Deer Park High School Graduation 2026

 

 

 

 

 

The following message was sent to DPHS senior parents today using our Parent Square communication system.

 

Graduation Weather Update May 19, 2026

Tuesday, May 19 at 10:57 AM • 12th Grade

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

We have spent the past 165 school days planning and looking forward to this week’s 2026 Deer Park High School Graduation Ceremony, and we know that you share our enthusiasm for this joyous occasion.

 

We are also aware of the weather forecast for the second half of this week, and we share your disappointment. 

 

As of today, the forecast predicts thunderstorms beginning on Wednesday and continuing through the weekend.  Obviously, this is not what any of us would choose, but, as one of our team members pointed out this morning: We can plan a wonderful graduation event, but none of us is in charge of the weather.  

 

With that in mind, we are busy creating back-up plans.  Right now, we plan on having our Graduation Ceremony as scheduled on Thursday night, and we will monitor the forecast over the next few days.

 

As we all know, our weather is as predictable as a coin flip in a Texas hurricane. In other words, it will probably be a last-minute decision.  Here is why: Several years ago, it rained the entire day of Graduation.  The rain stopped about half an hour before the senior processional started, so we went ahead as scheduled, calling names out as quickly and respectfully as possible. The rain held off until about 30 seniors remained, and the sky began to lightly rain. By the time the last senior crossed the stage, it was raining.  But we had a field full of happy graduates.

 

Mother Nature sometimes gives us a last-minute option, and we all need to be flexible and prepared so that we can take advantage of those options.

 

But if the weather prevents a Thursday night ceremony, we will make an announcement Thursday evening.  Our Plan B is to follow the same schedule on Friday night.  If we must again postpone due to bad weather on Friday night, we will make an announcement that evening.  Our third and final option is a Saturday ceremony, and we are considering indoor and outdoor options.

 

We promise that these decisions are not being made lightly, and our goal is to hold a safe event that creates memories for our Deer community that will last a lifetime.

 

By this time next week, our Graduation Ceremony will be completed, and your child will be an official graduate.  Until then, we appreciate your patience and understanding.  We will share another update as more information becomes available.

 

Thank you.

 

The Deer Park High School-South Campus Leadership Team

 

 

DEER PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Procession - 7 p.m., Ceremony - 7:30 p.m.

Clyde Abshier Stadium

Class of 2026 Graduation FAQ

 

DETAILS FOR SENIORS

 

If my senior has outstanding fees, can he/she still walk at graduation?

No, seniors cannot participate in the graduation ceremony if they owe any fees. Fees must be paid by 3:55 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.

 

What time should seniors arrive at graduation?

Seniors must report to Watkins Gym no later than 6:15 p.m. and must be in compliance with the student dress code.  All students must enter from the athletic side by the tennis courts or through the CTE wing.

 

What is the dress code for the seniors?

The suggested dress code for men is to wear white or light-colored, collared shirts with a tie, slacks, socks, and dress shoes. Boots may be worn.

 

All men MUST be clean-shaven.  This will be enforced upon arrival at the gym. The suggested dress code for ladies is to wear any color dress, blouse, slacks and dress shoes. We strongly caution against high heels. The field turf is very soft, and it is easy to lose your footing or trip. It is also a steep walk down the stadium entrance ramp. DO NOT BRING A PURSE. Ladies cannot have them on the field, and there is no one to supervise them during the ceremony.

 

We also recommend that students bring bobby pins to help secure their graduation cap because it is typically windy on the field. Earrings and/or a small nose stud are the only piercings allowed (no other facial piercings permitted) and tennis shoes are not allowed.

 

What are the restrictions on stoles and graduation caps?

Only school approved stoles, cords and medals may be worn. If it was not issued by an approved DPISD organization or the administration, it is not allowed and will be taken up before the ceremony.

Graduation caps cannot be decorated in any manner. If a student arrives to the ceremony with a decorated cap, the cap will be taken up and he/she will be given a clean cap.

 

 

AT THE EVENT

 

What will the parking situation look like?

The parking lot at Clyde Abshier Stadium will fill up very quickly. It is beneficial and recommended that family groups carpool together. Overflow parking will be available at Bonnette Junior High and Carpenter Elementary.

 

What time do the gates open?

The gates to the stadium will open at 6 p.m. The Senior procession from the gym to the field will start at 7 p.m.

 

Will the ceremony be live streamed?

Yes, live streaming of the graduation ceremony will be available at the DPHS Performing Arts Center and on the District website at www.dpisd.org/graduation. We strongly suggest that family members view the live stream from home if they have a health condition. The video will remain available for online viewing for several months. The PAC will open at 6 p.m.

 

How long will the graduation ceremony last?

The ceremony usually lasts two hours after the procession ends.

 

Is smoking allowed?

Clyde Abshier Stadium is a non-smoking facility.

 

Will there be a concession stand?

Yes, a concession stand will be available for drinks and snacks.

 

Will there be a limit to the number of people in attendance?

There is no limit to the number of guests from each family that can attend.  Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the stadium seats 10,500 people.  There will not be any tickets handed out for graduation this year.

 

Will handicapped seating be available?

Yes, but handicapped seating is extremely limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

Can we reserve seats?

No, seats cannot be saved or reserved.

 

Will there be a printed program this year?

Yes, each senior will receive two keepsake copies of the printed Graduation program.  These will be distributed during Graduation practice.  On Graduation night, family members will be able to scan a QR code at the gate that provides access to a digital version of the Graduation program.

 

Is there a clear bag policy at Graduation?

Yes, there is a clear bag policy.  For details about the clear bag policy, go to www.dpisd.org/clear.

 Approved bags include: 

• Clear bags - Ziplocs, totes, and clear backpacks (clear bags must not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches and material must be completely transparent)
• Diaper bags - Allowed only when accompanied by a small child
• Non-transparent small purses/bags - Must not exceed 6 inches x 9 inches x 5 inches (Includes purselets for medically necessary items; subject to inspection.)
• Small clutches or fanny packs up to 5.5 inches x 8.5 inches are permitted

 

What other items are prohibited?

Prohibited items include air horns, noisemakers, live animals, drones, umbrellas, balloons, and coolers.

 

Can we hang signs or hold up a sign at graduation?

To ensure that every guest is able to enjoy the ceremony, signs and fathead signs are prohibited.

 

Once the ceremony is finished, will families be allowed on the field to take photos?

Yes, once the ceremony is completed, graduates will be dismissed, and families may come down on the field for the opportunity to take photos.

 

Can special family presentations be made on the field?

Due to the large number of graduates and the desire to have the ceremony focus on student accomplishment, achievement and recognition, we do not allow special presentations on

the field. This includes appearances by military family members, special circumstances involving student/family members, and recognition of former students.

 

What happens if it rains?

Our plan is to hold traditional graduation on May 21. If the weather is bad that evening, we will postpone the start of the ceremony for up to one hour. If the weather does not improve by 8:30 p.m., we will reschedule the event for the following night (Friday, May 22). Parents will be informed about a postponement via the District’s ParentSquare parent communication system.

 

 

REVISED 04.15.26