Frequently Asked Questions for Class of 2023 Families

(Last updated 6-9-23)

Presentation from April 12, 2023

We held a senior meeting covering all the important information about prom, graduation, ANGP, Final Exams, and Senior Dues. You can see it all in the slides above.

Important Dates

Q: When is the last day of school for seniors?

A: The last day for seniors is Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Q: When are senior exams? 

A: Senior exams are Thursday, June 1, 2023, through Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Q: When is graduation rehearsal?

A: Thursday, June 8 has been reserved for graduation rehearsal. The senior picnic will follow. See below for more information on June 7 and 9.

 

Senior Dues/Debts

Q: How much are senior dues and how do I pay them?     

A: Senior dues are $65. The earlier seniors pay their senior dues, the easier it is for us to close out contracts for prom and graduation. We are asking seniors to pay dues by March 20, 2022, via MySchoolBucks. The final date on MySchoolBucks for senior dues is March 31, 2023, before it is considered a past due obligation. Please contact Ms. Handlon in the TJ Finance Office if you have any questions or concerns about debts or senior dues.

Q: What is included in senior dues?

A: Senior dues help with expenses associated with prom and graduation. This includes the cap and gown.

Q: How do seniors clear debts from this year and previous years?

A: All debts should be cleared prior to graduation. It is best to clear all outstanding debts immediately. Debts for this year and previous years can be paid using MySchoolBucks. If you have any questions, please contact the TJ Finance Office.

 

Graduation

Q: When is the TJHSST graduation ceremony?

A: TJHSST graduation will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

Q: Where will graduation be held?

A: TJHSST graduation will be held at  EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University. 

Q: How many guests are permitted at graduation?

A: There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend the graduation ceremony. 

Q: How long is the ceremony going to last?

A: The ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours. 

Q: What time should seniors and parents/guests arrive at the ceremony?

A: Graduates need to report to the EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University at 6:00 p.m.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for parents and guests. 

Q: What does FCPS allow to be worn along with the cap and gown?

A: Students who earn honorary service learning hours per Virginia guidelines receive a black cord. Per FCPS, school-provided and nationally recognized honor society cords and stoles are appropriate. Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Awards are nationally recognized awards.  These awards should be permitted and listed as Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award in the program.  Ethnic and cultural stoles shall not be discouraged and students will not be denied participation if worn. Jeans are discouraged.  

Q: What are some other graduation day notes that we should know?

A: A few more important notes for the ceremony on June 10.

• Transportation to EagleBank Arena is not being provided by the school. We encourage you to drive together as a family to ensure on-time arrival. 
• Be prepared for warm temperatures and navigating arena seating. 
• Bag Check Policy: There will be a bag check conducted on all guests coming to the event. No exceptions. EagleBank Arena is encouraging guests to not bring a bag. If a guest requires a bag for personal or health reasons, we strongly recommend that patrons bring something small and/or clear to expedite the screening process.

Students should only carry their car keys on them, leaving their cell phones and any other electronic devices with their guests. If they need to carry something on them for a medical reason, please see an administrator.

• Prohibited Items: Prohibited items include weapons, outside food or beverage, fireworks, balloons, noisemakers, non-service animals, illegal drugs, laser pointers, luggage/oversized bags, flags/banners that could block someone’s view, any size pole or stick (medical aids such as canes/crutches are permitted), drones, bottles/cans/containers/coolers, skateboards/rollerblades/hoverboards, projectiles (frisbees, footballs, inflatable balls, etc.), and unapproved pamphlets/handouts/etc.

EagleBank Arena reserves the right to prohibit any other item which is deemed unsafe or inappropriate, and will not check or store any prohibited item. It is important for the prohibited items list to be shared with graduates and attendees in advance.

Q: Will food or drinks be available?

A: No, concessions will not be available.

Q: When is the graduation rehearsal?

A: Graduation Rehearsal will be on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the TJHSST main gym and attendance is mandatory. Seniors should arrive at TJ after 9:00 a.m. and be seated in the TJ Main Gym by 9:25 a.m. for the start of rehearsal. Graduation rehearsal is for students only.  

Q: What about June 7 and June 9?

A: Seniors should clear all financial obligations on Wednesday, June 7. If they have no obligations then they have an extra free day to practice. There are no scheduled senior obligations on Friday, June 9.

Q: When will I receive my cap and gown?

A: Cap and Gowns, Service-Learning Cords, and Tassels will be distributed after graduation rehearsal on June 8, 2023.   Please be aware that if you have any financial obligations, you will not receive a Cap and Gown until those obligations are cleared with the Finance Office.  Seniors MUST bring any items belonging to the school that they have not already returned on June 8.

Q: How do I make sure my senior gets the right size cap and gown for graduation?

We still have seniors who have not completed the cap and gown form. They should fill out this form by March 31st to ensure that our cap and gown vendor knows what sizes to order.

Q: What should I wear under my gown?

A: FCPS DRESS CODE IS STILL IN EFFECT

• Comfort is key.
• Plan for the weather of the day. While the arena is air conditioned, it can get warm.  
• Gowns will be worn for the entire ceremony. 
• We strongly recommend modest heels for any student wishing to wear a shoe with a heel.  Students will be standing for an extended period of time before the ceremony begins.

Q: I have family and friends who cannot make the ceremony in person, how can they watch?

A: The graduation will be livestreamed. Here is the link.

Q: Where can I find information about video and photograph sales?

A: Video sales of the event will be available, more information to come.

Photographs will be taken at the event by Lifetouch, more information to come.

Q: Will there be seating for persons with disabilities?

A: Yes, there is plenty of accessible seating and parking. To be seated in a wheelchair accessible location, EagleBank Arena staff will be available to assist. If you require seating that minimizes stairs, we suggest selecting seats in rows E, F, and G.

Q: I have a family member who requires ASL translation. Are services available for signing?

A: Yes. Please e-mail Elizabeth West at @email as soon as possible but no later than May 1, 2023 to arrange for these services.

Q: Can/Should I iron my gown?

A: No, please do not iron your gown. It will melt. Hang it in the bathroom and turn on a hot shower for about 20-30 minutes and the wrinkles should fall right out.

Q: Can I decorate my cap?

A: No. In order to maintain the dignity of the ceremony, we ask that you do not alter your caps.

Q: What side of the cap does the tassel go on?

A: It will go on the RIGHT side. This will allow the photographer the ability to have a clear picture of the graduate during the diploma presentation by the Principal. 

Q: Where do we meet back up after the ceremony?

A: Make plans with your family in advance for a meeting place outside of EagleBank Arena. Graduates will process out of the Arena and towards the East Balcony and North side of the building. Students will only be permitted to have their car key with them, no cell phones. 

Q: When do I get my actual diploma and how will my final transcript be sent to colleges?

A: Students will receive an envelope at graduation that contains the following:

• Diploma
• Final Transcript (Unofficial) – a copy of your final marks
• Immunization Record – to assist with your registration in college
• Early College Scholars Certificate, if applicable
• Videographer Order Form
• Any unclaimed awards or certificates

Final official transcripts will be sent to college as soon as possible the week following graduation according to the Senior Survey responses indicating where students would like them to be sent.

Other questions?  

Reach out to your counselor in Student Services.

All-Night Graduation Party (ANGP)

The Senior All-Night Graduation Party is a PTSA sponsored event that is not run by TJ. For information on the event visit the PTSA Website.