SENIOR SEND-OFF CELEBRATION 

GRAD NIGHT FAQs

Eastlake High School PTSA is looking forward to sponsoring a fun, safe, and substance-free, all-night celebration for seniors on the night of graduation. The following information should help answer any questions you might have.

It is imperative that parents, guardians, and participating graduates read and understand the following.

WHAT IS GRAD NIGHT? Grad Night is Eastlake PTSA's senior send-off event. It is an opportunity for seniors to participate in a special evening of celebration with their classmates in a safe and secure environment. This all-night party has been a beloved Eastlake tradition for many years. The Grad Night event is planned and organized by a parent volunteer committee of the Eastlake High School PTSA. 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?  Eastlake High School seniors

WHERE WILL THE PARTY BE HELD? The location of the celebration will be a surprise to the students until they arrive at the site(s). The planning committee will know where the students are at all times. We’ve kept it a surprise for good reason—safety! This event is for EHS Seniors only, and we do not allow uninvited participants. Disclosing the location in advance may open the door to a chain of events that we would not be able to control. Safety is our number one priority. All locations are local and may include places we have used in previous years such as GameWorks, Acme Bowling, Seattle Bouldering, Hard Rock Cafe, or Family Fun Center in Tukwila, among others.

WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE? Students board chartered buses in the evening following the graduation ceremony. Buses will return to Eastlake between 5:30-6:00 AM the following morning.

WHAT DOES THE TICKET PRICE COVER? While PTSA pays for charter buses to transport students, all participants must purchase tickets to attend the event. Ticket sales cover the cost of two private venues, food, entertainment, and activities. 

CAN I WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SIGN UP? Not a good idea. Any last-minute signups will be confirmed based on availability. Sign up early! You may sign up by completing the Permission/Release form and purchasing a ticket to reserve your space.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED? Permission/Release forms and Emergency Care forms are available on the EHS PTSA website www.ehsptsa.org when purchasing a ticket. Links to the forms are also available below. Each student must have a signed Permission/Release form, with current parent/guardian contact information and a signed Emergency Care form. These forms need to be on file with the Senior Send Off committee. Remember: No signed forms = no event = no refunds. Your student will not be allowed to board the bus if we have not received the signed permission/release and emergency forms.

Download and complete the Permission/Release form. 

If applicable, download and complete Emergency Care Plan form. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY STUDENT IS SIGNED UP ALREADY? Email: sso@ehsptsa.org

CAN I GET A REFUND IF MY STUDENT DECIDES NOT TO GO? No. Should this happen, your paid amount will be considered a donation for another student in need who wants to attend the event. Refunds will not be issued unless there has been a medical issue. 

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT? Yes! We have funds available each year for those who might need financial assistance to attend the all-night party. Please contact your school counselor. It is best if you apply early; don't wait until the last minute! We'd like everyone who wants to participate, to be able to attend this wonderful event. All scholarships are strictly confidential.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable, casual attire. A sweatshirt or jacket and comfortable shoes

WHAT NOT TO BRING: Purses, backpacks, wallets, cameras, money, and banned substances of any kind (drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, weapons). Cell phones and chargers are allowed! Each venue and all chaperones will have tissues, feminine hygiene products and other toiletries readily available at all times; students do not need to bring these items.

WHAT IF MY STUDENT NEEDS MEDICATION? Any student needing to take medications during the event will need to indicate this on the emergency care form and check the medication in with a senior send-off representative no later than 12:00 noon the day before graduation. Medications should be in a prescription container marked with the student’s name. Please place the container in a Ziploc bag, also marked with the student’s name, along with a signed note by the parent with specific dispensing instructions. Chaperones will be fully aware of all students with medical issues.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHECK-IN PROCEDURES AND SECURITY?  Students will check-in with coordinators and line up at their assigned bus to undergo a quick security check which could include a modified pat-down, if needed. Any items in the student's possession that are not allowed (see What Not To Bring above) will be safely stowed on the bus and returned to the student when the buses arrive back at EHS. Once the students are checked in, they will receive a colored wristband that corresponds to the bus on which they will travel to each venue and back to EHS. Students are not allowed to leave the event at any time. If they are sent home for any reason, the parent/guardian will be called to come pick them up at the event—not a friend, sibling, etc. Of course, if an emergency does occur, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. There will be zero tolerance for tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind. If any substances are found or if the student is exhibiting signs of intoxication, they will not be permitted to board the bus and a parent will be called. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in an adult manner and follow all directions issued by representatives of the senior send-off committee, representatives of the event site, representatives of Grad Nights, or any security personnel. In the event a participant is found in possession of a banned substance or weapon, or whose conduct is unbecoming, they will be immediately removed from the event. The person(s) listed as a contact will be notified and will be responsible for the immediate transportation of the participant from the celebration.

EVENING ITINERARY:  Graduates will board buses around 10:00 PM: Return to EHS 5:30-6:00 AM the following morning.

PICK UP AFTER EVENT: When the buses return to Eastlake High School, parents or guardians must pick up their graduates since they will not be allowed to drive after being up all night.

QUESTIONS or CONCERNS:  If you have questions, please contact the senior send-off team at: sso@ehsptsa.org.