This message was sent to families and students the week of March 16th.
Dear Two Rivers Families,
As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we want to share important updates about graduation ceremony attire, cap and gown distribution, and reminders related to commencement logistics.
Over the past several months, school leaders have worked closely with student leadership to review expectations for graduation attire. Students shared that they wanted clear guidance and consistency, while honoring cultural identity and significant achievements. We also reviewed practices across neighboring districts. Student voice was central to this process and helped shape the expectations outlined below.
Graduation Ceremony Attire Expectations
To maintain a consistent and respectful ceremony experience, students may wear only approved attire during the graduation ceremony.
Approved attire includes:
- Cap and gown issued by the school
- Caps and gowns may not be decorated. Students who arrive with a decorated cap will not be able to wear it during the ceremony
- Caps and gowns may not be altered (except for Native American students per statute listed below)
- Academic honor cords (issued by the school)
- Academic cords represent an academic distinction
- Awarded to students earning a cumulative GPA of 3.67 or higher
- Optional stoles (must be approved by an administrator)
- Approval should occur at or prior to graduation rehearsal on May 29
- Stoles represent cultural or identity-based distinctions, not academic honors (see more below)
Cultural and identity-based stoles:
- Students may wear a cultural stole that represents their identity. Cultural stoles must be approved by an administrator at or prior to graduation rehearsal on May 29.
- Students should contact Mr. Orth to request approval.
- Students must bring the stole to Mr. Orth to review.
- If a stole is being custom-designed, students are encouraged to share the design with Mr. Orth in advance to confirm it meets guidelines.
- Final approval must be received prior to or at graduation rehearsal on May 29.
- Native American students may wear tribal regalia, including beaded caps (More on Minnesota State Statute 124D.792 here)
- Students may not wear flags during the ceremony
Student groups and programs:
- Students entering the U.S. Armed Forces may wear approved attire
- AVID students may wear AVID stoles (coordinated through the AVID lead teacher)
Please note: Any additional personal items or decorations may be added after the ceremony, not during the graduation program itself.
Cap and Gown Distribution
- Cap and gown distribution will be on May 22. Students should ensure they pay any fines on their student accounts before this date.
- Students must have 67% or higher in each of their classes to receive their cap and gown on May 22. If they don't yet have 67% or higher in each of their classes, their cap and gown will be held until after finals the following week, and students will be able to pick them up at graduation rehearsal on May 29.
Graduation Tickets and Venue Reminders
As shared in December, graduation procedures are set by the Saint Paul RiverCenter and Roy Wilkins Auditorium:
- All guests must have a ticket to enter, based on whether they will need their own seat. Infants or young children who will sit on someone’s lap do not need a ticket. Anyone who will need their own chair must have a ticket.
- Tickets include a unique, scannable barcode and are valid for one entry.
- Tickets will be scanned and collected at entry.
Ticket distribution:
- Each graduate will receive eight tickets when picking up their cap and gown on May 22
- Extra tickets may be returned to the High School Main Office
- If additional tickets become available, they will be redistributed through a lottery system for families requesting more than eight tickets. Purchasing additional tickets is not an option.
A livestream option of the ceremony with Spanish subtitles will also be available for family members who are unable to attend in person.
Thank you for your partnership. We are proud of the Class of 2026 and look forward to celebrating this milestone together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Cabak, Principal
