Graduation Survey from 2024 Parents by LASA Webmaster

lasahighschool — 2024-06-03 14:57:40 UTC

2024 Senior Salute was Tuesday May 28th, 2024 at the Long Center, Austin, TX

2024 AISD/LASA Graduation was Thursday, May 30th, 2024 at 12:30pm at the AISD Burger Activity Center

2024 Project Graduation was Thursday, May 30th, 2024 10pm-5:30am at the YMCA at 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723

2024-06-03 15:05:42 UTC

Three - we got there about 30 minutes early - seats were great. Event was fun - probably not very relevant for siblings.

2024-06-03 15:06:14 UTC

Did not use shuttle - parking was fine - got there about 20 minutes early.

2024-06-03 15:06:35 UTC

Seats were fine - we liked the very top row so we could lean up against the wall due to length.

2024-06-03 15:08:01 UTC

I would recommend not shuttling all of the kids into that enclosed area - it was really hot and crowded and everyone was trying to get into there and take pictures. I would suggest they go out into the open area in front instead. Photo ops were also not great because too crowded and building is not a great backdrop.

2024-06-03 15:08:08 UTC

hour and a half

2024-06-03 15:08:37 UTC

not long with exception of that cattle call situation at the end where all the kids stayed in that boxed in area and family was trying to get in there.

2024-06-03 15:08:47 UTC

No - had a family party at home.

2024-06-03 15:09:24 UTC

Seemed pretty slick. For the processional video I would recommend making sure you get all the kids in it at the outset. Our kid got skipped in the entire thing because you followed the same kids in and then panned out.

2024-06-03 15:09:40 UTC

Kid really enjoyed it. Liked the shuttle back to LASA.

2024-06-03 15:09:45 UTC

Good job!

2024-06-03 15:10:16 UTC

This was the only part of the event that was not organized. There was utter confusion, no system, no way to find your student. It was very hot and stressful.

2024-06-03 15:38:58 UTC

We had 4pm dinner reservation at Jack Allen's on Anderson Lane for a party of 8. Graduation was over around 2:30pm, but there was a wreck on north bound Mopac so it took an hour to get home. Very glad our reservations were at 4pm.

2024-06-03 15:39:42 UTC

Kid had fun. Felt like more "activities" were needed between 12am-2am to keep interest up.

2024-06-03 15:45:06 UTC

We were 4. My senior told us to take our time and not arrive to early because she said nobody is there. Big mistake, we arrived 20min early. People were already sitting and we were rushed to choose our seats. Parking was no problem. No time to buy food before and after it was closed. We took picture outside afterward, staying until just a few people which was perfect to miss the traffic in the parking lot.

2024-06-03 15:46:21 UTC

I was solo, got there about 1 hour before the event because I drove my Senior. The parking was very organized, the lobby was comfortable to wait inside. I got a great seat and it looked like anybody who wanted to sit together could, I sat with a group of 6 in other families. The event itself was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. It was funny, sweet, impressive and yes 3 hours. Plan to stay about another hour after taking photos outside.

2024-06-03 15:48:28 UTC

We didn’t have a lot of time after graduation to find our student and take picture. We were all crowded in a little area and were rushed to leave for an other graduation to take place. It was very hard to find your student. The few pictures we were able to take were surrounded by stranger so we got a new family member in each photo, a grandpa 😂

2024-06-03 15:50:26 UTC

We wanted to eat in a very specific restaurant but the time we got out was in between shift, so it was very hard to find one open. We ended up at Jack Allen on the 290 where we saw many other Lasa family. Very funny!

2024-06-03 15:51:43 UTC

We drove our vehicle, there was adequate parking. We arrived about 1 hour before as we drove our Senior. They let us in the venue, they were handing out iced water which was nice. The venue was comfortable and air conditioned. The ceremony lasted about 1.5 hours after which we all burst out into what can only be described as a prison yard. Don’t stay there to take photos. Either go onto the football field or go in front of the activity center. They only give you about 20 minutes to get all the glad-handing and photos done before they ask you to clear the area, it’s enough time, but just letting you know.

2024-06-03 15:52:52 UTC

Seats were good, they divide you by alphabet but it doesn’t mean it’s the side your child is sitting.

2024-06-03 15:56:09 UTC

Well organized, feedback was “that was more fun than I expected”.

The hypnotist was a huge hit. The Cabo Bobs buffet was a huge hit.

2024-06-03 15:56:57 UTC

LASA does a great job of making graduation week special, participate in the events.

2024-06-03 16:06:29 UTC

Party of 4. Senior was dropped off earlier (around 3:45PM) to prepare their instrument and the test of the family came back at 5:30PM. Plenty of parking and venue was great! We stayed at the mezzanine.

2024-06-03 16:11:30 UTC

Someone recommended we bring our stadium seat cushions and we were glad we did! Recommend!

2024-06-03 16:13:08 UTC

We had a 6:30pm dinner reservation at Qi for 8 people. It was delicious and the service was excellent, and we saw another LASA family there too!

2024-06-03 16:31:25 UTC

senior salute was so well organized, I wished it was the graduation ceremony. it was fun and enjoyable and everything a graduation could be.

2024-06-03 16:31:58 UTC

the in-out logistics of the graduation parking were crazy. 3 graduations at one facility in one day may not be realistic. plan to let your kid out of the car wherever you are on the street and have them run into the facility.

2024-06-03 16:35:22 UTC

make reservations with enough time to go home and change or nap - and then eat. give yourself a break.

2024-06-03 16:36:14 UTC

senior salute was the best thing, and I would not have known that if I hadn't gone. just do it.

2024-06-03 21:04:07 UTC

Long Center “porch” was a great place to take pictures after the event

2024-06-03 21:12:25 UTC

Really enjoyed Senior Salute, and I agree it felt more “LASA” than graduation did. Don’t think I realized before going how nice it would be.

lasahighschool — 2024-06-04 01:30:03 UTC

Posted for someone:

The scrum outside immediately after the ceremony, in the heat, with everyone jockeying for a moment with their grad, or a picture, was madness and super stressful (for me). Maybe plan on pics ahead of time or meet at the car and then take pics somewhere else? A detailed map of the facility with the entrance, exit and flow would have been helpful.

lasahighschool — 2024-06-04 01:30:43 UTC

Copy & Paste from someone:

2024-06-04 02:53:27 UTC

Party of 4. Arrived 35 minutes early. Met up with other family friends and had no problem finding seats as soon as we were permitted to sit. LOVED the faculty video. Felt intimate and had a lovely feel being at the Long Center. Great venue for outdoor photos as well.

2024-06-04 02:58:52 UTC

Arrived 30 minutes early. Forgot about clear bag but was able to leave my purse securely with the security folks (and retrieve it upon exiting with ease). Beautiful ceremony that lasted a few hours. Loved the orchestra and strings contribution. Speeches were moving. Post-ceremony was hectic and rushed. Definitely get your grads photo prior to the ceremony. BUT, also know that there's a professional photographer that takes a photo of them after they receive their diploma (well, they don't actually receive their diploma at this ceremony but they received the AISD diploma holder : )

2024-06-04 03:01:11 UTC

Getting there earlier would definitely get you better seating (we were higher up at 30 minutes before the beginning of ceremony) BUT find out what side your child is sitting on as the class is seated in two sections with an aisle in between so you can sit closer to their side.

2024-06-04 05:32:59 UTC

We got there by 11:30 (an hour early), when our senior was told to get there, because we all drove together. No problems getting in and parking. We walked around a little and then went in. We found our senior and left pretty quickly afterwards and got out before the rush. No traffic jam. Tip: Buy a clear purse to bring since AISD has a clear bag policy. You can reuse it at Austin FC games!

2024-06-04 05:36:17 UTC

Three in our party. We got there a little after 6:15. Seats were good.

2024-06-04 05:41:00 UTC

Burger is not that big, so I think all the seats were good.

2024-06-04 05:41:50 UTC

1 1/2 hours long.

2024-06-04 05:44:11 UTC

Photos we took were okay, but the video AISD sent out later was amazing! It was fun seeing all the kids and speakers close up, and seeing/hearing the fabulous band/orchestra again. We sent it to relatives wh couldn't attend.

2024-06-04 05:45:01 UTC

We left pretty quickly after we found our student and got out super fast. No line or traffic jam at all.

2024-06-04 05:48:12 UTC

After graduation, we drove straight to Fresa's on S. 1st St. and had an early dinner. No reservations needed and no crowd. Then we went home and took naps before going to Project Graduation. My senior went to PG at 10:30 pm, and I went in for a shift later. We both felt fine and had lots of energy.

2024-06-04 05:51:10 UTC

We really enjoyed it. Much less hassle than I thought it might be. The speakers and the music were terrific and very moving. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the video of it all again later. God job, Team AISD!

2024-06-04 05:54:30 UTC

He loved it! The organizers did an amazing job. Activities included casino night, swimming, arts and crafts, food, some skill game in the gym and a hypnotist. I think a nap after graduation and before PG helps everyone involved. Also, have you child label everything they take.

2024-06-04 13:05:03 UTC

Usher told me you could actually sit on any side. When you enter at the back of the stage, sit on the right to get photos of your kid getting the diploma. Plenty of friends can take photos of your kid if you don’t.

2024-06-04 13:07:07 UTC

grandparents got lost in the crowd which took longer to get out. Try to stick together but it’s a challenge.

2024-06-04 13:08:59 UTC

We ate with the grandparents the night before which was a mistake but actually worked out great because after graduation we needed some down time and especially the graduate who is an introvert and wanted to recharge before project graduation

2024-06-04 13:10:14 UTC

It was well run. We were rushed after but it was hot so we didn’t really want to stick around long. Getting in and out was a wait but it was easier than most large events in austin.

2024-06-05 03:38:40 UTC

We had 3 in our party; we got there an hour early (partly because we were asked to bring something). Our seats were great because we donated to the silent auction that was run earlier in the school year - I would highly recommend it. If the venue remains The Long Center, I think all the seats are great for a school of our size. I really enjoyed Senior Salute. The terrace was perfect for photos post-event. My only complaint was the bar wasn't open but you warned us that it was a school related event so no alcohol could be sold :) NICE job to the organizers! I wish in some ways this was live streamed so that the Juniors know what to expect because now my son who is underclassman at LASA has a better idea and hopefully will look forward to SS his senior year.

2024-06-05 14:40:46 UTC

There were 2 of us. We arrived around 6 pm I think, parking was a little congested but fine. Seating was fine. No complaints!

2024-06-05 14:44:18 UTC

We arrived around 11:30 am with our graduate. It was a little confusing - where to park, but it was fine. Seats were fine. I did not realize until right before that I could not bring a purse -so put some stuff in a ziplock bag. No real issues. YOu could not get a good view of your kid for pictures during the ceremony (at least not without a special camera maybe) but there are other sources of pictures.

2024-06-05 14:45:18 UTC

We went somewhere very casual for lunch but that was after hanging out for a bit and picking up another party. No crowds where we were.

2024-06-05 14:45:38 UTC

My senior had a good time. No issues to report.

2024-06-24 14:16:59 UTC

Eat dinner before! It was a nice event but if I’m being honest, our expectations had been built up over four years that this event was kind of “super secret”… there are no big surprises, it’s just a nice celebration event. We arrived 40 minutes early, seating was fine. It was disappointing that the last 10% of the alphabet didn’t get their names/pictures up on the screen 😢 only a handful of kids are getting personal recognition so this omission was a bummer.

2024-06-24 14:26:41 UTC

We arrived at the time our grad was supposed to - parking was total chaos because the previous ceremony had just let out. We had to practice patience. Many grads had to jump out of their cars at the street to get in the facility/meeting place on time.

Seating was no problem, plenty of room. Does help to know where your grad will be seated - they should know from practice about where they will be.

Afterward was chaos - we tried telling our grad a meeting spot for pics but it took so long to swim through the crowd to get there that it didn’t really work. And then she was concerned her friends were all getting pics together elsewhere (they weren’t, everyone had trouble finding each other) The grads file out of two different doors and it’s a struggle to meet up. Haven’t heard of anyone who got this part figured out. Perhaps have friends meet really early before ceremony for cap & gown pics?

2024-06-24 14:31:52 UTC

We forgot our stadium seats, would have been helpful for the grandparents. Seemed like all seats were decent. Grads walk right to left as your look at the stage to get their diploma so I think sitting on the left side of arena as you look at stage is the best view.

2024-06-24 14:34:22 UTC

Indoor photos were not great with phone. A friend sent me one of my kid crossing the stage as she had a good angle. Our best photos were taken at home that afternoon. Just make your grad put cap & gown back on and do it!

2024-06-24 14:38:09 UTC

Not sure why they can’t come up with a better system afterwards. It was stressful and hot. Grandparents were jostled in the crowd. Difficult to link up with our grad and for her to link with friends. Then around the 20minute mark the AISD security started sort of rudely threatening everyone that they had to leave immediately. It was a downer on a celebratory occasion. Not the best way to end but we decided it was the final checkmark “time to be DONE with high school!”

2024-06-24 14:42:04 UTC

12:30p graduation, 2:30p done and in cars. We had made a 5pm reservation for 11 people at Juliet but everyone was starving so we went straight to the restaurant and ate a big lunch/dinner at 3:30 - it was perfect and allowed us to avoid most of the traffic, be home by 6p, open gifts, nap, then leave for project grad at 10p.

2024-06-24 14:46:39 UTC

It was fine 😊 there were so many other fun senior events leading up to the ceremony that we were all kind of ready for the day to be done. I shockingly didn’t even have tears LOL, as it seemed a bit sterile. The district speakers were actually kind of terrible. Student speakers were more impressive than adults. It was a lovely day because we had family in to help celebrate and our grad was patient with pictures and all-day plans. But really it was just the final check mark and I’m glad we weren’t expecting anything over the top!

2024-06-24 14:49:12 UTC

Very fun event for my grad. She hung out with lots of different people all night and tried most of the activities. She said the only “cringe” annoying part was being herded to the hypnotist at the end and he was very hard to sit through. She would have rather done something more bonding and memorable as a close out with the group.

2024-06-24 14:51:24 UTC

We did our grad party at home the night before graduation which turned out to be a great decision. There was SO MUCH leading up to graduation that we were glad the ceremony was the last thing. Would have been tough to muster the energy for a big party after PG.

2024-06-24 14:51:25 UTC