We recommend families and friends planning to attend the graduation ceremony to familiarize themselves with the Santander policies pertaining to bags, items prohibited, bringing drinks/food, smoking/vaping, lost and found, etc.

Please follow this link to their website FAQs: https://www.santander-arena.com/plan-your-visit/faqs

Note: Please keep in mind that all persons are subject to search by security personnel.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited at the Santander Arena:

• Outside food or drinks
• Balloons, noisemakers, confetti
• Any items that may cause a noise disturbance or disorder,
• Any items that may block the view of other spectators such as signs and/or banners.

Rehearsal will take place at the Santander Arena on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m at the Santander Arena.  All graduating seniors will be required to attend the rehearsal. Students DO NOT need to wear their cap or gown for rehearsal.

Please note, transportation will only be provided to rehearsal. There will be no transportation to graduation.   

On Tuesday, June 6:

• Students may choose to report directly to Santander Arena at 7:30 a.m. OR report to RHS by 7:15 a.m. for transportation to the arena.

• Seniors who utilize RSD transportation should report to their bus stops at their regular time to ride the bus to RHS. Once they arrive at RHS, they should get on a Durham bus at the Geigle Complex that will take the students down to the Santander Arena by 7:30 am.

• Seniors will be dismissed from the Santander Arena at 10:30 am. Durham buses will take students from Santander Arena back to RHS so that students can ride their normal bus home for a 10:45 a.m. dismissal.

There will be buses available to ride from RHS.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Graduating seniors must report to the commencement ceremony at the Santander Arena, dressed in their cap and gown, on Tuesday, June 6th at 5:30 p.m.

Doors will be open at 6:00 p.m. to ticket-holders only and will close promptly at 6:55 p.m. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Transportation will NOT be provided to the graduation ceremony.

 Rules for graduating seniors:

• Students may decorate their caps, but must adhere to the guidelines established by the RHS Administration.
• Students must remain in the designated ceremony area.

• Families and students may record the ceremony. Please be respectful of others and their views. 

• Only RHS students, staff and designated guests are allowed on the floor of the arena during the ceremony.  No unauthorized persons are allowed on the arena floor.

Spectators will be permitted to carry one clear plastic or vinyl bag that does not exceed 12”x 6”x12”, or one clear drawstring bag not to exceed 12” x 12”, or one, one-gallon clear plastic or zip-lock, resealable bag.

A small purse no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” may also be carried in addition to one clear bag.

All other bags (backpacks, large purses, oversized tote or mesh bags, reusable grocery bags, drawstring bags, camera bag/binocular case, printed plastic bag, fanny packs, or diaper bags) are strictly prohibited.*

*An exception will be made to allow medical items that cannot be transported in a clear bag into the venue. Guests carrying medically necessary items or equipment will be required to have their bags or equipment inspected.

Parking will be available at the following Reading Parking Authority Lots and Garages.  Families and students are responsible for their own parking expenses. The Reading School district will not provide reimbursement for parking costs. 

These rates are in effect after 4:00 p.m. Please make sure your payment is made within 15 minutes of parking in the garage or lot to avoid a ticket.  Payment can be made via the ParkMobile app or at the walk-up pay station.

 PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited at the Santander Arena:

• Outside food or drinks: 

  Outside food and beverage is prohibited at the Santander Arena. Please do not bring any bottles of water/juice/soda or any alcoholic beverage of any kind. All patrons found bringing outside food and beverage into the arena will be asked to return it to their vehicle or dispose of it in the trash.  Concession stands will be open from 5:30 - 6:55 to purchase refreshments, as needed. Concessions will NOT be available during the ceremony.

• Balloons, noisemakers, confetti

• Any items that may cause a noise disturbance or disorder,

• Any items that may block the view of other spectators such as signs and/or banners.

Seniors will be given 5 tickets per graduate. Adults and school-aged children (ages 4 and up) must have a ticket to enter. Infants and toddlers (under the age of 4) may sit on an adult's lap. Ticket-holders may enter the arena at the main entrance on Penn St.  

• Only ticket holders will be permitted entry to the commencement ceremony.

• Extra tickets will be made available to students on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last at the conclusion of rehearsal.

DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION
On Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, the following activities are scheduled for seniors:

• Diploma distribution will be in the Geigle Gym from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Graduating seniors will not receive their diplomas until all outstanding charges are paid. This could include charges related to textbooks, Chromebooks, athletic equipment, library fees, etc.