BP 5127

Students

 

Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

 

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 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.

 

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 Education Development Test must also meet district graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.

 

Invocations, prayers or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies.  The school or district shall not sponsor other ceremonies or programs that include prayer. 

 

Disciplinary Considerations

 

In order to encourage high standards of student conduct and behavior, the director may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation ceremonies and/or activities in accordance with school rules.  School rules shall ensure that prior to denial of the privilege(s), the student, and where practicable his/her parent/guardian, is made aware of the grounds for such denial and that the student is given an opportunity to respond to the proposed denial.  If privilege(s) are to be denied, the student and parent/guardian shall receive written notice of the denied privilege and the means whereby he/she may appeal this decision. 

 

Honors and Awards

 

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.

 

Legal Reference: 

            EDUCATION CODE

            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

            51410-51412  Diplomas

            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)  112 S.Ct. 2649

            Sands v. Morongo Unified School District, (1991) 53 Cal. 3d 863

            Lemon v. Kurtzman, (1971) 403 U.S. 602

 

Adopted:  2/10/99

Revised:  5/10/06