• 2024 – 25 Graduation Information

     

    Check-in Procedures

    • Graduates must arrive at 4:30 PM for check-in.
    • Upon arrival, graduates will be required to pass through weapon detectors or undergo screening with security wands.
    • School representatives will guide graduates to line up and proceed to their designated seats.

    Dress Code Requirements

    • Caps and gowns are mandatory for entry into the ceremony.
    • Appropriate attire must be worn under academic regalia.
    • Modest heels are recommended, as graduates will navigate steps and ramps.

    Approved Accessories

       Graduates may wear the following accessories:

    • Academic medals.
    • Honor cords representing academic excellence, or honor societies.
    • HISD ribbons awarded for specific accomplishments.
    • IB/NHS stoles approved by the campus principal or designee.
    • Decorated or personalized graduation caps with prior approval from the principal or designee.

    Additional Information

    • Electronic devices, including cell phones, are not permitted on the venue floor.
    • For cap and gown orders, please contact your campus graduation representative.
    • Students are responsible for obtaining their own graduation announcements.

    Tickets, Seating, and Parking

    • NRG Stadium: No ticket required.  Children must be seated with a responsible adult. Graduates do not need a ticket to enter the venue from the graduate entrance.
    • Seating for all ceremonies will begin one hour before the assigned ceremony start time.
    • HISD police and additional law enforcement will be available to direct traffic in and out of the graduations.
    • For NRG Stadium, graduates and guests are responsible for the $25.00 parking fee plus tax (debit or credit card only).
    • When arriving at NRG Stadium, guests will enter gate 9 on Kirby Drive. Officers and the parking attendants will direct traffic in and out of the graduations.
    • Buses will enter via gate 10 on Kirby Drive and park in the red lot 2. Placard/hangtag parking will be in blue lot 18.

    Behavioral Expectations

    Campus leadership will clearly communicate expectations for student behavior and decorum during all phases of the graduation ceremony – including assembly and line-up, the processional and recessional, and while crossing the stage. These guidelines should specifically prohibit poses, flips, dances or hand gestures other than a handshake when accepting the diploma. Families are urged to reinforce these guidelines with their graduates to ensure full participation in this important occasion and to avoid any actions that could result in being removed from the stage or ceremony.

    Safety

    HISD Police and additional law enforcement will be on-hand for security and traffic control during the graduation ceremony. First aid stations will be onsite for any medical needs. HISD employees will need to present their employee ID badge.

    Bag Policy and Screening Measures

    In keeping with HISD’s core value of student safety, all graduates and guests will be required to pass through weapon detectors and/or be screened with security wands. To expedite movement of guests through the lines to enter the facilities, guests are encouraged not to bring any bags. If a bag is necessary, then consider a bag that is clear (size recommendation no larger than 12” x 6” x12”) or carry a small clutch purse (size recommendation 4.5” x 6.5”), approximately the size of a hand. All bags are subject to search upon entry.

    Prohibited Items 
    Bringing prohibited items or engaging in inappropriate behavior may result in denied entry or removal from the venue. The following are not allowed:

    • Disorderly conduct
    • Smoking or vaping
    • Alcohol or drugs
    • Firearms, explosives, or weapons
    • Laser pointers, drones
    • Littering or use of glitter
    • Noisemakers (e.g., air horns, cowbells, whistles)
    • Flowers, bouquets, balloons, signs, banners, flags, beach balls, confetti, or streamers
    • Any item obstructing another guest’s view
    • Outside food and drinks (exception: clear water bottles as needed for health reasons)
    • Wandering into restricted areas
    • Any item deemed inappropriate by Houston ISD staff

    Photography

    Flash Photography will take photos of seniors as they receive their diploma. Flash will email proofs to the home (not school) email that the Seniors provided at Senior Checkout.