Graduation Requirements and Procedures

Graduation Date:                  Saturday, August 16, 2008

Location:                                Texas Southern University

                                                Health and Physical Education Building

                                                Corner of Ennis and Wheeler

Time:                                      11:00 a.m.

·        In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, you must meet all requirements by August 16, 2008.  This means that you have completed the necessary credits in the appropriate courses for graduation and have met the Exit Level TAKS requirements.  The Houston Independent School District is scheduled to receive the TAKS results from the state prior to August 16, 2008.

·        You must contact your home school registrar before August 16, 2008 in person or by phone to certify that you have met all graduation requirements.

·        All seniors who will participate in the summer graduation ceremony may contact Herff Jones Graduation Center at 713-864-6464 for their cap and gown.  The cost for the caps and gowns is payable in cash, credit card or money order.  These are keepsake caps and gowns that become the property of the student.  Students should contact Herff Jones Graduation Center by August 6, 2008 to place their order.

·        Students are to obtain invitations on their own.  Herff Jones also offers invitations and other graduation items and may be ordered online at www.herff-jones.com/sales/Houston_Graduation_Center.

·        Prospective graduates are encouraged to be at the graduate assembly area by 10:15 a.m. on August 16, 2008.  Graduates are to enter on the first level south door, off Blodgett.

·        Guests of graduates are to enter the seating area from the ramps.

·        Graduates will be given a scroll.  Official diplomas can be picked up at the home school.

·        The graduates will be lined up alphabetically by school by a representative (registrar) of the school.  The representatives will lead the line of graduates from his/her school to their seats.

·        Graduates participating in the summer school graduation ceremony are expected to exhibit the highest level of discipline and decorum when assembling, during the processional, when walking across the stage, and during the recessional.  Exemplary conduct throughout the graduation exercises will make this event a most memorable occasion for you.

·        In keeping with the district’s core value of student safety all graduates and guests will be screened with metal detectors.

·        There is free parking in some lots as well as on-street parking; however the new parking garage will cost $5.00 per car.

In summary, I look forward to your participation in our summer graduation ceremonies.  You should feel a special sense of accomplishment for your academic efforts.  The district places special emphasis on the summer ceremonies, expecting approximately 350 graduates from high schools throughout the district.  Your presence and participation are strongly encouraged.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Karen Garza, Ph.D.

                                                                                    Chief Academic Officer
 

Instructions For Reagan Summer Grads

Participating in the Graduation Ceremony is an optional activity.  If you choose to participate, proper attire must be worn.  Proper attire is:

1.  The mortarboard (cap) should sit flat on the head, not tilted at an angle.  All hairstyles should allow the mortarboard to sit correctly on the head.

2.  Gentlemen should wear a white collared shirt, with a tie, dark slacks and dress shoes.  Dark shoes are the best.

3.  Young ladies should wear dresses, skirts, or dress slacks.  Please avoid incredibly high heels.  They can be a hazard on the ramps as ladies walk across the stage.  Please be aware that students will do quite a bit of walking.

4.  Jeans, boots, shorts, flip flops, and tennis shoes of any kind are not acceptable.  If you wear these items, you will not be permitted to participate in graduation exercises. 

Failure to observe any of the policies stated above may result in your not being permitted to participate in graduation exercises. 

There are no tickets needed for graduation.  Special seating will be available for the hearing impaired.  Handicap seating is available; please check in with a representative upon entering for assistance.  No balloons, banners, flowers, air horns or items may be carried into the building.  Security will confiscate these items.  This is a solemn and dignified event, and we ask that all families be respectful and attentive as each student graduates.  All graduates must leave cameras, purses, and other personal items with their families.  Northing may be carried in by the graduate.  All Graduates must stay for the entire ceremony.

Contact Ms. Knight before August 16, 2008 to verify that you have met all graduation requirements.

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