Search Results for: graduation party

Graduation Party Ideas

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 25, 2020 by mediaangels 2 Comments

Graduation Party Ideas On The Cheap

We have graduation party ideas that are wonderful ways to include the entire family and the best news? They won’t break the bank.

Enjoy this replay! with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis Episode 196

Graduation Party Ideas Here

Have you started your high school graduation party plans yet? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Inexpensive graduation ideas are our specialty. Meredith has graduated five children and Felice has five graduates as well, so between them, they have quite an arsenal of ideas that you can implement even if you waited until the last minute. Grab your notepad and listen in.

Be sure to share our show with your friends – and rate us on iTunes, GooglePlay, or your favorite podcast app.

Show Notes: Graduation Party

There are many locations that are great for a graduation party. During the season of the pandemic we had to be creative with ideas, and we were! We hosted our graduate at home and she even “walked” in her cap and gown ordered for under $20 from Amazon. We made the best of the situation!

Location: churches, park, church fellowship hall, party at home
Invitations – VistaPrint, at home computer
Food
Decorations
Personal Touch

We discussed deciding on the type of graduation you want, planning the type of graduation early, and saving up money. Pray about the type of graduation that is right for you. Include your teens as well.

More great ideas

Food -finger foods – fun: candy bars – ice cream with toppings
Open house – visiting times staggers friends
Photo booth with props for teens
Personal touch – poster boards, items important to the teen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms

Graduation and Graduation Party Ideas

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 23, 2018 by Gina Glenn Leave a Comment

Graduation party ideas may have come sooner on your list of things to Pinterest than you’d planned, but the time is here. How do you plan to celebrate? What are some things you’ll want to remember from your years of homeschooling?

Finally Answering the Critics

Graduation is the day when you officially get to answer the critics without saying a word. When the child you’ve poured hours upon hours of teaching and training into crosses the platform and you hand them a diploma, it just feels GOOD!

I’ve graduated three and will graduate my youngest this year. This means I’ve gotten to answer the critics repeatedly. Homeschooling works. Now it’s up to my kids to make the most of the opportunities they’ve been given.

Participating in a Homeschool Graduation

There are a variety of ways your homeschooler can participate in a homeschool graduation ceremony. Here are a few:

Check with your local homeschool group to see if they offer one.
Talk to your church and see if other homeschool families are planning anything.
If you’re the only homeschooling family at your church, at least participate with the graduating seniors from public and private school, if the church does a blessing and sending off type of ceremony.

If no opportunities exist, you can do the legwork and put something together yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

The Graduation Party

If you participate in an organized ceremony you might find that it also comes with a little after-party. Celebrating with fellow homeschooling families or even your own church may be enough for your family.

In our experience, we were asked to decorate a table to represent our graduating senior.

My children also decorated their caps.

After returning home, we also had a private graduation party. Here are some things we did for this:

We had a taco bar.
A timeline of pictures for the guests to look through was displayed on a table.
We had a box for people to leave words of wisdom, like this one.
We had jumpy thing (what my daughter calls them) also known as a bounce house or inflatable for the little kids to use while everyone visited.

Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Along the Way

One of the beauties of homeschooling is the ability to keep the public school traditions you want and scrap the rest. Make new ones! These are some tips and tricks for graduation and graduation parties that I’ve learned that might work well for you, too.

Order invitations early. Include your graduating senior in the selection process.
Invite everyone and include an RSVP envelope and card. No everyone will attend, but everyone likes to honor the graduate.
Create a Facebook group to keep everyone on the same page with planning.
It’s a one-day event to commemorate years of work. Focus on what will make a memory.
If you’re planning the party outdoors, have a back up in case of rain.
Keep a short window of time for the open house. This keeps food fresh, you from being overwhelmed, and guests happier. No one says it has to be an all-day event.
Have a discussion with your teen about the potential monies they may receive and plan to put them to use. This can be a savings account or towards school.
Don’t spend a bazillion dollars. Do Graduation on the Cheap.
Think about gifts your graduate will actually love. Don’t guess, ask them.
Bring tissues! It doesn’t get any easier with each one that graduates.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share? Any special memories? Leave me a comment. I’d love to know!

