Highview Graduation Information

Dear Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2026:

Excitement is building as the Class of 2026 approaches graduation. This is an exciting time as seniors work diligently to earn their final credits and prepare for graduation. Graduation is Friday, May 29th for the Class of 2026. Please carefully review the enclosed detailed information and discuss it with your senior to assist us. We want to ensure that students are eligible to graduate and complete the school year successfully. We also want students to clearly understand our expectations and their responsibilities on commencement night when we celebrate their graduation from high school. 

Students must earn 43 credits by May 15th, 2026, to graduate from Robbinsdale Area Schools. Students with 42 credits earned, and a clear plan for completing their last credit, may participate in the commencement ceremony. Seniors with 41 or fewer credits earned on May 15th, 2026, will not be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony. High school diplomas will not be awarded until all 43 credits have been earned, and all student fines have been paid (media center, activities/athletics, lunchroom & computer fees). Students who fail to pass any classes they are currently taking may not be eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony or earn a diploma depending on their credit status.  

Mandatory Student Graduation Requirements- Highview seniors must follow all graduation requirements with either Armstrong or Cooper High School, depending on which school will be issuing their diploma. More details about the graduation requirements from each high school will be sent out at a later date.  

Student Arrival for Graduation - Highview graduates must report to the Minneapolis Convention Center one hour before the ceremony and check into their ready room for their scheduled ceremony. 

The Commencement Ceremony –  The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1310 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 554004 at the following times:

Armstrong High School - 12:30 pm

Cooper High School - 6:00 pm 

Students may only participate in the ceremony of the school issuing their diploma.  Sarah Gaustad will confirm your student’s home school during the exit interview. Remind your student to meet with Sarah when they complete their last credit. If you need a reminder of your seniors home school please contact the school, or have your senior ask their advisory teacher. 

Graduation Photos: A professional photographer will take pictures of each graduate as they cross the stage. Students will receive picture ordering information at graduation.

The Program: More details to follow.

Cap and Gown orders:  

Order Cap & Gown - Armstrong  

Order Cap & Gown - Cooper

 There is a strict deadline of February 20th, 2026.

  1. There is no payment required to order or reserve a cap and gown, meaning no reason not to reserve your cap & gown. 
  2. Payment due at distribution day which will be communicated as we get closer: Cash or Credit only. After the distribution day, students must bring cash only to the school to pick up their cap and gown.

Armstrong High School: For more information for seniors at Armstrong visit: Information for Seniors 

Cooper High School: For more information for seniors at Cooper visit: Information for Seniors 

Next Steps: 

  1. Monitor your student’s Individualized Learning Plan to track their progress toward graduation, talk with your senior frequently to monitor their credit status.  If you do not have access to the ILP, please email their advisor and request access.
  2. Remind your seniors that Wednesday is our scheduled day for credit recovery. Prescriptive tests and unit tests will only be offered on Wednesdays. Our final scheduled day for credit recovery opportunities is May 13, 2026. 
  3. Place Cap & Gown Orders ASAP. The deadline is Feb 20th, 2026.
  4. Plan to attend parent-teacher conferences scheduled for January 27, April 9, and May 5th. Please take advantage of this opportunity to verify your senior’s progress toward graduation with their advisor and guidance counselor.
  5. Cycle Dates: 
    1. Cycle 3 - January 5 to February 27
    2. Cycle 4 - March 2 to April 17
    3. Cycle 5 - April 20 to June 3  (Seniors need to have all coursework completed and the exit interview completed by May 15) 
  6. Remind your student to participate in an exit interview with Sarah Gaustad when they complete their final credit. During this exit interview, your student will return their Chromebook, update personal contact information, and verify their graduation plans. 
  7. If you have any questions about your senior, please contact Mr. Ware, Principal at Highview, or Mr. Burrage, Assistant Principal. 
  8. Seniors must pay fines for unreturned textbooks, Chromebooks, chargers, etc. to close out their accounts before graduation.  Look around the house for books/technology that have been checked out to your student while enrolled at previous schools.

We intend that every senior will meet graduation requirements by May 15th and fulfill all responsibilities on time. Seniors, remember that attendance is required through senior year. Parents, I know you will continue encouraging your student to remain on target for graduation. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you on May 29, 2026.

Sincerely,

Robert Ware

Principal