DPM - Updated G8 Activities Letter
April 20, 2026
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians,
It's hard to believe, but our 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony is only 6 weeks away! There have been some changes for a few of the end-of-the-year events that our 8th graders will experience together as they close out their time in middle school. Below is updated information for the festivities that the school and APT will be providing to make the end of each student's Deer Path journey memorable.
While the students are preparing to close the book on their middle school careers, there is still an entire chapter that still needs to be written. We implore all students to put forth their best efforts, both academically and behaviorally, throughout the 4th quarter to make the most of their remaining time at Deer Path. Please be aware that Administration will be contacting families if a student has failing grades or behavioral concerns. Participation in the various end-of-year events, including Graduation, is a privilege that must be earned. Students who do not demonstrate expected student behavior through the end of the year can have those privileges revoked.
The last day of 8th grade attendance (Friday, May 29th) and Graduation (Monday, June 1st) are fast approaching. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with all of you!
Sam Paulsen - 7/8 Principal
8th Grade Celebration - Hosted by the APT
Friday, May 29, 2026
The Farm System
921 Sherwood Dr in Lake Bluff
On Friday, May 29th, from 7:30pm - 9:00pm, the APT's 8th Grade Committee will host a pre-graduation celebration for everyone in the 8th-grade class at The Farm at 921 Sherwood Dr in Lake Bluff (next to Lake Forest Pediatrics). The theme for the event is A Formal Night Out, so students should plan to dress to impress that evening in fancy attire.
Logistics:
- A signed permission form must be submitted for your student to attend.
- A parent/guardian must drop-off and pick-up. Students are not allowed to ride their bikes or walk.
- We will also be collecting cell phones from the kids. They will be collected at check-in, labeled, and tucked away for the duration of the celebration and returned at the end of the evening.
- We will have photographers on hand to capture pictures of the students that will be posted to a shared drive after the event and sent out.
There's still time before the May 1st Deadline!
DPM 8th grade students perform community service as part of their graduation activities. The Class of 2026 has the goal of collectively contributing 2026 hours/acts of service to our community, providing the opportunity for students to gain an appreciation for civic engagement, their community, and develop a love of volunteering.
8th Grade Class Picture
Monday, May 4, 2026 at 8:35 am
DPM Back Patio
It is a Deer Path tradition to take an 8th grade class photo in the Spring to commemorate the students' time together in middle school. Mark it on your calendar so you can make sure your student is present so we can capture everyone from the Class of 2026!
8th Grade Honors and Awards Assembly
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 9:15 am
DPM Auditorium
This special ceremony recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exceptional leadership, and dedicated service throughout their middle school career. We will honor recipients of subject specific awards, academic excellence distinctions, and community recognition. Families of recipients will be contacted in advance of the event so they can plan to attend the assembly to celebrate their student.
An Adventure Uptown
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Market Square
Downtown Lake Forest
8th grade students and teachers will walk uptown in groups to get lunch, do some shopping, and laugh together as the Class of 2026. Students will bring their own money to make purchases during this time.
Field Trip to Launch
Friday, May 29, 2026
Launch Trampoline Park
880 Lakeside Dr, Gurnee IL
Launch offers a wide variety of activities for the 8th graders to enjoy including trampolines, bowling, an arcade, and others. Transportation will be provided by Olson buses to and from the location.
Ceremony Information
Monday, June 1, 2026 from 5:00-6:00 pm
Lake Forest High School West Campus
300 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest
- Admission: Doors will open at 4:00 pm with general admission seating. There are NO tickets and NO limit on the number of guests attending. Guests will enter through the door with the blue awning.
- Photography: VIP will be taking a photo of each graduate as they receive their diploma. Photos will be available for purchase on the VIP website approximately 1-2 weeks after graduation.
- Diplomas: The name on each graduate's diploma will match the full name of your student in PowerSchool that was submitted during registration. During the ceremony, the reader will use the student's preferred name.
- Recommended Attire:
- Boys: sport coat, collared shirt with tie, dress slacks, dress shoes. (We have a collection of generously donated blue blazers of various sizes, please email 7/8 Admin Assistant, Linda Crowe if you wish to borrow one for the event)
- Girls: semi-formal dress/skirt of appropriate length, or pants suit. (Tradition is for an all-white outfit, but it is by no means required)
- Can't Make It?: If you know your student will not be attending the graduation ceremony, please email our 7/8 Admin Assistant, Linda Crowe. Students who do not attend the ceremony can pick up their diplomas in the DPM West main office following graduation