IBWHS - 2026 Graduation
Dear Ida B. Wells families,
With graduation rapidly approaching, we wanted to reach out and let you know the steps we’re taking to ensure a safe, secure, and joyful event for everyone.
Graduation season is obviously an opportunity to spotlight the growth and accomplishments of our amazing students as they trade one stage of their lives for an exciting new chapter. It’s also a chance to recognize the hard work of our dedicated staff and our wonderful families in helping our students across the finish line. It’s important that we take the time to savor this moment together.
But we also want to acknowledge that, given the on-going federal immigration enforcement activities, there might be some anxiety around large public gatherings for many in our community. The fear people are feeling is real, and we understand why many families might want extra reassurance this year.
A few things to remember:
We have a thorough and effective off-campus event safety plan that covers every aspect of event security.
We work hand-in-hand with the PPS Security Team, venue security personnel, and local law enforcement leading up to the event to ensure adequate coverage and active collaboration between teams.
All PPS graduations are private, ticketed events accessible only to staff, students, and select guests.
We do not share student information with venue staff or any outside party. This includes immigration status.
Staff and volunteers working graduation events have received training on secure off-campus event protocols and procedures, as well as PPS’s Federal Agent Safety Plan, which prioritizes heightened awareness, care, and readiness.
We do not anticipate the presence of federal agents at our graduation ceremony, but we are prepared to act within our rights and in accordance with Oregon law at all times. This means not assisting or providing information to aid federal immigration actions unless required by court order.
We are fully committed to hosting a safe and secure graduation ceremony that honors the incredible achievements of every member of the Class of 2026. We cannot wait to celebrate alongside you.
Warmly,
Ayesha Coning, Principal
All students participating in graduation ceremony MUST have a cap, gown and tassel.
If you placed an order with Jostens and haven’t picked it up yet, please see Sharon Dailey in the Counseling Office ASAP.
We want every senior to participate in the graduation ceremony, so if financial concerns are preventing you from getting a cap and gown, please reach out to Sharon Dailey at sdailey@pps.net—we’ll make sure you can borrow one. Our school cap and gown color is forest green, and you're also welcome to borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it matches our school colors and style.
Be sure and take your cap and gown out of the package before Graduation Day! Hang it up and get the wrinkles out. If you have a steamer at home, use it, or try hanging it in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to help release the wrinkles. Your gown will look much better on graduation day if it's smooth and presentable.
6:30pm - Students arrive and enter PSU Viking Pavilion and enter through the door on 10th and Hall. See the map and photo below.
- Arrive in cap, gown and tassel and with any honor cords, medallions, stoles you received
- Bring Name Card
- Gowns must be zipped during the ceremony
- If you decorate your cap, please be appropriate
- No outside food or drink. Sealed/Empty water bottles are ok.
- No helium balloons, confetti, glitter or stickers
- Bring as little as possible with you as there is no storage area
6:45pm - Parents and guests are invited to arrive at the PSU Viking Pavilion, entering via the main steps along the Park Blocks. A map and photo is available below for your convenience.
ADA drop off is on the corner of SW College and SW Park. There is a ramp entry into the building. Then the ADA guest and a companion go to the elevators and down to the floor level where they will sit. Only one companion can sit with each ADA person. Remaining guests will sit in the general seating area.,
Parking: Available in PSU Parking Structure 1 (1872 SW Broadway) for $5 per vehicle (exact change or credit card only).
Dear Families of PPS Graduates of the Class of 2026,
Congratulations to you and your graduates on their upcoming graduation from Portland Public Schools! Please review the following information for important guidelines for students and families at your graduation.
We know that this event is a major milestone in students’ lives, and we are hopeful that it creates lasting positive memories for all involved. We are excited to be holding graduations this year at Portland State University's Viking Pavilion, located at 930 SW Hall Street in downtown Portland.
The following guidelines are meant to ensure that all families are able to celebrate safely and to make the most of this memorable event.
The Viking Pavilion Guidelines include:
Forbidden items: Please do not bring any balloons or liquids to the ceremony. There are water fountains and bottle filling stations for those who need to hydrate.
Bags: Please note that bags will be checked at the Pavillion entry. Please limit any bags you bring. This will help keep the entrance lines moving.
Seating/Photographs: Please do not leave your seat during the ceremony to approach the graduates for any reason. Professional photographers will be present at all ceremonies and families will have options to purchase professional photos or take pictures before or after the ceremony.
Gathering: Families will have space to gather in the park blocks right outside the Viking Pavilion after the ceremony. Please be sure to exit the Pavilion immediately after the ceremony.
Thank you in advance for helping all graduates and their loved ones have a peaceful and positive graduation experience!
We are pleased to announce the following speakers at our Commencement ceremony:
Introduction of Master of Ceremony: Georgia Fleschner
Master of Ceremony: Ainsley Porter
Introduction of Principal Coning: Ariyam Alkumaim
Commencement Speaker: Maddie Garfinkle
Commencement Speaker: Sam Hartoch
Faculty Speaker: Nick Nohner
Announcer and Name Caller: Jamie Miller
This year we are honored to have our Superintendent, Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong to say a few words.
We look forward to hearing from each of you at the ceremony!
If you have family and friends who want to watch you cross the stage from home, the Commencement ceremony will be live streamed - PPS YouTube page for live stream
We’re honored to share that Visual Impressions Photography, LLC will be capturing this year’s graduation for IDA B Wells High School! Our team can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with your seniors and preserve these once-in-a-lifetime moments for families to treasure.
Want to receive your gallery link?
Be sure to register your email and/or cell phone (and don’t forget to include friends & family who may want access too!): https://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/81028/27348636
Questions?
We’re here to help! Reach out anytime at:
schools@visualimpressions.org
We are so excited to celebrate with the amazing students and staff at IDA B Wells this year — it’s going to be a special one!
Only diploma covers will be distributed at Graduation
Seniors (or a family member) will need to pick up the official diploma at IBW on June 4 or June 5 from 1-3pm