MVHS Class of 2026

This document will be your go-to guide throughout the school year! We'll be updating links, times, and information as needed, so check back often.

Let's make this an unforgettable senior year!

May 21 Diploma Pick-Up 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

🎓 In the Counseling Office

• Mountain Vista will be closed ALL summer. Please be sure to pick up your diploma on May 21. If you miss this date, you have until May 29 at 12 p.m. to pick it up.

• Our commencement exercises will proceed rain or shine. We cannot adjust our Red Rocks date or time, so we recommend everyone be aware of potential weather and dress appropriately. Ponchos and umbrellas ARE allowed and recommended. We met with all of our graduates on Monday morning to relay the same message. Red Rocks does allow umbrellas for graduations. Just be mindful of people behind you. Small umbrellas are recommended.
• Red Rocks staff will monitor any lightning in the area and make decisions accordingly. If lightning causes a postponement or cancellation, we will reserve backstage space for our elderly/preferred seating guests to use while they await the shuttles.
• Given the rain's duration and intensity, we may adjust our commencement program in real time to prioritize the Presentation of Diplomas to graduates.
• If our ceremony is significantly shortened, we may arrange a supplemental ceremony in the Mountain Vista gymnasium for a date TBD.
• DCSD will live stream our graduation for relatives or friends who do not want to risk exposure to the elements tomorrow evening.

We hope the weather holds so we can have a wonderful evening to honor the Class of 2026. However, we want everyone as prepared as possible for all conditions.

We will have printed lists at Red Rocks, in case you forget your tickets or your senior did not pick them up.

PLEASE DRESS WARM! This area is not covered, and it will take time to get you back to the shuttles.

May 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

🎓 Graduates arrive at MVHS to load buses in the back lot by the Commons – 4:30 p.m.

• YES…EVERY SENIOR WILL RIDE THE BUS! This is a one-way bus for all graduates.

• DON’T BE LATE. Buses will leave at 5:15 p.m.

• Graduate Attire – Attire cannot be potentially offensive or distracting to the ceremony. Attire must be in line with our current dress code policy. Graduation is a special event that you should dress up for. We encourage students to wear business attire. Be mindful that Red Rocks has a lot of stairs, so stilettos may not be comfortable.

• Facilities at Red Rocks – The seats are wooden benches on concrete. Guests should bring something to sit on (blanket, pad, etc.) if concerned about clothing/comfort. Please plan for a variety of weather conditions. Remember, we are in the mountains in the spring, and the afternoons/evenings can be unpredictable.

If you missed requesting tickets for Ederly /Disabled seating, please email Christine Miles, cmiles@dcsdk12.org

The first few rows at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre have been set aside as preferred seating for our elderly/disabled guests. We will be distributing enough tickets (per family) for elderly/disabled guests and one (1) additional companion. For example, if you have requested three (3) elderly/disabled tickets, you will receive one (1) additional companion ticket for a total of four (4) tickets. We are unable to accommodate entire families in the first few rows. We will be checking tickets as you arrive and are seated. General seating for additional guests/family members will begin above the faculty section.

A ticket is required for elderly/disabled seating. Tickets will not be available at the door. Please click on the link below to complete the Google form by Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The tickets will be distributed to seniors on Monday, May 18th, when they pick up their caps and gowns.

• VERY IMPORTANT: To access the front section of the Amphitheatre, guests with valid Handicap Parking tags should park in the UPPER SOUTH LOT. An accessible shuttle will take you up the backstage road to a ramp leading to Row 1. If you need this assistance but do not have handicap parking tags, you may be dropped off at the entrance to the handicap parking in the Upper South Lot. All park entrances can access all parking lots, although entrances 2 & 3 have the most direct access to the Upper South Lot. Guests should arrive as early as possible to ensure space availability and to reach their seats prior to the start time of 7:00 p.m.

Once inside the Amphitheatre, you will need to climb stairs to reach all rows above Row 1. Only Row 1 is accessible to wheelchairs.

Accessible restrooms are available at the South Amphitheatre entrance, North Concession Stand, and at the top of the Amphitheatre.

Pre-pay for parking at Red Rocks. Saves time and money! Parking is $12.50 per vehicle.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PARKING

Use this link to send to family and friends who are unable to attend graduation.

MVHS Graduation Live Stream Link

All online orders will be available for pickup, located conveniently at the top entrance of Red Rocks on graduation day, before the ceremony begins.

🎓 Diploma Name: The name printed on the diploma will be the graduate's legal name, as it appears on their birth certificate. You can verify this in Infinite Campus.

🎓 Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be printed from the Parent/Student Portal until June 30th. Final official transcripts will be sent to the college of choice as indicated in the senior's Naviance check-out survey.

🎓 Sign Language Interpreter: If you or your guests need a sign language interpreter, please email Autum Vitry, alvitry@dcsdk12.org, by May 1st to make arrangements.

🎓 YES Seniors are required to ride the bus from MVHS to Red Rocks for graduation

Community Service:

As part of the Douglas County School District, all seniors must have a minimum of 20 hours of community service during grades 9 through 12 in order to graduate. Through community service, students are given opportunities to become responsible citizens by helping others while learning selflessness and fostering personal growth. All hours must be documented and approved in the Helper Helper app. The Helper Helper app is an easy way to upload all of your community service hours that you have completed while at Mountain Vista High School. If you have any questions on how to download or navigate the app, please contact Mrs. Kristen Foss in the Counseling Office or via email kfoss@dcsdk12.org. It is important to note that you will not be able to walk at graduation until this requirement for graduation is complete.

🟢 Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. 🟢

Graduation Contract:

The Graduation Contract provides the behavior expectations for graduates and must be signed electronically by both the student and a parent before walking at Graduation. The Class of 2026 Graduation Contract link.

