FAQs for Class of 2024 Families

Q: When is graduation rehearsal?

A: There are two graduation rehearsals and students are expected to attend both.  

When:  Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4 at 10a.m.  Students should be seated by 9:30a.m.

Where:  Main Gym.  Senior Picnic information coming soon!

Senior Dues and Obligations 

Q: How can I pay my senior class dues?     

A: Senior dues can be paid through MySchoolBucks. Payment is requested by May 31, 2024. Submitting senior dues as soon as possible is appreciated and allows us to make the appropriate vendor payments for graduation activities. 

Q: What is included in senior dues?

A: The primary expenses include graduation: 

• cap and gown, diploma cover, tassel, other ceremony necessities

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

A: All obligations should be cleared before graduation.  Obligations for this year and previous years can be paid using MySchoolBucks.

Graduation

Q: When is the WSHS graduation ceremony?

A: WSHS graduation will be held at 9:30a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Q: Where will graduation be held?

A: WSHS 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 and no tickets are required.

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 8:30a.m   Doors will open at 9a.m. for parents and guests. 

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

A: All students will wear the same color gowns for the graduation ceremony. The decoration of caps will be a site-based decision. School-provided and nationally recognized honor society cords and stoles are appropriate. Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Awards are nationally recognized awards.   Ethnic and cultural stoles shall not be discouraged and students will not be denied participation if worn. 

Q: What else is important for students and families to know?

A:  Students and families should know the following: 

• Transportation to EagleBank Arena is not being provided by the school. We encourage families to drive together to ensure on-time arrival as well as ease of departure. 
• Be prepared for warm temperatures and navigating arena seating. 
• EagleBank Arena 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, they 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 contact a WSHS 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. 

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 Tuesday June 4 and Wednesday June 5, 2024 in the WSHS main gym and attendance is mandatory. Seniors should arrive at WSHS after 9:30a.m. and be seated in the Main Gym by 10a.m. for the start of rehearsal. Graduation rehearsal is for students only.  

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 Wednesday June 5th, 2024.   Please be aware that if the student has financial obligations, they 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 by June 4, 2024. 

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. The link will be provided closer to ceremony time.

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, 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. Guests requiring seating that minimizes stairs are directed toward 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 John Basta, as soon as possible, but no later than May 1, 2024 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 minutes and the wrinkles should fall right out!

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

A: The tassel will go on the RIGHT side. This allows the photographer a clear picture of the graduate during their 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 not have their cell phones with them for the ceremony. 

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
• Early College Scholars Certificate, if applicable
• Videographer Order Form
• Any unclaimed awards or certificates

Final official transcripts will be sent to the college or program students indicate on the FCPS Senior Survey they complete in May. 

Other questions?  

Reach out to your counselor in Student Services