Eighth grade graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have successfully completed the required course of study, passed all proficiency standards, and thereby earned the right to receive a graduation certificate. The Governing Board believes that these students deserve a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements/Standards of Proficiency)
Invocations and/or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies. Ceremonies or programs involving prayer for graduates may not be sponsored by the school or District.
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression: Publications Code)
Disciplinary Considerations
While recognizing the importance of graduation ceremonies, the Board also desires to maintain high standards of student conduct and behavior. The principal may deny the privilege of participating in these ceremonies in accordance with school rules which provide for due process.
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
Elementary/Middle School Promotion Exercises
The Board supports the idea that each K-8 and middle school provide age-appropriate promotion exercises to recognize students who have completed the school's course of study.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
40014 Lease of personal property; caps and gowns
48904 Liability of parent or guardian; withholding of grades, diplomas, transcripts
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51400-51403 Elementary school diploma
51410 Diplomas: no indication of intellectual classification
51411 Residence as condition for graduation; prohibition
51412 Standards of proficiency
Harris v. Joint School District #241 (November 18, 1994) No. 93-35839, U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
Lee v. Weisman, (1992) 112 S.Ct. 2649
Sands v. Morongo Unified School District (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 863
Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) 403 U.S. 602
Mifflin County School District v. Stewart (PA. Cmwlth. 1986) 503 A.2d 1012 30 Educ. L.R. 403
Fowler v. Board of Education of the Hickory Administrative School Unit (1978) 448 F. Supp. 497
Management Resources:
CDE PROGRAM ADVISORIES
0615.89 Granting credit for passing GED, SPB:88/89-11
Policy FRANKLIN-MCKINLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: November 12, 1996 San Jose, California