Frequently Asked Questions for Class of 2026 Families

(Last updated 3-31-26 - Prom Guest Application added)

Important Dates

Q: When is Prom?

A: This year’s prom will take place the evening of Saturday, May 30, from 7:00-10:30 p.m at the Schuyler Ballroom in the Hamilton Hotel in Washington D.C. Our class officers and prom committee have planned a great event! There will be a separate mailing for parents/guardians to volunteer to assist with set-up, chaperoning, and/or clean-up.

Tickets for the prom are $55 if purchased prior to May 22 and $60 if purchased from May 23-29. No tickets will be sold on the day of the event. TJ Seniors who would like to bring a guest (a guest is anyone who is not a TJ Senior) must complete a guest application and purchase a guest ticket. Guest tickets are also $55/$60. All tickets are payable via MySchoolBucks (search “2026 Senior Prom Tickets”). Tickets will be on sale by Monday, April 13. 

Q: When are senior exams? 

A: Senior exams will be held on the following days - May 28, May 29, June 1 and June 2.

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

A: The final day of school for seniors is Tuesday, June 2. 

Q: When is graduation rehearsal?

A: Thursday, June 4 as been reserved for graduation rehearsal. The senior picnic will follow. We will have more details as it gets closer.

Senior Dues/Debts

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

A: Senior dues are $100 and will be accepted via cash, check, or MySchoolBucks. The deadline for senior dues submission is March 14. Submitting senior dues as soon as possible is appreciated and will allow us to make the appropriate vendor payments. 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: The primary expenses are:

• Cap and gown
• Tassel and other senior items
• Graduation Programs
• Diploma cover
• Graduation rehearsal necessities
• Ceremony necessities for the venue

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

A: Any senior who in a previous year failed to return a textbook, lost a library book, did not pay the activity fee for a sport or field trip, or owes any other school fee is on the Senior Obligations List. It is important to clear all outstanding/past debts immediately. In addition to checking MySchoolBucks (MSB) for outstanding obligations, please have your student check their fcpsschools.net email account. Since not all obligations automatically appear on your student’s MSB account, personalized obligation email reminders will be sent out to students in March. Any TJ books or materials from last year (or prior) can be returned to the Finance Office, Room 105. Seniors can also check for outstanding debts by visiting the Finance Office during lunch.

Graduation

Q: When is the TJHSST graduation ceremony?

A: TJHSST graduation will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

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. There are no tickets required for entry.

Q: How long is the ceremony going to last?

A: The ceremony will last approximately 2 hours. 

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 EagleBank Arena's security policies?

A:George Mason University is the owner of EagleBank Arena and our host for the graduation ceremony. They have their own security policies that must be followed. 

ENTRY INSPECTIONS

• All guests and their belongings are subject to search prior to entry
• Staff will visually conduct bag and metal detection inspections to detect prohibited items to ensure the safety of all guests
• Any guest who declines to be searched or is in possession of prohibited items may be denied entry
• EagleBank Arena also recommends the following tips to help expedite entry into the venue:
  • Guests are encouraged to arrive early
  • Please follow staff directions of our event staff on which items need to be removed or divested prior to passing through magnetometers
  • Guests who have health conditions which prohibit them from passing through magnetometers may flag an event supervisor for a manual screening

EagleBank Arena is encouraging guests to not bring a bag, in order to help enhance the contactless experience. If you require a bag for your personal belongings, EagleBank Arena has adopted a clear bag policy and must adhere to the following:

Clear Bag:

• Bag must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC with no obscure inside pockets
• Bag must not exceed 12”x12”x6”
• Bag may be 1-gallon plastic zip lock style bag

Clutch Style Bag or Purse:

• Non-clear clutch style bag or purse must not exceed 5”x7”

Small Medical and/or Parenting Bags

• Will be permitted on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to increased security screening.

Prohibited items at EagleBank Arena include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Weapons (guns, knives, chains, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, tasers, mace/pepper spray)
• Balloons
• Fireworks
• Cans, bottles, or coolers
• Glass or ceramic containers of any kind
• Outside food and beverages
• Metal or glass reusable water bottles
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Laser pointers/pens
• Monopods, tripods, selfie sticks or poles
• Noisemakers such as air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles, drums, etc.
• Animals (Except service animals. Emotional support animals will not be permitted entry.)
• Luggage
• Silly string
• Wrapped gifts or packages
• Non-collapsible umbrellas
• Drones
• Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Hoverboards
• Un-approved pamphlets, handouts, ads, etc.

Unless otherwise specified by EagleBank Arena Management, guests are welcome to bring small signs, posters, and flags for events. Large banners are not permitted. The following guidelines apply:

• Sign, banner, poster or flag may not exceed 18”x18”
• Item must be related to the event
• Item may not be attached to a stick/pole
• Item may not obstruct any sponsor/building signage
• Item may not be attached, hung, taped, or draped over any part of the building
• Item may not contain or display obscene/offensive language and/or pictures, as determined by EagleBank Arena Management
• Item may not be constructed or displayed in a manner that may obstruct the view of other guests, interrupt the experience of other guests, or create a safety hazard
• Signs must be constructed of paper, fabric, or poster board materials
• Signs may NOT be constructed of or contain plastic, wood, metal, glass, or any material that can be used as a weapon
• Item may not be commercial or political in nature

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

A: A few more important notes for the ceremony on June 6.

• 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.

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 4, 2026,in the TJHSST main gym and  attendance is mandatory. More details will be coming as event gets closer.  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 June 4, 2026.   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 earlier.

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.
• Sandals, flip flops, sneakers, and high heels are not advised. 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: We will have a live stream link available as event gets closer.

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

A: Graduation announcements can be purchased at Jostens, more information to come.  

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

Photography sales of the event will be available, 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 Wenjie Yao at  [email protected] as soon as possible but no later than May 1, 2026 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: 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 PTSA is excited to announce 📣 that the All Night Graduation Party (ANGP) will take place at the school campus.  Below are the details:

📍 Where: TJHSST, School Campus

🕥 When: Begins June 6 at 10:30 PM and rocking all the way to June 7 at 5 AM -  an all-night celebration you won’t want to miss!

For more information on ANGP, please visit the TJ PTSA website .