Filed Under: Blog

Planning Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and Party- Special Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 2, 2023 by Vicki Tillman Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Planing Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and Party- Special Replay

Planning Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and Party

Whether it is your first or your fifth homeschool graduation, planning homeschool graduations can be stressful. You want it to be memorable AND something you can manage. We asked our 7th Sisters in our 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group about graduation events that have worked for their homeschool families.

Planning tips for homeschool graduations:

Start your planning process with this important fact: Just as there’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school, there’s also not ONE right way to hold a graduation event. For real. You and your teen should have a chat or two. Ask what they need and what do you need (you count, you did a lot to help this homeschool high schooler to get to the point of graduation)!

Decide if you want an event

Some graduates do not want a graduation ceremony. Rather, they only want a pat on the back and maybe their favorite meal.

On the other hand, some would like an event. Hey, some of us moms NEED that event for closure; it’s okay to have an opinion. (I know that for me, I needed that graduation ceremony to celebrate all we had done as a family. My teens were glad that they had that significant event, once it was done.) Come to a workable and respectful compromise.

Decide what kind of ceremony you will hold

There are lots of ways to hold a graduation ceremony:

Hold a get together in the backyard or at a local park (I’ve been to a number of these events)
Have a big event with your local homeschool umbrella school or co-op (this is what our family has always done)

Choose a date

To help you decide on a date, think about:

When can the family come?
What are facilities available (if you will go somewhere besides home)?

Do you want someone to film or live stream it?

This is very popular these days. Start looking early for a friend, family member or professional to handle this.

Will you send graduation announcements?

Will you want to send traditional announcements from a local printer? (Grandparents often like these because you can enclose a photo that they can put in their wallets and show their friends?

Will you create your own announcements or post cards?

You can create your own notes online with websites like Shutterfly or Canva (We are not affiliates, btw.)
Handmade announcements are popular with many of our local homeschool graduates.

Remember to send the announcements early so that folks can make plans.

We highly suggest you create a diploma (and keep a copy of the official transcript with it)

You can make your own:

Buy parchment and an “official stamper” at the local office supply store and create your own. (Check Pinterest for samples.)

You can purchase one online from Homeschool Diploma (we are not affiliates)

We have found over the years that graduates occasionally need to show a diploma or send a copy of the diploma to prospective employers, military and even graduate schools.

For the transcript:

You can create your transcript yourself using a template available at many places.
7Sisters has an editable template with detailed instructions that is popular.

Will your teen wear a cap and gown?

There’s not one right way to handle this. I always like to have the visual of my graduate wearing the cap and gown AND the joy of moving the tassel on the cap from left to right (or right to left, there’s no real protocol for that)?

If you are ordering cap and gown do so EARLY. Shipping is slow sometimes, these days.
Some of our homeschool friends have ordered from Homeschool Diploma or Jostens (we are not affiliates)

Plan the ceremony and afterwards

Will there be opening and/or closing prayer? Who will handle that?
Do you and your teen want speeches? (Given by the graduate? Parent(s)? Other?)
- Decide ahead of time speeches will be? (Be sure to let guest speaker know the expectation of length of speech.)
Will there be a march?
- Where?
- When?
- Will there be march and ending music? Pomp and Circumstance by Algar?
  - Will you need a sound system? Recording? Musician?
Do you want to “present the graduate” at the end of the ceremony?
Write down the order of events at the ceremony and make sure everyone knows
- We recommend creating a program for all attendees
What will happen after the ceremony?
- Will there be a party that day or later or not at all?
- Here are some expert posts on graduation parties from our 7Sister Allison, who is the queen of throwing homeschool graduation events:
Here’s a post with MORE ideas from our 7th Sisters
Give your teen a wrap up their high school experiences with 7Sisters’ delightful Creative Chronicling project.
Review some things your teens should know before graduation.
Check out the graduation event ideas from our friends at Finish Well Podcast

Join Vicki for a you-CAN-do discussion on how to plan homeschool graduations!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

Follow this link to our iTunes page.
IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes
This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page.
Click SUBSCRIBE.
Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
Tap *Subscribe*
Please tap *Ratings and Review*

How to Plan Homeschool Graduations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: Homeschool graduations, The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

Organize It! Party Planning Printable

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 2, 2023 by Gina Glenn Leave a Comment

Organizing makes everything go better, and this month our focus is on party planning.

In my experience, this allows for less stress and a successful event everyone will enjoy in the moment and remember for years to come.

