High school graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have earned a diploma by successfully completing the required course of study, satisfying district standards, and passing any required assessments. The Board of Trustees believes that these students deserve the privilege of a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities)
At the discretion of the Superintendent or designee, a student who will complete graduation requirements during the summer may participate in graduation exercises without receiving his/her diploma. When the requirements have been satisfied, a diploma shall be sent to the student.
High school students who have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination or the General Educational Development Test must also meet district graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.
(cf. 6146.2 - Certificate of Proficiency/High School Equivalency)
The school or district shall not direct invocations, prayers, or benedictions at graduation ceremonies.
(cf. 1330 - Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)
Honors and Awards
To honor superior academic achievement, graduation ceremonies shall include recognition of valedictorian(s) and salutatorian(s). Valedictorian(s) and salutatorian(s) shall be selected based on established criteria and procedures that use multiple measures of academic performance.
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
The Superintendent or designee shall identify other school-sponsored awards which may be given during graduation exercises. A separate awards program may be held to recognize graduating students receiving other school and nonschool awards.
(cf. 5126 - Awards for Achievement)
Conduct at Graduation Ceremonies
Any student participating in a graduation ceremony shall comply with district policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct.
(cf. 5131 - Conduct)
The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony.
However, any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at his/her option, wear his/her military dress uniform at the ceremony. (Education Code 35183.3)
Disciplinary Considerations
In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the principal may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules. Prior to denial of the privilege, the student, and where practicable his/her parent/guardian, shall be made aware of the grounds for such denial and shall be given an opportunity to respond. If a privilege is to be denied, the student and parent/guardian shall receive written notice of the denied privilege and the means whereby he/she may appeal the decision.
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 6161.2 - Damaged or Lost Instructional Materials)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35183.3 Graduation ceremonies; military dress uniforms
38119 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
COURT DECISIONS
Cole v. Oroville Union High School District, (2000, 9th Cir.) 228 F.3d 1092
Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, (2000) 530 U.S. 290
Lee v. Weisman, (1992) 505 U.S. 577
Sands v. Morongo Unified School District, (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 863
Lemon v. Kurtzman, (1971) 403 U.S. 602
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
California Department of Education, High School: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/
Policy SOUTHERN TRINITY JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: November 14, 2012 Mad River, California