As we approach the finish line of the 2025–2026 school year, we are filled with pride for our graduating seniors. This is a monumental milestone for your families, and we want to ensure that every student who has worked for this moment is able to celebrate it fully.

To ensure a smooth and memorable ceremony, please review the following critical deadlines and expectations.

 Key Dates & Deadlines

Please mark your calendars. These dates are firm as we prepare for the final ceremony.

  • May 5: Mandatory Recovery Day (For seniors currently failing one or more classes)

  • May 15: Preliminary Graduation List Submitted

  • May 18–19: Senior Final Exams

  • May 20: FINAL DEADLINE. The graduation list is sent to the printer. No names can be added after this date.

  • May 22: Graduation Practice #1 (During 5th Period)

  • May 26: Graduation Practice #2

  • May 27: Graduation Practice #3 & Ticket Distribution

 Graduation Eligibility

Currently, 252 of our seniors are in jeopardy of failing and may not be eligible to walk across the stage.

We want every student to participate, but all graduation requirements must be met by May 20. There will be no extensions or exceptions. Please check in with your student today to ensure they are on track. If there is any doubt regarding their status, please contact their counselor immediately.

 Dress Code & Appearance

To maintain the dignity of the ceremony, we require all graduates to adhere to a formal dress code.

General Guidelines:

  • Caps & Gowns: Must be clean and pressed. Cap decorations are not permitted.

  • Cords/Stoles: Only district-approved honors cords and stoles may be worn. Outside items are not allowed.

Attire Requirements:

  • Ladies: A formal, school-appropriate dress (not longer than the gown) or professional slacks. Please wear safe, comfortable dress shoes (no slides or flip-flops) as students will be walking and climbing stairs.

  • Gentlemen: A white button-down shirt, tie (mandatory), and slacks. No jeans. Dress shoes or boots are required. Note: If a student needs a tie, the school will provide one.

 Prohibited Items

For security and the flow of the ceremony, students are only allowed to bring their cap and gown. The following items are strictly prohibited:

  • Cell phones, purses, bags, or backpacks.

  • Personal items of any kind.

Please Note: Students who arrive with prohibited items will be denied entry into the processional. We recommend leaving these items with family members or in a locked vehicle.

 Behavioral Expectations

Graduation is a formal, once-in-a-lifetime event. We expect our Mustangs to represent themselves, their families, and Aldine High School with the utmost pride and respect.

Students must follow all staff directions and maintain appropriate decorum throughout the ceremony. Failure to meet these behavioral or dress expectations may result in a student being removed from the ceremony.

Let’s work together to ensure that every member of the Class of 2026 finishes strong. Thank you for your continued support of our students and our school.

Go Mustangs!