Policy 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

High school 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 diploma or certificate. The Board of Education 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.

The Board of Education recognizes and authorizes the issue of three (3) types of diplomas and/or certificates. They are:

1. The standard high school diploma for students who have fulfilled the requirements outlined in Board Policy 6146.1 (Subject to legislative exceptions)
2. The Adult Education diploma for students meeting all requirements outlined in Board Policy 6200 (Subject to legislative exceptions)
3. The Certificate of Completion for individuals with exceptional needs who, over the course of four years of high school, have met all the requirements of their Individual Education Program (IEP) and taken the requisite coursework. Students recognized in the graduation ceremony may continue to access Special Education services contingent on their special education eligibility. Graduation ceremony participation will be limited to the conclusion of the fourth year of high school for students receiving a Certificate of Completion.

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. 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 ground 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.

Any student participating in a graduation ceremony shall comply with district policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct and the returning, replacing, or reimbursement of school property and/or instructional materials provided for use by students.

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.

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.

Students will be recognized for their achievement at high school graduation as:

1. Valedictorian – Highest GPA
2. Highest Honors (group)
3. High Honors (group)
4. Honors (group)

A student must be enrolled in a Lodi Unified School during their junior (11th grade) academic year in order to be eligible for Valedictorian status.

In addition to academic achievement, the principal shall consider discipline records in the final selection of the Valedictorian.