Graduation General Information (published in Graduation Packet)

I.  Graduation Attire: 

• Navy Blue Cap and Gown, Tassel

• Medallions & Cords (HCPS Honors Organizations only)

• Proper attire is required for all: dress or pant suit, collared shirt, dress pants (black, dark grey, khakis, or navy), dress shoes (flats or wedges) or dressy sandals, no flip flops or sneakers

• Caps cannot be decorated

II. Rehearsal Expectations:

• All Graduation Rehearsals (Tuesday May 28 and Wednesday May 29) will take place at DSF and attendance is mandatory. If a practice must be missed for an emergency reason, Ms. Pantele and Ms. Meadowes must be notified and the absence must be approved by them prior to May 24. 

• Graduation rehearsals are casual dress - graduation attire not necessary. 

• All students must arrive on time (by 9:00) and remain until dismissed. Attendance will be taken at each rehearsal.

• Students should report to the GYM upon arrival at DSF.

• Failure to attend all practices may result in inability to participate in the graduation ceremony.

• The code of conduct is in effect for all events on school property and participation in graduation depends upon compliance. 

III. Graduation Ticket Information: 

• Outstanding financial obligations will be distributed in April. Students should make all payments by May 17. Any students with remaining obligations will be notified at practice on May 28 and will not be given graduation tickets/parking pass until obligations are fulfilled. Students will be able to settle all outstanding fees directly after practice on May 28. 

• Each graduate will be allotted 8 tickets for graduation. Tickets and a parking pass will be distributed at graduation rehearsal on May 29 (if all fees paid)

• If more tickets are needed, checking with other families for unused tickets is strongly encouraged.

• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE COPIES OF TICKETS. Tickets are watermarked and include a scannable barcode. Duplicates will be spotted and will not be accepted.

IV. Fees and Obligations:  ALL OBLIGATIONS MUST BE PAID IN CASH OR CREDIT CARD

• Seniors need to clear all obligations, except laptops/chargers/library books, by May 17th.  Laptop/library book obligations must be cleared by the start of graduation practice on May 28.

• A list of outstanding obligations, which are fees and/or items owed to the school, will be distributed at graduation rehearsal on May 28. Any students with remaining obligations will be notified at practice on May 28 and will not be given graduation tickets/parking passes until obligations are fulfilled. Students will be able to clear obligations after practice on May 28.  Examples of possible outstanding obligations include: 

• Student’s assigned charger missing 

• Textbook not turned in

• Fees (lunch, library, etc.) from current and/or previous school years 

• Additional fees listed on OSP

V. Graduate Candidate Behavior Expectations:

• The Henrico County Code of Student Conduct remains in effect until after the graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

• All rehearsals are mandatory and require appropriate dress, according to the school’s dress code policy for students.            

• All behavioral issues after May 24, 2024 will be dealt with by the administrative team, assigning the appropriate consequence(s) which may include removal from baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies. 

• If a senior is absent for a final exam, administrative and teacher approval must be received in order to make up the exam.

VI. Guidelines for Graduates and Guests: 

• Graduation will take place on Thursday, May 30th at 10:30am

• Seniors are required to be at the Henrico Sports & Events Center at 8:45 am on May 30, 2024.

• No entry for parents/guests before 9:00 am.

• Graduation details and FAQ can be found here. 

• Traffic will be a challenge due to construction.  Please plan accordingly. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

• Students enter through the doors on the western side of the building. Families will enter through doors on the east side of the building. A map of the building with parking can be found here.

• Students should report to the Auxiliary Gym.

• Students will be required to hand over cell phones and other belongings when entering the building.  These will be stored and guarded by Freeman Staff.  Failure to do so will forfeit participation in the ceremony. 

• Every person entering the facility will require a ticket.

• Graduates will be dismissed to the northern end of the event center. Parents and families are to meet their graduates in this area. 

• There will be a designated handicap drop off area at the East 2 entrance on the North side of the facility. Handicap parking spaces are available but are limited.

Clinic Note:  Medication Pick-Up

Please pick up any of your student’s medications that are in the clinic by noon on the last day of school on May 31, 2024, or they will be destroyed per SHS guidelines.

Parking and Graduation

All guests and participants at the Class of 2024 graduation will need a parking pass.  Seniors will be provided a parking pass with their graduation tickets at graduation practice.  Those requesting a second ticket can sign up for one using the link in schoology.  There will be no charge for a second parking pass (a change for this year). 

Summer School CTE Polytech

A number of CTE courses are available for rising 6th-12th graders. For more information, please see page 25 of this document.

Summer Academy (Credit Recovery)

Students currently in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who did not pass one of their core academic classes will need to enroll in a credit recovery class during Summer Academy 2024. Credit recovery classes are only available to students who must repeat the course. These classes are not an option for students taking the class for initial credit (i.e., first time or for a higher grade). Transportation will be provided from local elementary schools. Students may only register for 1 credit recovery course ($300). Students in the class of 2024 may have the option to register for a maximum of 2 credit recovery courses ($450). To learn more, please see page 15 of this document. Registration will open on March 11th and close at 4:00 pm on June 4th. To register, please click here. Freeman students will attend Godwin High School for Summer Academy 2024.