Graduation Ceremonies and Activities
BP 5127.00
GRADUATION CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES
Note: The following policy suggests various options which may be modified to reflect district practice except that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that graduation ceremonies may not include school-sponsored prayers.
Note: Effective June 30, 2016 the requirement in AS 14.03.075 that a secondary student take a college and career readiness assessment before being issued a diploma is repealed.
High school graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have earned the right to receive a diploma or a certificate of completion. Students earning a certificate of attendance may also participate in graduation ceremonies.
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
(cf. 6146.5 – Differential Requirements for Individuals with Exceptional Needs)
Note: The following optional paragraph may be used to deny participation in graduation activities. School site rules should indicate what privileges may be denied for what reasons, and the means whereby students may appeal these decisions.
In accordance with school-site rules, the principal may deny a student the privilege of participating in graduation or promotion activities because of misconduct, including school-related hazing or vandalism.
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
School-sponsored invocations and/or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies.
Students may appeal to the Superintendend if they feel they are being denied unfairly.
Legal Reference:
ALASKA STATUTES
14.03.075 College and career readiness assessment; retroactive issuance of diploma
14.03.090 Sectarian or denominational doctrines prohibited
UNITED STATES CODE
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 9524, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, P.L. 107-110
Santa Fe Indep. Sch. Distr. V. Doe, 530 U.S. 20 (2000)
Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992)
KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Revision Date: 8/13/08
Revision Date: 8/24/2016
Revision Date: 8/23/2023