How Do You Plan Parties?

How do you plan parties? Maybe you are an expert, or perhaps you are just starting to host events. This month’s planner will focus on the details of planning the perfect party for you and your guests. Use this reference to efficiently organize the different aspects of your party regardless of the size or event. We’ve planned everything from weddings (we hand-made guest favors and name tags and decorations) as well as hosted low-key events like family night. Any homeschool mom with kids will have more than one birthday party to plan, even if you are having the event somewhere else.

What’s In The Planner?

Using the print-out sheets provided will keep you on track without leaving everything to the last minute or forgetting important details. Take your time; print and begin immediately! With the aid of the included organizational sheets, it is easier to implement and stick with a plan that will undoubtedly lead to a fun full event. And our planner makes it easy to insert changes.

This organizational planner includes tips and tricks to take your party organization from sporadic and stressful to well-executed and fun for everyone! Use the blank sheets to make this planner fit
any occasion. Find out how much the party will cost ahead of time with the budget spreadsheet.

Picking a Party Planning Theme

Coming up with a theme for your party is just the beginning. You will plan and decide how much you want to DIY (do it yourself) and when it is best to order flowers and/or the cake. Each
spreadsheet provides another step in the equation of a well-planned and executed party. An important factor is the menu and guest lists. This will help you plan graduation, religious occasions, or
anniversaries and other special events. Just think of the memories your family and friends will have for a lifetime after the party. Feel free to omit aspects that don’t fit your event and cater to
your unique needs.

Many planning sheets can be used from this planner to help you with any task. You can print as many as you need for your family. Planning is just the beginning. This includes shopping, organizing, and cooking. It helps to make food and decorations ahead. Remember to organize a setup and clean-up team. You don’t need to do everything yourself. Big parties can be handled in small steps.

Ultimate Checklist

Use the Ultimate Checklist to start up to three months (or more) in advance. Utilize the blank sheets at the end of the planner to help you plan your day, look for ways to set up routines, and
keep a specific schedule. This is important anytime, and getting into a routine, especially while planning an event, will make your life easier, especially when homeschooling. Use the blank calendar to pay the bills, keep track of your homeschool goals, or even a menu plan.

Keep Your Party Planning Focus

Focus on your priorities, and remember change doesn’t happen overnight. Tweak what didn’t work last month or modify it, but stick with the overall plan; it takes perseverance to succeed in each area, whether budgeting, homeschooling, or organizing a party.

The Vintage Homeschool Mom’s Podcasthas great party planning ideas to get you started. Here are the direct links to the podcasts. Check out the ones that may be helpful to you. Links are on the following pages.

Graduation on the Cheap
Graduation Party Ideas
Best Experiential Gifts
Mother’s Day Gifts
Valentine’s Day
Blog Post Graduation and Party Ideas

There are so many resources available. The entire podcast network is free. Check out the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, which has many shows that deal with the organization. Vintage Homeschool Moms has great shows on graduation and more. Just search for the topic on the website. I pray you are brought peace and joy as you organize your life!

Sign Up Here:

Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

Filed Under: Blog, Giveaways & Sales, Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show Tagged With: freebie, meal planning, printable

Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 30, 2022 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis – Special Replay

We have inexpensive graduation ideas on the cheap – are you ready? Have you started your high school graduation party plans yet? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Inexpensive graduation ideas are our specialty. Meredith has graduated five children and Felice five and two from college, so between them, they have quite an arsenal of ideas that you can implement even if you waited until the last minute. Grab your notepad and listen in.

Graduation Party Ideas Here

We enjoy hosting parties so it is no wonder that this podcast is a labor of love for both of us. With such large families, parties can be pricey so we want to be sure we that we can enjoy the fun without going over budget. Some of these ideas are often used for other parties and hosting friends. You can join in with other families to reduce the price.

Be sure to share our show with your friends – and rate us on iTunes, GooglePlay, or your favorite podcast app.

Show Notes: Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap

Location: churches, park, church fellowship hall, party at home
Invitations – VistaPrint, at home computer
Food
Decorations
Personal Touch

More great ideas

Food -finger foods – fun: candy bars – ice cream with toppings
Open house – visiting times staggers friends
Photo booth with props for teens
Personal touch – poster boards, items important to the teen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: Grads, graduation ideas, graduation on the cheap, Graduations

Party Shortcuts

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 9, 2022 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Party Shortcuts – Episode 466

Birthdays. Graduations. Special Events. Oh. My! Party shortcuts and planning are the only way I survive hosting events, and in the many years of motherhood, grandmotherhood (yes, that is a thing), and having the largest house so of course family comes here. Join me as I share my best secrets for hosting with you.

