Weekly Reminder #9
You think you’re busy? Imagine how stressed your graduate
is. We were reluctant to include this section in our book,
but we get a lot of compliments on it and found a lot of
parents actually made their graduates read it and discuss
options.
We suggest you have a conversation with your graduate
about proper behavior during the last week of school and
especially their graduation party. Here are a few suggested
ground rules for the graduation party to discuss ahead of
time:
- Say hello to everyone, a nod across a crowded room
is not enough for Aunt Lucy.
- If you see someone you don’t know, ask us
discreetly.
- Circulate amongst all your guests. You’ll have
plenty of time later to hang out with your friends.
- Decide with your parents before the party how long
you’re going to stay. They may want you to stay until
the last guest leaves or you may arrange to leave at a
certain time to attend other parties.
- Be agreeable and a good sport when it comes to
picture taking.
- Smile! (Ginger has devised a secret hand signal that
reminds her daughter to smile.)
- Wear a nice outfit. Maybe a brand new shirt from the
college you will be attending.
- Although you usually won’t open gifts in front of
the guests, sometimes one of your guests will ask you to
open their gift (maybe they want to see your reaction).
If this happens, open the gift and express your
gratitude (or laugh, as the case may be). But do not
open other gifts.
- Since many people will give you gifts of money, we
suggest you negotiate a settlement with your parents
prior to opening presents. Examples include:
- You can spend half of the money now, but half of
the money received shall be put in your bank
account.
- All of the money will be saved for books at
college.
- You can use the money as a down payment on a
car.
- You can use the money for new clothes for work.
Thank You Notes:
It’s not too late to order thank you notes. We have an
excellent selection online. Just go to our
Thank
You Notes page.
Every gift (including money) must be acknowledged with a
thank you note, so save the cards and write down who gave
you what as you open the gifts.
We suggest that you set a goal of five cards each day.
It’s best to get them out within six weeks of the party.
Tape the checks to a cupboard and only deposit them when the
thank you note has been mailed.
Always hand-write the thank you notes and hand address
the envelopes. Mention the gift specifically in your note
and express your appreciation. Avoid making every thank you
note look like a form letter - add a personal touch.
For boiler plate thank you notes visit our
Thank You Notes page.
Letter to the Graduate
With all the excitement and chaos of graduation week
sometimes we forget to say the most important things –
congratulations! We are proud of you, etc.
Don’t miss this chance to share your thoughts and make
your graduate know how special they are. We’ve written a
sample letter. Rewrite it in your own words, including some
of your own feelings. Give it to them when the time is
right.
Dear Graduate,
Graduation is a major milestone in your life.
We are very proud of all your accomplishments:
(list a few here). For example: grades, academic
accomplishments, extracurricular activities,
athletic events, friendships formed, good deeds
and philanthropic activities.
As we prepare to host a party to honor your
achievements and pay tribute to your success, we
hope you will remember to thank your guests for
being a part of your success. It’s not just
about all your accomplishments, but with whom
you share them. Have a great time!
It is such an exciting time for all of us. It
seems like it was just yesterday that you were
heading off to kindergarten. We hope that you
enjoyed your years in school and are excited
about your future.
Next year when you are away at school we hope
you will do the best that you can do and
remember some of the important values we have
taught you: (list a few). For example: honesty,
respecting your roommates, take care of
yourself, don’t do drugs or drink, get enough
sleep.
We will always be here for you.
Remember, Celebrate!
We Love You,
Sign your name
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Can’t wait for the next e-mail?
 You may want to jump ahead and get started on some more of the details… order a copy of
Graduation Parties! Everything
You Need to Know From Start to Finish available from our
website as a book in paper copy or a convenient downloadable version!
Click here
to find out more about the book.
This 100-page guide provides
great advice from experienced moms - like you!
Or visit our website at
www.graduationparty.com. It also contains a lot of
information including ideas, tips and hints for all your
graduation party needs. You can even order unique
graduation-themed items such as invitations, decorations,
and much, much more.
We will be sending you friendly reminders to help you get
organized and avoid the last minute panic. If you do
not want to receive these reminders please reply to this
e-mail with “take me off your mailing list” in the subject
line.
If you have a friend that is planning a graduation party,
please forward them this e-mail and suggest they sign-up for
our e-newsletter. They can just
click here
to go to our Newsletter sign-up page.
If you have a burning question that is keeping you up at
night, send us an e-mail, we will try to get back to you so
you can sleep tonight.
Good luck!!
Ginger Venable
ginger@graduationparty.com
PS: All of our newsletters are kept on our website. If you’ve missed an earlier version
or if you want to take a peek at the upcoming ones just go
to our website, www.graduationparty.com, and click on “E-Newsletters”.
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