Parkdale High School

Information for Graduating Seniors and Their Families

GRADUATION PARTICIPATION/BEHAVIOR

Participation in the graduation ceremony is not a right, but a privilege. Students must meet all high school graduation requirements as stated in the AP 5161.3. If a student has not been certified to graduate and has not successfully completed all requirements, they can not participate in the graduation ceremony. A student cannot participate in the graduation ceremony if he/she has not fulfilled their financial obligations. Please be sure to verify all obligations prior to graduation rehearsal. The school has the right to withhold the diploma until a later date should there be any inappropriate behavior during the graduation ceremony.

GRADUATION REHEARSAL

When you arrive, you must enter through the small gym door. Do not come to the front of the building. Summer graduates DO NOT report to rehersal on May 13th or May 14th.

Mandatory Graduation rehearsal will be on Wednesday, May 13 & Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Rehearsal is from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Lunch will be provided.
We suggest you do not schedule work or any other appointments during this time.
All seniors must attend both days in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. (Unless you have been given prior approval)

Cap, Gown, & Tickets Distribution:

Will take place on May 14th after rehearsal. (We have a waitlist for extra tickets, right now we are not sure if we will have any)

GRADUATION DRESS CODE

Solid, dark-colored, full-length pants.
Solid colored shirts (especially if they are visible beyond the graduation regalia).
Dress and skirt length should not exceed beyond the regalia, but longer lengths are understood for religious or medical reasons.
In general, colored patterns should not be visible through the regalia.
Shoes should also be dark and solid in color, as well as comfortable and safe for walking

(e.g. safe heel height). No boots, sneakers, slippers, flip flops, slides, crocs, sweat pants and other athletic attire.

There should be no decorations or other items affixed to your cap or gown before or during the ceremony.

Graduates are not permitted to bring flowers, purses, bags, keys, cameras or other items onto the arena floor. Cell phone use is prohibited on the arena floor or stage.

HONOR GRADUATES CORDS/STOLES/MEDALS

Honor graduates are identified by school chartered honor societies only.
Students who qualify will receive cords, stoles or medals from their organization sponsor and wear them at graduation. These cords, stoles and medals recognize excellence and high academic achievement. All organizations will adhere to national guidelines and county graduation cords, stoles and medals requirements.
Students may only wear cords, stoles and medals provided by their Parkdale HS chartered honor society sponsor.
The National Honor Society of High School Scholars is not a PGCPS chartered organization.
Athletic and non-academic stoles, cords and medals are not permitted.
No pins are permitted on the stole or gown.
Graduates are allowed to only wear 5 cords, 1 stole (provided in your package) and 1 medal.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Graduation is Monday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m. at the Show Place Arena located at 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
Graduates should report at 2pm. The time allotted for the ceremony is 1.5 hours.
Live Streaming will be available.

GRADUATION TICKETS

Graduation tickets will be distributed after the mandatory rehearsal on Thursday, May 14.
Each graduate receives 5 tickets. (We have a waitlist for extra tickets, right now we are not sure if we will have any)
Anyone 2 years or older requires a ticket for admittance.
Tickets have no monetary value and should not be sold.

BAG SEARCH

Everyone who enters the arena is subject to a bag search and wanding. Bags larger than 8"x11"x12" are prohibited.

DECORUM

We wish the ceremony to be dignified and respectful. Students may not decorate their caps or gowns. Balloons, inflatable items, and noise -makers are strictly prohibited by both graduates and guests.

DIPLOMA PICK UP AFTER GRADUATION

Graduates should pick up their diploma in the tunnel within 30 minutes of the recessional. Graduates will not be permitted to re-enter the arena once they exit to pick up their diploma. All graduates should meet their parents in the parking area.

The school has the right to withhold the diploma until a later date should a student engage in any inappropriate behavior during the ceremony.

Graduates who have chosen not to participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their diplomas in the Guidance Office after June 1st.

GRADUATION PICTURES

Pictures will be taken of the graduates by Lifetouch during the ceremony. Information on how to access photos is forthcoming.

**** Graduation details are subject to change.****