Beginning June 6 and ending Aug. 12, Austin ISD will operate on a summer efficiency schedule.

All schools and offices adopt a four-day week during this time. Business hours will be 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Thursday. All district and campus offices will be closed on Fridays.

The district also will be closed for one week, from July 4–8. All AISD offices and schools will be closed during this period.

AISD's regular, five-day workweek will resume Monday, Aug. 15. Classes for the 2016–17 school year will begin Monday, Aug. 22.

More than 500 Akins Eagles received their diplomas at the Frank Erwin Center today as they completed their high school careers.

The school's namesake, Charles Akins, attended the celebration and addressed the graduates.

Akins was ranked as one of the most challenging high schools in the nation by The Washington Post.

Akins valedictorian and quarterback, Michael Gonzales II, shared inspiring words with his class and thanked coach Joesph Saxe.

No sooner had red and black balloons descended from the rafters than Bowie graduates were asked to shelter in place until bad weather relented. 

But even a little thunder and lightning couldn't dampen the spirits of Bulldog Nation on Friday night at the Frank Erwin Center.

"I think this outstanding class deserves a great big round of applause," principal Stephen Kane said. "Their accomplishments speak for themselves."

With promising futures ahead of them, more than 200 Travis Early College High School graduates received their diplomas Friday at the Erwin Center.

"Many of you may be scared about life after high school," salutatorian Eduardo Bahena-Rodriguez told his fellow graduates. "Pushing away physically and mentally from what we know is how we grow."

The Rebels had a landmark year: 106 seniors completed AP and/or dual credit classes—that's more than half of the class of 2016.

Amid cheering families and friends, Crockett High School bid farewell to the Class of 2016 on Friday at the Frank Erwin Center.

"Today we say goodbye to everything that was familiar, and everything that was comfortable," said class salutatorian Misty Altus. "Be sure to enjoy every moment of it and never give up on your dreams."

Named by The Washington Post as one of the most challenging high schools in the country, Crockett High School students achieved a 100 percent completion rate for the Apply Texas college application process. 

Anderson High School Principal Donna Houser, retiring after nearly 40 years of service to Austin ISD, made sure her final graduation address was a poignant one.

"I'm glad I saved one of the best for last," Houser said of the nearly 600-strong Anderson senior class. "You are my family, I love you and I can't wait to see what you do next."

Houser noted that among the many achievements of this year's senior class, the most impressive may be that, in true Austin fashion, the school opened a food truck that served more than 40,000 tacos.

The Austin High Class of 2016 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas applauded by hundreds of family members and friends.

As a class, the Austin High seniors have been awarded more than $9 million in college scholarships.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Austin High School as one of the best in the nation.

The Austin High Maroons were recognized for many accomplishments, including:

The Lanier High School class of 2016 crossed the stage at the Frank Erwin Center today to the loud cheers of friends and families.

A proud group of more than 280 Vikings became official Lanier alumni, joining the likes of AISD trustees Ann Teich and Paul Saldaña.

Valedictorian Hannah Jean thanked her family and friends for their support and gave encouraging worlds to her classmates.

“I hope that you explore the world and all if its possibilities, meet new people and discover yourself and your potential,” she said.