High School Graduate Information 2026
High School Graduate Information 2026
April 29: Seniors will receive checkout information during RAM Time. It’s important our Seniors attend to ensure they receive all the details.
April 30: Graduate Decision Day – Southeast Polk High School will celebrate National Decision Day, giving seniors the opportunity to share their post-secondary plans, including college, military, apprenticeships, or careers. Activities will take place throughout the day, primarily during RAM Time and in the counseling office, with opportunities for both students and staff to participate. Seniors are encouraged to wear something representing their future plans and stop by the counseling office to take part in activities, while staff are invited to join in by representing their alma mater and supporting students as they plan for their futures.
April 30: Decision Day Workshop will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room from 8:00 AM–1:00 PM. Whether you’re starting an application to any college or finalizing your post-secondary enrollment, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Special “DMACC Next Steps” sessions will also be available for future DMACC students. Sign-up to learn more. Visit our College and Career webpage for details.
May 1: Silver Cord Deadline – Seniors interested in earning the Silver Cord should submit their forms by the end of the day on Friday, May 1.
May 1: Senior Graduation Slideshow – Please complete the form to be included in the senior slideshow (also emailed to seniors last week). Submissions will be featured at graduation and may be shared on social media. Be sure all information is accurate and spelled correctly. Only one submission per student will be accepted. The deadline is Friday, May 1—this is a firm deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted.
May 1: Student-Athlete College Signing Day will be held in the Auditorium at 2:30 PM. Join us in celebrating seniors continuing their athletic careers at the next level. Click here to stay up to date with our signees.
May 4–14: AP Testing – Students, please review the information sent on April 2 regarding AP Testing. Be sure you know your test dates and confirm that you can log in to the Bluebook program on your Chromebook.
May 11: Senior Sunset – Join us on Monday, May 11 from 8:00–9:00 PM in the North Parking Lot of the High School for a special event just for seniors. Come spend time with friends, play yard games, enjoy some ice cream, and take in the sunset as we celebrate the final days of the school year together!
May 12 & 14: Senior Reassessment Days – Students must turn in their checkout sheet after they have completed reassessments and be in good academic standing to participate in graduation.
May 13-15: Senior Elementary Breakfasts – Our seniors have been invited to visit their elementary schools to celebrate where their journey as a Southeast Polk student began. The visits are scheduled as follows.
- Altoona Elementary – May 13 @ 8:00 AM
- Centennial, Four Mile, Delaware, Clay & Runnells – May 15 @ 7:30 AM
- Mitchellville – May 15 @ 7:45 AM
- Willowbrook – May 15 @ 7:30 AM
May 13: Senior Honors Assembly at 1:50 PM in the High School Auditorium (livestream available).
May 13: Dollars for Scholars at 7:00 PM in the High School Gymnasium (invite only, livestream available).
May 14: Seniors’ last day of school!
May 15: Cap and gown pickup from 8:00–9:00 AM in the pool lobby, followed by Graduation Rehearsal at 9:00 AM. Participation in rehearsal is required for the ceremony.
May 17: Graduation Ceremony at 6:00 PM at the Knapp Center (Drake University). Tickets are not necessary to attend the ceremony. Livestream available.
- Fees Reminder – All student fees (textbooks, Chromebooks, parking, lunch accounts, activities, etc.) must be paid in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
- Tickets are not necessary to attend the ceremony
- Only medallions and cords received at the Honors Assembly may be worn at graduation. No additional decorations are permitted.
May 17: Yearbook Deadline — This is the final day to order this year’s yearbook. Delivery is expected to the High School around October 2026. This year Graduates can pick those up during our Parent Teacher Conferences October 12th & 14th. For orders or questions about picture packages, please contact Jostens directly at 1-877-515-1447.
May 18: Diplomas may be picked up at the high school starting Monday, May 18. Diplomas will not be mailed.
Visit the Counselors webpage for additional information.