The full message, along with images you can enlarge, can be read in pdf format here.
- Clear Bag Policy
- Parking and Transportation Map
- Burger Activity Center Diagram
Hello Class of 2022 and McCallum families,
The time is almost here! We are excited to offer an indoor in-person graduation ceremony at Burger Activity Center on June 2nd at 2:00 P.M. Please read through the following information carefully to ensure graduation runs smoothly. If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Principal Andy Baxa at andy.baxa@austinisd.org
As always, graduation is a free event and we will not be using tickets to enter the Center. Due to capacity limitations, we respectfully ask graduates to plan for no more than eight guests.
Cap, Gown, and Announcement Pick Up
Graduation announcements and caps and gowns ordered through Herff-Jones can be picked up in the front office at McCallum. There is still time to place an order with Herff Jones at the link below.
https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/school/TX/MCCALLUM%2BHIGH%2BSCHOOL/42003341000/2620/home?gradYear=2022
Cords and/or stoles through specific organizations will be delivered by the organization’s sponsor. Please contact the sponsor with any questions. Below is a list of the school approved cords students can earn.
- Silver cord denotes AVID
- Gold cord denotes Honor graduates (ranked in top 10% of their graduating class)
- White stole denotes National Honor Society
- Multi-colored cord denotes National Art Honor Society
- Light blue cord denotes National Honor Society for Dance Arts
- Maroon cord denotes Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists
- Purple cord denotes Austin Community College 12 or more credit hours
- Blue and gray ribbon with medallion denotes Fine Arts Academy Major
- Blue and gold cord denotes International Thespian Society
- Light blue cord denotes Student Council
- Magenta cord denotes PALS
Arrival – Students
Graduates should plan to arrive starting at 1 P.M. and no later than 1:15 P.M. to ensure they are lined up and ready for the ceremony at 2 P.M. Students using the shuttle service will be dropped off on the Sunset Valley-Jones Road side (meet at the space between the baseball field and the Activity Center; see map below). Students who choose to drive themselves to the ceremony will park on the 290 side of Burger and proceed to the tented area for check in. When students arrive, they will check in at the tent with their line leader. The tent is located to the east of the Center (the baseball field); there is a separate entrance into the Center for guests. Please note: if they do not check in with their line leader, we will assume they are not present and their name will not be called. Seniors, we expect that you will all be very excited to see each other on graduation day, but it is important that you find your line quickly and remain with your line once you have entered the staging area.
Please arrive dressed for the ceremony, wearing your cap, gown, tassel and other approved regalia. Decorated caps are not permitted. Students should only wear cords and/or drapes that have been distributed by McCallum.
Arrival – Guests
Graduation will begin promptly at 2 P.M. Please be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for transportation to be seated at 2 o’clock. The Burger Activity Center has a clear bag policy; backpacks and purses are not allowed. If you choose to drive, you may park on either side of the Center, with entrances from Jones Road or Highway 290.
Please note that there will be shuttles with wheelchair access available if needed. Handicap parking at the Center is available but limited. Upon arrival, please ask the graduation staff for the most accessible seating. Shuttles will run from McCallum (park in the lot off of 2222) starting at 12 pm. Shuttles will also return guests to McCallum after the ceremony.
ASL interpreters will be located near the stage. When you arrive, please let the greeter know and they will direct you to the appropriate seats.
Attire
Please be mindful of the temperature and dress comfortably. Graduates will need to wear their cap, gown, and tassel. Caps cannot be decorated. There will be uneven pavement and ramps to traverse – consider shoe choice wisely. Please be mindful of what you choose to wear under your cap and gown. It will likely be hot (or windy!), so make sure to dress comfortably and appropriately. The Burger Activity Center has a clear bag policy; backpacks and purses are not allowed.
Herff Jones will be at graduation to sell caps, gowns, and tassels for students who do not have one, so please do not let that be a deterrent from attending. If students have cap and gown concerns, please contact their counselor or assistant principal prior to graduation. Caps cannot be decorated. Students should only wear cords and/or drapes that have been distributed by McCallum.
Parking and Transportation
Austin ISD Transportation will run a shuttle service from the McCallum parking lot to Burger Activity Center. It is advised that families and graduates take the shuttle or arrange to be dropped off at the center. Shuttles will start running at 12:00 pm; please ensure graduates are at McCallum and on a shuttle by 12:35 PM to allow for time to check in for graduation. Please plan ahead to make sure you allow yourself enough time for parking and/or transportation.
What to Expect During the Ceremony – Graduates
Graduates will check in at the staging area between 1-1:30 pm. The staging area will be tented and is located between the Activity Center and the baseball fields (see map). After arriving, students will find their line leader and get in alphabetical order. When it is time to enter the Center, students will follow the line leader and find their appropriate seat. Make sure to stay in the assigned seat to avoid getting out of alphabetical order. There will be restrooms available near the check-in tent.
Students will remain in their seats for speeches until we call the list of graduates. When it is your turn to approach the stage, the line leader will instruct the entire row to stand and walk up to the stage.
Students will walk up the ramp, receive their diploma covers from Ms. Griffith, and walk down the ramp on the opposite side of the stage. Once exiting the stage, students will stop at the photo tent for an official graduation photo before picking up their diploma from our registrar.. Students will then return to their seats. Please pay attention to the ushers (staff from McCallum) as they direct students back to their seats.
What to Expect During the Ceremony – Guests
As seniors arrive, they will line up at the staging area in alpha order for the graduation processional. Please ensure students arrive by 1:15 pm. At 2 P.M., seniors will enter the graduation floor and be seated. Attendees are not allowed to use any artificial noisemakers during the ceremony, ie air horns, whistles, bells, etc
After the ceremony
All graduates will exit the building towards the 290 side of the complex. Please plan to meet your graduate outside. We will not allow anyone to access the arena floor after the ceremony.
Live Streaming
Watch our free live stream at AISD.TV.
Graduation Pictures (Action Item)
Keep it Digital will be the photography company for this year. All seniors must fill out an electronic photo card at this link– Click Here. Please ensure you or your senior completes this form and uses a personal email address instead of AISD email address. We need this done by Monday, May 9th.
Senior Meeting
We will have a meeting with the senior class on Friday, May 20th to discuss graduation procedures and the final week of school. The meeting will take place during the school day and will be a part of a senior assembly.
Parent Meeting
We will have a parent meeting to go over graduation and to answer any questions on Wednesday, May 18th at 7 pm. Below is the zoom information for the meeting. Details about the zoom meeting are in the full message here.