may be added to your caps or gowns.
NOTE: Diplomas will be picked up by the graduate in the Senior preparation area following the ceremony. GRADUATES ONLY!
Thank you,
William Penn Administration