Visit my website at Media Angels.com for great books, character planning guides and so much more.

The latest and greatest party I finished hosting was the Easter Sunday meal. We had 24 people, then 28, and then 29, and we ended with 32 people in all. We had sixteen children, sixteen and under, and seventeen adults. Truthfully, the numbers this year threw me because we typically have a sit-down meal – buffet style, but still, everyone has a seat and the odd number at one big table with extensions and additional tables added was a bit of a juggle. But, we did it and everything went beautifully down to the previously prepared casseroles and dishes and the last-minute baked ham and tenderloin roast.

My short-cuts have taken me years to perfect and it has taken years of slowly buying one new thing to add to my party arsenal, but it has been money-saving in the long run. I tried many different things. One year I used disposable plates. The next year I added disposable utensils, cups, and napkins, but I didn’t like how they looked and they were expensive especially if I wanted party store variety rather than bargain-basement styrofoam.

The first thing I did was gather tablecloths. Not super expensive or linen, but cotton. Something that would hold up to years of washing and continue to look good. Also, it had to be something that could handle the invariable stains and spills. I ended up with two color schemes that also went with the colors of my accent walls. One was a deep burgundy table cloth that I paired with matching cloth napkins, and the next was a golden color that I paired with blue napkins. I made napkin rings after the ones I wanted were five dollars each! I used shower curtain plastic circles as well as wood dowels – each had different colors of ribbon wrapped around and glued in place. For the wood, I used a light, glimmery (not glittery – I do not like glitter!) and those were translucent and so pretty.

So with tables done, I searched for decorations that could be used for birthdays as well as holidays and found sales on candles after the summer bridal season in white and off-white. I purchased these back in 2005 when my daughter married and I still use them on special occasions – I don’t light them, although I have them they don’t look as great placed out as decorations.

My biggest expense was cut flowers that I purchased. I stretched bouquets with baby’s breath and smaller vases to place on the tables. It stretches your flower budget remarkably well!

Next was food – what do I serve that will again not break the bank? First off appetizers help tremendously in cutting down the food cost. It can be as easy as a cheese platter and crackers, veggies, and dip. This year I assigned appetizers to the guests and it was remarkable in that they arrived on time or early (then you have free help if you need last-minute things) and it took the early prep work off my list.

Baked ham is relatively inexpensive if you do not buy the already sliced and prepared. I know many people like the honey-baked ham, but a large pre-cooked ham roast you get at the grocery store can feed an army. Potatoes are another way to fill people up and of course, there are rolls. Round it off with a salad and chips (if you have kids) and you are ready to go.

I bake or prep casseroles ahead of time so they need to be taken out to warm up slightly before baking or it take way too long. Our family is a fan of lasagna and at any given time I have no less than three prepared in the freezer ready to go. All it takes is a salad and bread to round off that easy meal. (Well, easy once it’s prepared.)

So last minute and party shortcuts in a nutshell:

Collect reusable table cloths, napkins, and serving trays.
Use plastic wear and disposable items when there is a large crowd, or want less clean up.
Assign a dish for others to bring.
Plan out the menu at least three weeks in advance and shop sales.
Bake and freeze whenever possible.
Set out tables and chairs the day before with assigned seating. Guest appreciate this and of course, people can change or move, but it gives everyone a place to sit and put their stuff.
Use name cards for place settings (I keep mine year after year).
Use fresh flowers for a splash of color.
Take out the trash the day before (don’t forget to clean the bathroom guests will use.)
Make a time chart of when dishes need to be baked or reheated as well as when to take things out of the refrigerator or oven (once items go in!).
Use juice boxes for the little kids – so much easier and less spilled.
Have water, lemonade and tea for everyone else – if people want special drinks they can bring them.
Use plastic cups with a sharpy to keep everyone’s drinks straight.
Have one or two people in charge to help you.
Assign clean-up!

