Tyee Middle School is proud to honor the 8th grade students and their families in the 2023 Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, June 21st at 3:00pm in the Tyee Gymnasium. This year’s ceremony will feature inspiring messages from students and performances from talented musicians and vocalists. Every student will be presented a certificate recognizing the successful completion of Middle School. Following the ceremony is an reception hosted by the PTSA in our Commons & Courtyard for photo opportunities with friends, family, and favorite teachers.

For extended family living across the world, here is a livestream link that will be live at 3:00pm PST on June 21st, 2023: https://www.youtube.com/live/Pp8Hl3KnFBI?feature=share

Event Details

Date & Time: Wednesday, June 21st. Ceremony 3:00pm. Doors open 2:45. Please do not arrive earlier. 6th/7th grade students dismiss from 2:15-2:45 and there will be heavy vehicle and bus traffic leaving school. Following the ceremony is a PTSA reception beginning at roughly 4:15pm.

Location: Tyee Gymnasium (please enter through west courtyard or north entrance on back side of campus – off SE 40th St).

Parking: Tyee is limited to 100 parking spaces and we anticipate 1,000+ attendees. Thank you for driving slowly and safely, and for parking legally so you are not blocking driveways or other cars. In prior years we have disrupted the ceremony to announce vehicles must be moved.

• Please do not park in fire lanes, restricted spots, or blocking other vehicles.
• The bus zone will not be available until after all school buses have departed.
• We encourage attendees avoid the parking situation by walking, public transit, Taxi/Uber/Lyft, or carpool.
• The neighborhood has extremely limited street parking. Please respect neighbors and avoid illegal parking and/or blocking driveways. Neighbors will report violators to Police and request towing.
• Bellevue Police’s Traffic Division will be notified of this event to support enforcement and neighbors have called Police in prior years for assistance.
• Edgebrook Swim & Tennis Club has a restricted parking lot, and requesting towing for violators.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• “Does my 8th grade student need to be picked up or come home when school dismisses at 2:10?”
  • No, 8th graders will be in rehearsals from 12:45-2:45. They will remain supervised in the gym to the start of the ceremony.
• “Is there a guest limit? Are there tickets?”
  • The event is open, and we do not use tickets for admission.
  • We have over 330 graduates and seating capacity for about 1,000. To ensure all parents are able to attend, we ask ceremony guests be limited to immediate family only. The 4:15pm reception in the commons is an excellent time to be joined by extended family.
• “What should my student wear?”
  • We are reminding students this is a serious event, one their family is attending and where they will need to walk up stairs and across a stage in front of hundreds of people. There will also be opportunities for photos that will last a lifetime.
  • Students should wear what best reflects who they are. In past years many students have worn semi-formal clothes (collared shirts, sweaters, dress pants, dresses). Sometimes students wear ties or even dress shoes.
  • Students should come to school wearing what they plan to wear for the event. There will be time before the ceremony to check the mirror, change shoes, or tie their ties, but not enough time or space for full wardrobe changes.
• “Can I bring gifts or balloons?”
  • Gifts are OK, but we cannot permit Flowers & Balloons inside the gym for the ceremony. This is to ensure everyone has good visibility, and so we’re mindful of allergies. Please leave flowers & balloons in the car, or outside of the gym. Flowers & Balloons are fine to bring out to the reception!
• “How can I get pictures up close?”
  • Tyee PTSA hired a photographer to capture pictures of all students receiving their certificate. A link will be sent to all families a few days after the event!
  • The reception will feature backdrops and photo booths for families to enjoy.