5123.3

Students

Graduation Ceremonies (Participation)

The Board believes that completion of the requirements for a diploma from the District is an achievement that improves the community as well as the individual. Therefore, the Board wishes to recognize that achievement annually in a publicly held graduation ceremony.

Only students who have successfully completed all requirements and obligations prescribed by Board policy and the school administration will be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, except as provided below:

1.  A foreign exchange student may be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremonies at the discretion of the school administration, upon successful completion of the school year.

2.  A student who is within one semester credit of meeting graduation requirements at the end of the school year will be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremonies with his/her class if he/she has made arrangements to complete the credit. His/her diploma will be awarded when the requirement has been met.

3.  Additional exceptions may be approved by the Board in unusual circumstances, upon recommendation of the school administration.

The school administration shall notify all students of the requirements and obligations that must be met in order to participate in the graduation exercises. Individual students who are not or may not be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremonies, and their parent(s)/guardian(s), shall be notified by certified mail no later than two (2) weeks after completion of the first semester of their senior year.

Another version:

Graduation and related senior activities shall be established as opportunities to honor and to recognize those who have successfully completed the District’s course of study and are qualified to receive a diploma. The Board believes that these students deserve a public celebration that recognizes the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.

High school students must fulfill state and District graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.

In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the principal may deny the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules. School rules shall ensure that the student and parent/guardian receive written notice of the privilege(s) to be denied, the grounds for such denial and the means whereby a student may appeal this decision.

To honor superior academic achievement, graduation ceremonies may include recognition of a valedictorian and salutatorian. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures that ensure a fair determination of the students who have achieved the highest grade point average in the graduation class.

The Superintendent or designee may identify other school-sponsored awards which may be given during graduation exercises. A separate awards program may be held to recognize graduation students receiving other school and non-school awards.

Limitations:

1.  These activities shall be free from innovative acts and interruptions which diminish the dignity of the activities for the other participants and their family.

2.  Participation shall be a privilege, reserved to those who conduct themselves according to the established guidelines, rather than a right.

3.  Participation privileges shall be withdrawn from any student whose conduct is not according to established guidelines.

4.  Cooperation must be exhibited with school staff members and administration in senior activities, including the graduation ceremony.

5.  In order to preserve the dignity of the graduation ceremony, students must conform to school-sanctioned standards and expectations for behavior and attire.

6.  Prior to the graduation ceremony, school properties must be returned and all outstanding fees paid.

(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion; Student Due Process)

(cf. 5123 - Promotion/Retention)

(cf. 5131 - Conduct)

(cf. 5144 - Discipline/Punishment)

(cf. 6146 - Graduation Requirements)

Legal Reference:   Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures

Policy adopted: