Commencement Week for APS Is Here!

Operation Grad Nation 2019 officially kicks off tomorrow at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion, 965 Fowler St. NW, Atlanta 30318

We are nearly there! Only a day away from kicking off the official Operation Grad Nation 2019 ceremonies! I am overwhelmed in anticipation as I cannot wait to celebrate with our families, teachers and staff as Atlanta Public Schools hands out diplomas to graduating seniors.

Our ceremonies kick off at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, with soon-to-be graduates from Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy and B.E.S.T. Academy gathering at the McCamish Pavilion. We will host ceremonies though Friday, May 24. All details are available at www.atlantapublicschools.us/gradnation.

The move to Georgia Tech from the Georgia World Congress Center stands as the most obvious change from graduation ceremonies of the past. We had to move the venue because the Georgia World Congress Center was already booked for years in advance during our usual graduation times. We are so grateful to Georgia Tech to have such a beautiful arena available for our graduations this year.

As this is a new venue for us, we have a number arrival details to share with you. Here are four things everyone must know upon arriving at graduation.

No. 1 – Clear Bag Policy

Guests of the McCamish Pavilion must adhere to Georgia Tech’s Clear Bag Policy. Please bring a small bag (no larger than 4.5 X 6.5) or clear bag to the facility. A complimentary clear bag valet will be available for guests. Note: medical bags will be permitted.

No. 2 – Parking Map

A detailed parking map is available for guests. You’ll find it on our GradNation webpage. The map includes an area layout, deck pricing, and shuttle service locations for Georgia Tech campus parking decks.

No. 3 – MARTA and Parking Deck Shuttle Bus

A shuttle bus for MARTA riders will be located at the Midtown MARTA station. A route will be released at a later date.

No. 4 – Security Check Points

Upon arrival, guests are required to enter through security check points. Outside food and beverage and weapons, including those carried with a permit are not permitted.

In anticipation of heavy traffic, we strongly encourage guests to arrive one hour in advance of their respective ceremonies. For your convenience, the Ken Byers Tennis Complex has been identified as an inside holding area for early arrivals.

Again, you may view and download the APS commencement schedule, rehearsal dates, clear bag policy and parking map at our official commencement website: www.atlantapublicschools.us/gradnation. Be sure to reference the website for updated information as we approach commencement week.

Should you have any questions concerning this year’s commencement week, please email apsgradnation@atlanta.k12.ga.us. We look forward to seeing everyone at Operation GradNation 2019! Congratulations to all our seniors!