It’s that time of year again, Graduation. I recently was asked about the difference between graduation ‘invitations’ and ‘announcements’ so I thought I would pull out an old post to address their question:
“Graduation announcements – this is the topic of the year for many of my friends. Who should you send them to? There is so much debate on this question…only family; family and very close friends; people who have touched the student; everyone on your Christmas list; the dentist, doctor, orthodontist, teachers. We definitely don’t want it to look like we’re fishing for gifts… I’d love to see your answer.”
In many cases, during a student’s road to graduation the “it takes a village” quote is all too familiar. Many parents want to stand on the rooftop and shout it out… Wahoo!!! He’s graduating!!! Thank you for helping!!!
So let’s break down the options for sharing the good news:
Graduation Invitation: This is an invitation to the actual graduation festivities. Many schools have a strict limit on how many people may attend in support of each student. This may determine your list for the “invitation” group. If you want to have a party so more people can share in the celebration, you could host a graduation party and extend invitations to the other close friends and family who may have been left out of the ceremony itself. As the recipient of an “invitation; if you are able to attend, a gift should be given to the graduate. If you are not able to attend, you may still send a gift, but it is not required.
Graduation Announcements: An announcement does not extend an invitation to an event; its sole purpose is to “announce” the news to whomever you think might be excited to know of the accomplishment. Many people may have lost track of time and did not realize that Johnny is “already” a senior. They would be excited to hear about this great stage in his life (and yours). Those who receive announcements are not obligated to send a gift. A hand-written note would be a great way to respond to the announcement, sharing your excitement for the achievement. Of course, if the recipient of an announcement would like to send a small gift, they are welcome to do so.
With all of that being said. Some parents will want to send announcements to everyone they know, others will choose to send them only to close friends. I think the extent of the list will fluctuate for different families and situations.
And unfortunately, some people do send invitations and announcements as a ploy to receive gifts. We can only hope that the invitation or announcement we receive was sent in the spirit of the occasion and respond accordingly.
Special Announcements:
For families who missed the Early Bird rate, please let them know they can still save $50 with the ‘Summer Special’ rate.
And yes, a deposit can still be made to secure their spot!
For more information, visit the registration page on the website: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/registration
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The highest compliment you can give us is a referral to your friends and coworkers. Please share our registration and contact information with any families you think might be interested in participating in our program.
Each year we build on the previous year as we add to the curriculum. We have many students who continue with us each season, from our Level 5 (5th grade) program through our Passport (High School) Program. Our goal with the continuous exposure, and gentle reminders, of the courtesies we teach over consecutive years – is to assist you in raising well-mannered young adults.
- Continued Exposure: Just as continued exposure to athletics and school homework reaps rewards; continued exposure to the social skills taught in our program will provide lifelong lessons that will benefit your child throughout the classroom and into the boardroom.
- Benefits and Rewards: One of the biggest rewards of our students returning year after year, is the virtual ‘light bulb’ that seems to turn on and stay on; the students are really starting to get it and they are very proud of themselves. Their confidence is building. We’ve highlighted some of our graduating seniors on my blog at www.CareySueVega.com/?s=senior+spotlight
5-8th Grade Levels: We encourage you to register early to take advantage of the ‘Summer Special’ discount. Regular tuition for the 2014-2015 season will be $425.
- All Families, ‘Summer Special’ $375 by July 31
- 5-8th Grade registration online via: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/registration
9-12th Grade Levels: Registration is open and will continue with the Early Bird discount into the fall. Register early to avoid the waiting list.
- 9-12th Grade registration online via: https://www.expeditionsinetiquette.com/passport-high-school-registration
Business Etiquette Training and other Workshops
Would you like to schedule a workshop or presentation?
I’m busy booking projects and working on presentations for clients and am already scheduling well into the Fall! Thank you so much for your continued support for this part of my business!
I have a variety of workshops that can be customized to fit your needs and would love to work with your organization, please call or email for more information, 405-721-1467 or CareySue@CareySueVega.com
Here are just a few of the workshop topics:
- Etiquette and the Generations – understanding ‘those guys’
- Creating a Great Customer Service Experience
- Business Etiquette and Professionalism – Navigating Lunch and Networking Events
- First and Lasting Impressions
- Professional Dress
