BP 5127 — Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

Section: 5000 - Students
Status: Active

Adopted: 2018-03-27

Revised: 2021-12-16

Policy text

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 LBUSD course of study, satisfying district standards, and passing any required assessments. The Governing Board 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.

High school students who have passed a high school equivalency test or the California High School Proficiency Examination must also meet district graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Students who re-enroll in LBUSD after completion of the first semester of twelfth grade, other than foster youth, homeless students, former juvenile court school students, and students of military families, may not be eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies. Exceptions to this restriction can be approved by the Superintendent or their designee on a case-by-case basis. A foster youth, homeless student, or former juvenile court school student who transfers into the district any time after completing their second year of high school shall be required to complete all graduation requirements specified in Education Code 51225.3 and shall be exempt from any additional district-adopted graduation requirements unless the Superintendent or designee makes a finding that the student is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate by the end of their fourth year of high school. Within 30 days of the transfer, any student shall be notified of the availability of the exemption and whether they qualify for it.

In addition, the Superintendent or designee shall facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families by waiving specific course requirements for graduation if the student has satisfactorily completed similar coursework in another district.

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

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. Students denied any graduation-related activities shall be notified two weeks prior to the graduation ceremony, unless the suspension offense occurs within the last two weeks of the end of school, with all appeals finalized prior to graduation day. Cases which occur that cannot proceed through the normal review and appeal process will be decided by the school principal and Superintendent or designee.

Early Graduation

Students who desire to graduate at the end of their sixth or seventh term must submit a written request to graduate early to their principal or their designee. Students who complete graduation requirements and meet State testing requirements in their sixth or seventh term are eligible to participate in all June graduation exercises and senior activities as determined by the site administration.

Students must declare in their written early graduation request whether they wish to be part of the June graduation exercises and receive their diploma at that time, or request to receive their diploma upon termination of enrollment. Student information from the school, including school, student name and address, grade point average, and future plans of all early graduates shall be sent to the Superintendent, or their designee, by mid-January each school year.

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 non-school awards.

Conduct at Graduation Ceremonies

Any student participating in a graduation ceremony shall comply with district policies and regulations pertaining to student conduct. During the graduation ceremony, a student may be removed from the ceremony for conduct that is disruptive or that poses a risk to safety. High school seniors shall be notified of this policy in advance, through the student handbook or other means,

The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony and any other appropriate attire listed in Education Code 35183.1.

Any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at their option, wear their military dress uniform at the ceremony.

Students shall be permitted to wear tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment to the customary ceremonial attire, as long as the adornment does not cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony.

Students who desire to wear such adornments shall seek permission from the Superintendent or designee at least 14 days before the graduation ceremony.