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SELECT A LOCATION...
You need to decide what works best
for the graduation at your school. Is it better to have it
inside the school or to find a place on the grounds of the school.
If you decide to have it indoors it is best to use a school auditorium
or cafeteria. Many times the classroom will be too small with
guests. Remember that everyone wants to be able to see their
child. The pros of having it Indoors is that you do not have
to be concerned with the weather and it is a little easier to set up
since you do not have to carry chairs, tables etc... outdoors. However
there is nothing better than being outside on a bright, sunny day.
CREATE A GUEST LIST
When selecting who should be invited to
the graduation ceremony you must consider the number of guests that you can accommodate.
How many people will fit comfortably in the space that you will be
using? Do you need to make it an occasion for just parents
or can you also accommodate grandparents and siblings?
PLAN EARLY
Give yourself a month or more to plan
the graduation. Remember that you will need to get
volunteers to help with the preparations as well as donate food. Give
parents ample notice so that they can adjust their schedules
accordingly.
By giving yourself time you can do things at a leisurely pace.
Be sure to include the children in on the fun. They can help to make
invitations, and decorations.
SEND INVITATIONS
Your invitations should be sent 2 - 3 weeks
prior to the event. This will give parents plenty of time to
respond and will give you time to finalize preparations. Make sure
you include the date, start and end time, venue, special
instructions, whether food will be served and an RSVP form to be
returned to school by a specific date. This will help you to get a
head count for beverages and food. |
DECORATE THE PARTY PLACE:
It is important to make
the graduation area look colorful and bright.
Kids love balloons and streamers and
they will go a long way. Put streamers around the tables and add
bunches of balloon strategically around the room. If it is in your
budget it would be nice to have a balloon for each child to take home
with them. The kid's artwork will make terrific decorations
so select some of the best drawings made by the children and hang them
around the area. Be sure to include artwork for ALL of the
children. Create or purchase a
"Congratulations- Class of ???" banner.
Purchase theme related plates, napkins and table covers. Make a
fun centerpiece - a decorated cap is always fun.
PLAN THE MENU
Keep the food
simple. Finger food works best. Use juice boxes for the
kids. Remember to order a cake.
Food ideas:
Pizza cut into small pieces
Fruit tray including strawberries and
grapes.
Use cookie cutters to create finger sandwiches.
Cheese and crackers
Veggie and dip
Desserts: brownies, cookies, Rice
Krispie teats, graduation caps (see recipe)
Grad Caps Recipe
Ingredients needed:
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Miniature peanut
butter cups
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Frosting or peanut
butter
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Chocolate-covered
graham crackers
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Fruit leather
1.
Place a miniature peanut butter cup, bottom up, on a plate. Top with a
small dollop of frosting or peanut butter, then press on a
chocolate-covered graham cracker.
2.
For a tassel, tightly roll up a small square of fruit leather. Cut
fringe on one end and attach the other end to the center of the graham
cracker with another dab of frosting or peanut butter.
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