Information About the CHALC Graduation

The CHALC Graduation is a family activity celebrating many years of homeschooling memories. You are welcome to join us, whether or not you are part of a CHALC homeschool group. Registered Seniors and a parent attend monthly graduation planning meetings. These meetings are important, as we:

Plan socials, banquets, and formals
Communicate important dates and events
Select class colors, songs, verses, and speakers
Order and pick up invitations, gowns, and pictures
Share devotions and fellowship with other seniors

How much does it cost?

Graduation registration fees: $160 for CHALC members/$215 for non-members ($20 late fee for payments received and registrations made after December 1.)

What is included?

20 invitations to the CHALC Graduation (Additional invitations may be ordered in groups of 20)
The ceremony
Cap & Gown
Rose at the ceremony
Facility rental & other ceremony costs

Are there other expenses?

Other costs may include postage for the invitations as well as optional activities like senior portraits, monthly socials (estimated $5-$10/event), Graduate Family Banquet Tickets (estimated $25-$30 per ticket), and Student Formal Tickets which includes dinner and entertainment (estimated $40-$55).

Does CHALC provide the diploma?

No. Parents are responsible for their student’s diploma whether it is parent-issued or issued by a diploma program. HSLDA sells parent-issued diplomas & covers for those interested.

What is the timeline of events and activities for the year?

Although each CHALC graduation class is unique, some things stay the same yearly. This information sample timeline will give you a basic understanding of what to expect, what’s expected, and some ideas on how to make the most of this year.

June – CHALC Board begins planning & preparing for the next graduating class.
July - Administrative tasks start. Potential Keynote speaker contacted. Facility arrangements made. Meeting dates set. First social panned and published.
August – Kick-off graduation ice cream social is held.
September/ October – First planning meeting is held and committees form. Suggestions are accepted for music. Ceremony, socials, banquet, formal, and class distinctions are decided. Original artwork selections are accepted for program. Students sign up for band/choir/vocal.
November – REGISTRATION CLOSES AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. FULL PAYMENT IS DUE NOVEMBER 30^th. $20 LATE FEE APPLIED DECEMBER 1.
December – The Grad class Christmas party will be held instead of a planning meeting.
January – Artwork & music selections announced. Choir/band rehearsal schedule will be set. Photos, bios, invitations, and gown information are all due. Tickets for the banquet go on sale.
February – Submission for class speech accepted. Program biographies are written. Tickets are on sale for the banquet and formal. Photos are scanned for the ceremony’s collage.
March – Student speeches are submitted to CHALC board for selection. Final approval for bio’s. All program ads and congrat ads are due for the program. Bios & photos are proofed at the planning meeting. Tickets for the formal are on sale.
April – Caps/gowns & invitations distributed.
May – Rehearsal preparation and information.
May/June - GRADUATION DAY! A.M. rehearsal, family/class photos. Graduate and enjoy the ceremony. Reception, greet guests, and CELEBRATE!

What are the roles which must be filled by a parent and/or student?

Committee Chairpersons: Graduate committee chair reports directly to CHALC Grad Committee. Provides direction and support to their group to accomplish tasks.
Parent Facilitators: Give encouragement and direction. If the discussion stalls, offer insights and ideas. If differing opinions cause group gridlock, meditate. Above all, model charity and honor Christ by "loving one another and outdoing each other in showing honor." Romans 12:10.
Audio-Visual Facilitator: Take care of practical A/V details at graduation (video collage, music lyrics, sound, etc.) and support music/program at banquet/formal.
Ceremony Committee: Plan and prepare for the CHALC graduation day details. Work with other committees to ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly. Direct Grad Day Rehearsal. Direct set up before and tear town afterwards.
Communications Facilitator: Uses the CHALC graduation email to direct questions/requests, post announcements, and relay information.
Family Night: Select type of event. Plan location, menu, decorations and talent program.
Formal: When desired by class, plan formal dinner for grads. Includes location, menu, decorations, and program.
Hospitality: Recruit greeters/helpers to distribute programs before the ceremony. Plan & arrange set-up/decorations/signs/informal photo ops for post-graduation reception. Bring paper products for snacks at monthly mtgs. Arrange for facility set-up & clean-up for meetings and grad ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies: Extends welcome to graduates and guests, offers opening prayer, introduces keynote speaker and handles transitions.
Music: Assist in choosing a class song and performing worship songs for the ceremony.
Ordering Facilitator: All that pertains to choosing, ordering and distribution of roses, caps/gowns and invitations. Financial Facilitator: Receives budget from CHALC board and communicates with committee chairpersons on spending plans; gathers reimbursement requests at each grad meeting and submits to the CHALC treasurer.
Public Relations Facilitator: Communicates with newspaper, radio and TV outlets.
Socials: Plan and facilitate monthly social events/service projects to build relationships among grads. A service project is strongly encouraged.