520 West Main Street ∙ Rockaway, NJ 07866-3799
Todd M. Toriello, Ed.D. ● Principal ● 973-664-2301
May 2022
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Although it may seem difficult to believe, the high school journey for our seniors is rapidly
drawing to a close. For parents/guardians, this is always a special moment. Please allow me to
share some specifics with you for your planning purposes.
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you on the occasion of the graduation of
your child from Morris Hills High School. Commencement will be held on Tuesday, June 21,
2022, at 10:00AM on Gifford Field located behind Morris Hills High School. Morris Hills High
School cannot conduct an indoor graduation ceremony in our Main Gymnasium due to space
limitations. In the event we experience inclement weather on the morning of Tuesday, June 21
2022, we will postpone the ceremony until a later time on the same day. We are willing to
postpone the start time of the graduation ceremony to as late as early evening. The
announcement of this postponement could happen any time during the days leading up to or on
the morning of Tuesday, June 21, 2022. In the event of a complete washout, the commencement
exercises will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 10:00AM. Morris Hills High School will
be live streaming the graduation ceremony. The link to view the live stream will be located on the
Morris Hills High School website under the “Headlines” section.
All seating is on a first come first served basis. We will also have a tent on the field reserved for
senior citizens or individuals with disabilities. Graduates may sign up for handicapped parking
permits in the Principal’s Office beginning on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Handicap parking will
be available behind Gifford Field and can be accessed from Longview Road.
Graduation rehearsals will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 and Monday, June 20, 2022 at
9:30AM. Attendance at both rehearsals is mandatory. Caps and gowns will be distributed to
senior students on June 17, 2022 following graduation rehearsal. Any senior still owing an
obligation will not receive his or her cap and gown at that time.
Graduation from high school is an event that comes once in a student’s lifetime. The
administration and faculty make every effort to provide a ceremony steeped in tradition, one that
brings meaning to all graduates and their families and loved ones. This is not an athletic event
but rather an academic proceeding to honor a journey fulfilled, one students and parents have
envisioned for a long time. Our goal as a professional staff at Morris Hills High School is to
provide a ceremony defined by both dignity and decorum. Students and parents deserve
nothing less and we make every effort in our planning to execute a memorable event, start to
finish. To ensure that goal, I have reviewed with the seniors a number of expectations. I share
them with you here on the reverse side of this letter. We ask that you read them carefully and
underscore them with your graduate as well.
The Morris Hills High School community of administrators and faculty salute you on your
graduate’s successful completion of high school. We all look forward to a commencement
ceremony of the highest order on June 21, 2022.
In the Spirit of Partnership,
Todd M. Toriello, Ed.D.
Principal
TT/lp
GRADUATION CEREMONY GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
In an attempt to provide a dignified graduation ceremony, we request that the graduates dress
appropriately for the occasion. Appropriate attire is the following: shirt, tie, dress pants, dress,
and dress slacks. Students are prohibited from wearing sneakers, flip-flops or high heels.
Flats and wedges are allowed. Any student who is inappropriately dressed will not be
permitted to participate in the ceremony.
Seniors are expected to participate in both graduation practices. Any excusals will be handled
by the Principal on an individual basis. Only emergency situations will be considered.
Failure to comply with this may result in exclusion from participation in the graduation ceremony.
This letter is by no means a “guarantee” of graduation. Grades and attendance
requirements must be met. If credit and attendance requirements are not met, seniors
cannot participate in the commencement ceremony.
Proper behavior is expected of all graduates throughout the commencement ceremony. Failure
to comply will result in removal from the commencement ceremony. Students may not carry cell
phones or cameras during the ceremony. All students will be searched prior to the ceremony.
Any inappropriate items - balloons, bubbles, messages on graduation hats, etc. - will be
confiscated and may be cause for removal from the commencement ceremony. If inappropriate
behavior is evident at the commencement ceremony, students will be escorted off the field and
diplomas will not be issued until a successful parental conference is held.
Seniors having elderly family members attending the commencement ceremony are requested
to arrive early since there will be no reserved seating.
SCHEDULE FOR SENIORS - CLOSING ACTIVITIES
June 17 Commencement rehearsal #1 beginning in the Main Gym at 9:30AM
until completion.
June 17 Announcements & fine collection at the conclusion of
commencement rehearsal # 1.
June 17 Caps & gowns distributed from the cafeteria and the gymnasium at
the conclusion of commencement rehearsal # 1 – Seniors owing
obligations will not be given their caps & gowns at this time.
June 20 Commencement rehearsal #2 beginning in the Main Gym at 9:30AM
until completion.
June 21 Graduation line-up beginning in Main Gym at 9:00AM.
June 21 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY - 10:00AM at Morris Hills High
School. Graduates must report by 9:00AM sharp.
