<p> July XX, 2016</p><p>Dear Summer School Graduates:</p><p>The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the summer graduation requirements and procedures:</p><p>Graduation Date: Saturday, August 20, 2016</p><p>Location: Texas Southern University – Health and P.E. Building (Corner of Wheeler Ave. at Ennis) Houston, TX 77004</p><p>Time: 10:00 a.m.</p><p>Graduation Requirements and Procedures  In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, you must meet all requirements by August 19, 2016. This means that you have successfully completed the necessary credits in the appropriate courses for graduation and have met the Exit Level TAKS or STAAR End of Course state assessment. The Houston Independent School District is scheduled to receive the results from the state prior to August 19, 2016.  You must contact your home school registrar before August 15, 2016 in person or by phone to certify that you have met all graduation requirements.  All seniors who will participate in the summer graduation ceremony may contact Herff Jones Graduation Center at 713-864-6464 or e-mail order to [email protected], for a cap and gown. The cost of the cap and gown is payable in cash, credit card or money order and are keepsakes for the graduate. Herff Jones will also be at the graduation site for last minute orders. Please note that the Summer Business Hours for Herff Jones Graduation Center are: Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Students are to obtain graduation announcements on their own. Herff Jones also offers announcements and other graduation items which may be ordered online at https://www.hjgraduation.com/.  Prospective graduates are encouraged to arrive at the graduate assembly area by 9:00 a.m. on August 20, 2016.  The graduates will line up alphabetically by high school with the assistance of a representative or registrar of the school. The representatives will lead the line of graduates from his/her school to their seats.  Graduates participating in the summer school graduation ceremony are expected to exhibit the highest level of discipline and decorum when assembling, during the processional, when walking across the stage, and during the recessional. Exemplary conduct throughout the graduation exercises will make this event a most memorable occasion for you.  In keeping with the H.I.S.D’s core value of student safety, all graduates and guests will be screened using metal detectors. No cellular phones will be allowed onto the venue floor.</p><p>In summary, I look forward to your participation in our summer graduation ceremonies. You should feel a special sense of accomplishment for your academic efforts. The district places special emphasis on the summer graduation ceremonies. Your presence and participation is strongly encouraged. </p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>[Insert Principal Name] Principal, [Insert High School] Houston Independent School District</p>