Senior Newsletter - February 2025

Senior Newsletter

Finding God in All Things

February 2025

Dear Senior Dragons and Families,

We are so proud of all you have accomplished in your four years at O'Dowd, especially this year. As you plan for your future and begin the process of deciding which college you will attend next year, always remember that you are forever a Dragon. These next few months will be filled with activities to celebrate your accomplishments. Review the information below and mark your calendars so you can plan accordingly.

If you have any questions about graduation, please contact Starr Gray, Director of Student Activities.

Confirm Diploma Name

You will receive an email to confirm the spelling of your graduate’s name for their diploma. Contact Britney Brooks if you do not receive this email by Monday, February 10. Confirm diploma name by Monday, February 24.

Commencement Tickets

Each graduate will receive 10 tickets for guests to attend Commencement on Saturday, May 31 at 9:00am. To accommodate the 3,000+ attendees arriving at campus, seven reserved seats will be on the Lower Field. The three additional tickets will be for open seating in the bleachers. Tickets will be distributed after graduation rehearsal.

Ordering Caps, Gowns & Announcements

We use Achievers for caps, gowns, and announcements. O’Dowd covers the cost of the cap, gown, and tassel.

Go to graduationorder.com to order your cap, gown, and tassel.
Click on “Shop Your School’s Store” and choose Bishop O’Dowd. Use the code bod510.
Select "Browse Products" and then choose "Cap/Gown Unit & Graduation Day Accessories" from the left side menu.
Select "Cap and Gown Unit (school pickup)" and fill in student's height and weight
Proceed to Checkout and fill out "Student Information and Billing Details." You will not be charged.

Graduation announcements are a separate cost and can be purchased from Achievers or elsewhere. Contact Luz Garcia at Achievers or call 408-441-7200. Order by March 17.

Reminders From Counseling Department

If you have not already done so, complete your FAFSA as soon as possible!
Continue to check emails and portals for any communication from colleges.
Let your counselor know ASAP if a UC or CSU asks for a midyear transcript.
Be on the look out for financial aid packages from multiple schools.
Counselors are available to review college acceptances and financial aid packages.
Discernment meetings are available upon request.
Update Naviance with your college decisions.
View more financial aid tips.
Don't forget - your spring semester grades still count towards college admissions!

Senior Class Meeting & Behavior Contract

Each spring, our deans hold a Senior Class Meeting to review behavior, attendance, and academic expectations ahead of our seniors' last few months at O'Dowd. After the meeting, students and their parents/guardians will receive an email with the Senior Contract. This year, the Senior Class Meeting will be on April 2 during club/office hours. Senior Contracts are due April 28. Thank you for your partnership!

Senior Class Gift

Join in honoring and celebrating O’Dowd teachers!

The Senior Class Gift supports the Fund for Faculty Excellence, which provides professional development and assists in continuing to recruit and retain talented teachers.

Please help us make the most of a $50,000 match from a group of senior parents and grandparents committed to appreciating and supporting the faculty. Your gift will be doubled! Our goal is 100% participation from senior families, and we are excited to share that, with the match, we have raised more than $76,000 so far! Thanks to all who have participated.

May 16, 6:00-10:00pm - Senior Ball

Save the Date! This year's Senior Ball will take place at Scott's Pavilion in Jack London Square. The evening will include dinner and dancing.

Commencement Parking

Each graduate will be given ONE parking ticket per family. Seniors will receive their parking pass at graduation rehearsal. For guests not arriving in the one car allowed on campus, consider taking ride shares or using the O'Dowd shuttles from two nearby locations (more information to come).