8th Grade Promotion

IMPORTANT UPDATES - CLASS OF 2026

Donations still needed - calling all 8th grade families, your support makes our promotion events possible! Learn more and make a donation here. Suggested donation of $75 per student, and any amount makes a difference - thank you!

Questions? Monique.yoshioka@gmail.com

8th Grade Promotion – Essential Dates & Info

8th Grade Families: To ensure a smooth and memorable graduation season, please review the following schedule and guidelines.

Key Events Schedule

Wednesday, May 20th: Pick up ordered leis, yard signs and DC picture

Those families who ordered leis/yard signs and DC pictures can pick them up at Open House between 5:30-7:00pm in the courtyard near the library

Friday, June 5 Promotion Rehearsal and Great America

8:00am- Promotion Rehearsal (San Mateo Performing Arts Center) Parents/guardians will need to drop off students at the San Mateo Performing Art Center (600 N Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA)
Great America- Those Students who will be attending Great America will be transported by buses to Great America after the promotion rehearsal. Buses will return to Bowditch Middle School around 5:30 pm (depending on traffic) Students that will be using their season passes must bring it with them to enter the park

Monday, June 8 Gown Distribution

Students will be given their gowns during their 7th period class

Tuesday, June 9 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing (Bowditch)

This is a fun hour and a half event where students can grab some light breakfast, hang out with friends, listen to music, and sign yearbooks.

Wednesday, June 10- Promotion Ceremony

9:30 AM: Student Drop-off (San Mateo PAC)
10:00 AM: Doors Open for Guests
10:30 AM: Promotion Ceremony Begins

Wednesday, June 10- Promotion Party

6:30 PM Registration opens
7:00PM – 10:00 PM: Hilton SFO Airport Bayfront 600 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010. Parents are responsible for their own transportation

🎓 Promotion Ceremony Details

Tickets: No physical tickets. Staff will check guest counts against a master list at the door.
Prohibited Items: Balloons (must stay in the ticket office) and confetti poppers are not allowed inside the theater.
Dress Code: Business casual (slacks, collared shirts, dresses). No hats, hoods, or sunglasses.
Electronics: Phones and earbuds must be powered off and stored away.
School-Issued Gowns: These gowns are to returned at the end of the ceremony

👔 General Dress Code Reminders

Standard school dress code applies to all activities. Please ensure attire is appropriate:

No bare midriffs, plunging necklines, or sagging pants.
No images promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vulgarity.

We are still accepting donations for 8th Grade Promotion Events.

Thank you for your support in celebrating the Class of 2026!

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March 16, 2026

8th Grade Panoramic Picture

More Details to follow

March 19, 2026: 5:30pm - 8pm

8th Grade One Stop Shop (OSS)
Bowditch Gym Lobby

Designated day for families to submit Great America permission slips and make final payments and donations. OSS Forms will be sent out at the end of February to all 8th grade families. Please complete your OSS Order Form Online, submit promotion tickets requests and make online donation payments no later than Friday, March 13th, 2026. For those paying cash or check, please bring payment on March 19h.

Please print out and complete the Great America Permission Forms which will be collected at the in-person OSS Event.

March 28 - April 2, 2026

Washington DC Trip (non-school sponsored trip)

Contact person: Cynthia.d.zhu@gmail.com

June 5, 2026
Promotion On-Site Rehearsal

Parents/guardians will need to drop off students at the San Mateo Performing Art Center by 8:00am.
600 N Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA

June 5, 2026

Great America Trip

Students will be transported by buses to Great America after the promotion rehearsal.

Buses will return to Bowditch Middle School between 5pm and 5:30 pm (depending on traffic)

See Frequently Asked Questions for more information

June 9, 2026
8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing

June 10, 2026

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony @ 10:30AM

San Mateo High School Performing Arts Center (600 N Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA)
Student Drop off at 9:30am
Doors open for families at 10:00am

Ceremony starts at 10:30am

June 10, 2026, 7pm - 10pm
8th Grade End of Year Party - Hilton SF Airport Bayfront Hotel

Please note that Bowditch Middle School does not contribute any money towards 8th grade promotion events and activities. A suggested direct donation of $75 per student will be requested to help with these costs (promotion venue, buses, etc.); however, any donation amount is greatly appreciated!