As much as I try to prepare ahead of time there is always last-minute things that need my attention, and truthfully the hostess rarely gets to mingle with the guests until the meal is served! In our home we have the oldest go through the line first, and when it is the parent’s turn with the little ones, they can get their children’s meals. Usually, everyone has snacked on appetizers that no one is starving and it works out well.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms

Special Replay: Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 17, 2021 by mediaangels Leave a Comment

Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap with Felice Gerwitz and Meredith Curtis

Graduation Party Ideas Here

Be sure to share our show with your friends – and rate us on iTunes, GooglePlay, or your favorite podcast app.

Show Notes: Inexpensive Graduation Ideas On The Cheap

Location: churches, park, church fellowship hall, party at home
Invitations – VistaPrint, at home computer
Food
Decorations
Personal Touch

More great ideas

Food -finger foods – fun: candy bars – ice cream with toppings
Open house – visiting times staggers friends
Photo booth with props for teens
Personal touch – poster boards, items important to the teen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: Grads, graduation ideas, graduation on the cheap, Graduations

How to Plan Homeschool Graduations

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 12, 2021 by Vicki Tillman Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Plan Homeschool Graduations.

How to Plan Homeschool Graduations

Whether it is your first or your fifth homeschool graduation, planning homeschool graduations can be stressful. You want it to be memorable AND something you can manage. Add to it the stress of planning during Covid. We asked our 7th Sisters some things that have worked for their homeschool families.

Planning tips for homeschool graduations:

Decide if you want an event

Some graduates only want a pat on the back and maybe their favorite meal. Some would like an event. Hey, some of us moms NEED that event for closure; it’s okay to have an opinion. (I know that for me, I needed that graduation ceremony to celebrate all we had done as a family. My teens were glad that they had that significant event, once it was done.) Come to a workable and respectful compromise.

Decide what kind of ceremony you will hold

There are lots of ways to hold a graduation ceremony:

Hold a get together in the backyard or at a local park (I’ve been to a number of these events)
Have a big event with your local homeschool umbrella school or co-op (this is what our family has always done)
Have a drive-by event with a short speech in the front yard (popular during this Covid season)

Choose a date

To help you decide on a date, think about:

When will Covid regulations be lifted in your area? (Determines how many folks can come, thus the date.)
When can the family come?
When are facilities available (if you will go somewhere besides home)?

Do you want someone to film or live stream it?

This is very popular these days. Start looking early for a friend, family member or professional to handle this.

Will you send graduation announcements?

Will you want to send traditional announcements from a local printer? (Grandparents often like these because you can enclose a photo that they can put in their wallets and show their friends?

Will you create your own announcements or post cards?

You can create your own notes online with websites like Shutterfly or Canva (We are not affiliates, btw.)
Handmade announcements are popular with many of our local homeschool graduates.

Remember to send the announcements early so that folks can make plans.

We highly suggest you create a diploma (and keep a copy of the official transcript with it)

You can make your own:

Buy parchment and an “official stamper” at the local office supply store and create your own. (Check Pinterest for samples.)

You can purchase one online from Homeschool Diploma (we are not affiliates)

We have found over the years that graduates occasionally need to show a diploma or send a copy of the diploma to prospective employers, military and even graduate schools.

For the transcript:

You can create your transcript yourself using a template available at many places.
7Sisters has an editable template with detailed instructions that is popular.

Will your teen wear a cap and gown?

If you are ordering cap and gown do so EARLY. Shipping is slow sometimes, these days.
Some of our homeschool friends have ordered from Homeschool Diploma or Jostens (we are not affiliates)

Plan the ceremony and afterwards

Will there be opening and/or closing prayer? Who will handle that?
Will there be speeches? (Given by the graduate? Parent(s)? Other?)
- Decide ahead of time speeches will be? (Be sure to let guest speaker know the expectation of length of speech.)
Will there be a march?
- Where?
- When?
- Will there be march and ending music? Pomp and Circumstance by Algar?
  - Will you need a sound system? Recording? Musician?
Will you “present the graduate” at the end of the ceremony?
Write down the order of events at the ceremony and make sure everyone knows
- We recommend creating a program for all attendees
What will happen after the ceremony?
- Will there be a party that day or later or not at all?
- Here are some expert posts on graduation parties from our 7Sister Allison, who is the queen of throwing homeschool graduation events:
Here’s a post with MORE ideas from our 7th Sisters
Check out the graduation event ideas from our friends at Finish Well Podcast