🟢 Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. 🟢

Senior Scholarships & Awards:

Has your senior been awarded a scholarship, award, or grant? The district would like to document this information. There are three options to report these details: 1) Have your senior bring a hard copy of this information to Mrs. Lori Cagle in the Counseling Office. 2) Email it to lori.cagle@dcsdk12.org. OR 3) Complete the online link that will be sent to all families in late April.

🟢 Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. 🟢

Check-Out Sheets and Fees:

Seniors will receive an email notifying them to begin the check-out process. The Naviance District survey must be completed, signatures collected, and ALL fees must be paid for the bookkeeper to sign off for graduation. Seniors will turn in their completed check-out form on Tuesday, May 12th, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm - no appointment needed. Cap and gown pick-up and participation in our graduation ceremony are contingent on completing all steps.

🟢 Deadline: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, by 3:00 p.m., Counseling Office 🟢

1. The gates at Red Rocks will be open at 6:00 p.m. Please arrive early to avoid traffic. The ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. General parking is in the Upper North Lot, Lower North Lot, Lower South Lot 1 and the Lower South Lot 2.

2. After the ceremony, staff assistance and shuttle buses will be available to pick-up elderly/disabled guests at the backstage entrance and return them to the Upper South Parking Lot. You may retrieve your car and pick up your passengers at the Upper South Lot.

3. Parking Fee: The City and County of Denver has a general admission parking fee of $15.00 per car. IF you pre-pay using the AXS app or Red Rocks app, the fee will be reduced to $12.50. NO cash payments will be accepted—credit cards only for pre-pay as well as the day of the event. Paying in advance will expedite your entry into the park. Just have your QR code ready on your phone to show to the parking attendant. Link to pre-pay for your parking at Red Rocks Amphitheatre will be added once it is released from Red Rocks.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PARKING

4. Handicapped Parking is available at the top of the park, in the Upper South Lot, for those with official state-issued handicapped parking tags/plates. We have made arrangements for shuttle buses to pick up elderly/disabled guests in the parking lot across from the Upper South Parking Lot. (Please consult the map for its location.) The shuttle bus will run from this lot to the backstage entrance of the Amphitheatre. From that point, it is a relatively short, gentle walk to the reserved section. There will be faculty available to offer any assistance to this reserved section. We have established a wheelchair brigade, consisting of MVHS staff members, who will happily transport those in need of assistance via wheelchairs to this reserved seating section. The elderly/disabled person(s) may be accompanied by one family member in this reserved section. Remember, entire families cannot be accommodated in these first few rows. Please be respectful so we can adequately accommodate those who truly need to be seated in the reserved section. After dropping off guests who need shuttle services, you may then proceed to one of the general admission parking lots.

Elderly & Disabled Seating for Graduation

There will be reserved seating in front for guests who have trouble with stairs. In order to accommodate everyone, we request that companions be limited to only 1. More information on reserved seating will be updated and sent to Senior families in March 2026.

• VERY IMPORTANT: To access the front section of the Amphitheatre, guests with valid Handicap Parking tags should park in the UPPER SOUTH LOT. An accessible shuttle will take you up the backstage road to a ramp leading to Row 1. If you need this assistance but do not have handicap parking tags, you may be dropped off at the entrance to the handicap parking in the Upper South Lot. All park entrances can access all parking lots, although entrances 2 & 3 have the most direct access to the Upper South Lot. Guests should arrive as early as possible to ensure space availability and to reach their seats prior to the start time of 7:00 p.m.

Once inside the Amphitheatre you will need to climb stairs to reach all rows above Row 1. Only Row 1 is accessible to wheelchairs.

Accessible restrooms are available at the South Amphitheatre entrance, North Concession Stand, and at the top of the Amphitheatre.

Alternate Route to Red Rocks from the South

If you are coming to Red Rocks from the South Metro area, you usually take the Morrison Exit. Sometimes the traffic on C-470 can get very backed up. Here’s an alternate route to get you to the Amphitheatre: From C-470 exit to Highway 285 South, the Fairplay exit. Travel 1 1/2 miles up Highway 285 to your first exit, which reads Highway 8 – Morrison, Evergreen. Follow Highway 8 to Morrison and make a left to Red Rocks Entrance 3.

It’s time to celebrate the Class of 2026! You can now order your Senior Yard Signs from DR Photo.

To ensure you get your sign as early as possible, please note the following timeline:

· Early Bird Deadline: Order by February 25 to receive your sign before Spring Break.

Early Bird orders are here! They are located in the main office.

· Final Deadline: The last day to place an order is March 25 (Delivery to school in mid-April).

🔗 How to Order

You can purchase your sign directly through DR Photo’s online portal: Order Your Senior Yard Sign Here

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DR. Photo. 303.346.2772 | support@dr-photo.com

If you missed the order deadline, please contact our local Jostens representative:

Email: nils.erickson.office@jostens.com
Phone: 303-985-0095

Attached: Senior Graduation Timeline

We’ve attached a Senior Year Graduation Timeline to help keep your student on track throughout this exciting year. It includes important dates, deadlines, and upcoming events.

Attachment: Senior_Graduation_Timeline.pdf

We’re here to help you celebrate this exciting milestone. Let’s make graduation unforgettable! GO GOLDEN EAGLES!

Need to pick up your cap and gown? OR did you miss Cording and Awards night?

You can pick up these up in the main office on Tuesday, May 19, 8 a.m. - 2:50 p.m

Mountain Vista High School

10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80126

Main Line: 303-387-1500

24-Hour Attendance Line: 303-387-1502

Visit us at: mvhs.dcsdk12.org

Instagram - MVHS Updates. Information on dress-up days, events and more! This is ran by Student Leadership.