Anonymous wrote:It is a little odd for someone outside of the family to be bringing in grandparents. Especially when you consider the logistics, such as reserving seats.

Everyone take a deep breath and let's try a little reading comprehension. The OP said that s/he is a relative of the family.

It is a little odd for someone outside of the family to be bringing in grandparents. Especially when you consider the logistics, such as reserving seats.

i don't think the so called reason is legit people

As thrilled as they might be to have the grandparents there, its also an additional stressor. I loved my parents (they are both gone) but if they had suddenly shown up for my DD's Beauvoir graduation it would have thrown me for a loop. I would have to attend to them or feel rude which would disrupt whatever plans I had. It also seems cruel to the grandparents because if the parents are feeling stressed at the sight of them and don;t react with complete thrill, the grandparents will feel very awkward.

I agree with PP. Please tell everyone. And since you don't have a child at Beauvoir you really aren't familiar with negotiating the Cathedral for someone who is ill.

Anonymous wrote:I am the original poster. I do not have a child that attends the school however I do have a relative that does attend and will graduate this year. Of course I could call the family directly and ask but I was arranging for a surprise visit from the grandparents. One of which is ill and does not travel much but wanted to try and participate in this occasion. I was attempting to purchase airline tickets online last evening and why I asked the question. Thinking someone may know the answer. After not seeing it specifically listed on the school website. Not to worry, I called the school this morning and received the information I was looking for. Apologies, to all who took my post the wrong way. I have a child at another DC Private, and they list the graduation date so I never thought of it as a secret.

I love my child's grandparents and would be thrilled if they were able to attend my child's graduation, but I'd also be super pissed if someone arranged this as a "surprise". My son's grandmother is ill and moves slowly. Having her attend his graduation successfully would mean scouting out the location from the point of view of accommodating her mobility needs. It would mean taking more leave to arrive early and get seats up front so that she could still see during the portions of the ceremony when people are standing. It would probably mean choosing to go out to eat with just our family, as opposed to with friends, so that she's not overwhelmed by noise of many young children, and choosing a restaurant that has a short walk to the door from where we can drop off. Most importantly, having grandmothers there would mean that I wouldn't give away our extra tickets.

I'd be thrilled to do all of this. Don't get me wrong, I love my child's grandmother and I'd be thrilled if someone could help make it possible for her to attend. But not as a "surprise". Please, please, please tell the parents now of this plan.