Join Vicki for a you-CAN-do discussion on how to plan homeschool graduations!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

Follow this link to our iTunes page.
IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes
This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page.
Click SUBSCRIBE.
Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
Tap *Subscribe*
Please tap *Ratings and Review*

How to Plan Homeschool Graduations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: Homeschool graduations, The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

Stress-Free Homeschool Graduation Celebration

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 1, 2021 by Laura 1 Comment

Stress-Free Homeschool Graduation Celebration

In “Stress-Free Homeschool Graduation Celebration,” Episode #131, Meredith Curtis believes you can plan and celebrate a homeschool graduation stress-free if you plan and budget ahead. With simple explanations and examples, Meredith lays out how to plan a graduation celebration for just your family or a small group of teens. She has graduated 5 with stress-free celebrations so she shares her tips and wisdom with you! She also shares money-saving tips for every step in the process of graduation planning.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

First homeschool grad—2 graduations.

You can plan a stress-free graduation.

Choose the How

Talk with your teen. What does he want?

Quiet family celebration vs small group vs state homeschool graduation.

Formal vs. Informal

When to start planning? September/October senior year

Choose the Venue for the Graduation Ceremony

Where will graduation take place?

Rent?

Money saving tip: Jose’s graduation at a park

Choose the Venue for the Graduation Party

How we do it: Group graduation with reception. Later private party.

What does your teen/family want?

Our graduation this year.

Money saving tip: Rose’s party at Janet’s

Special Senior Year Events

Growing up we had homecoming, Grad Nite, prom, senior skip day

Special events planned by each family graduating

Ideas:

BBQ
Bonfire at Beach
Game Night
Junior/Senior Banquet
Christian Concert
Class T-Shirts
Pool Party
Movie Night
Boat Outing

Money saving tip: Game night at our house

Senior Photos

Love the senior photos of my kids!

Bring change of clothing for nice, casual, and cap-n-gown. If group—do a group photo shoot at least a month before graduation

Shine’s photo shoots for homeschool seniors

Money saving tip: Family member take photo or bartering or coupons for professionals

Make Your Guest List

Who does teen want to be there?

Make guest list together

Notify out-of-towners as early as possible

Graduation Announcement

Nice way to invite guests (2/1)

Mail 2-4 weeks ahead and up to 8 weeks afterward

Use templates at Walgreens®, Sams®, and other photo developing place

Money saving tip: get it ready early and watch for sales

Plan Menu

Food is very important to teenagers and their guests!

Some teens will leave the planning to you, others will want their favorite foods

When we have a group graduation, each family brings hearty appetizers/sandwiches—enough to feed themselves and all their guests. Then we chip in for drinks and cake.

For creative menu planning ideas, read my blog post 8 Unique Graduation Party Menus.

Money saving tip: plan ahead and watch for sales. Have guests chip in.

Diplomas, Gowns & More

Diplomas
Covers
Gown
Tassel
Hat

Money saving tip: order early, create a larger order with other homeschooling families

Making it Special

Graduation colors
Special verse
Motto
Graduation Program

Money-saving tip: Let a tech-saavy mom make the program—cuts printing costs!

Itinerary for Ceremony

No Rules. Be creative. Make it special for your teen/teens.

Here is our graduation itinerary:

Play slideshow of graduates while guests are arriving
Processional of graduates
Open in prayer
Worship (1-2 songs)
Short charge to graduates
Graduate talent or speech (song, skit, monologue, etc.)
Each graduate goes on stage with parents where dad gives charge and presents diploma, and mom moves tassel. Parents pray over teen.
Presentation of graduations/throw their caps
Recessional

Right Before Graduation

Keep in touch with guests: who is coming?

Facebook event?

Make the food/prepare anything ahead and freeze

Decorate the day before if possible

Fun Decorating Ideas:

Graduation theme on cake
Graduation stuffed animal
Homemade poster
Photos of graduate progressing through life
Tablecloth and matching tableware in graduation colors
Graduation banners/streamers/balloons

Money saving tip: see what you have around the house, borrow from friends, purchase on sale, start a graduation tote with decorations

Graduation Budget

I put money aside each month during my children’s junior year so that I have money for the graduation expenses. There always seem to be more than I plan for!

Here are things you will want to budget for if you include them in your graduation celebration: