Regulation 0603-21
High School Commencement Ceremony Participation
Participation:
Students may participate in their home school's commencement ceremonies, provided they have no significant unresolved disciplinary matters. If this condition is not met, students must submit a written request to the Superintendent or designee at least 10 days before the ceremony.
Early graduates may join the annual commencement ceremony by notifying their building administrator and assigned school counselor in writing no later than 30 days before the event.
Students wishing to participate in commencement at a different school site may request an exception from the Superintendent or designee in writing, at least 30 days before the ceremony.
Part-time students (as defined by Policy 500.1) may request an exception to participate in their home school's commencement ceremony by completing the appropriate form.
Students who do not meet the above criteria or wish to participate in a commencement ceremony other than their home school may request an exception through a process overseen by the Superintendent or designee. Appeals will be heard by the Board of Trustees.
Honor Cords and Determination
Determination: All decisions regarding regalia and speaking eligibility will be based on conditions existing as of the third Monday in April preceding the ceremonies. Speaker eligibility is based on the top 10 percent (10%) of the graduating class and students who have earned an associate degree from an accredited institute with a 4.0 GPA will be added to the top ten percent (10%). While every effort will be made to accommodate students who meet conditions after this deadline, regalia or recognition in graduation materials, such as the program, cannot be guaranteed.
Honor Cords: Students eligible for honor cord designation must meet specific weighted GPA criteria as indicated on a student's transcript for any class that has earned high school credits.
- Highest Honors: 4.1-5.0 (or students with a 4.0 who have an Associate's Degree from an accredited institution)
- High Honors: 3.77-4.099
- Honors: 3.5-3.7699
| Highest Honors: 4.1-5.0 | High Honors: 3.77-4.099 | Honors: 3.5-3.7699 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial (CHS) | Maroon | 1 cord | Silver | 2 cords | Maroon | 2 cords |
| Silver | 1 cord | |||||
| Central Academy (CAHS) | Silver | 2 cords | Green | 2 cords | ||
| Eagle (EHS) | Green | 1 cord | Silver | 2 cords | Green | 2 cords |
| Silver | 1 cord | |||||
| Eagle Academy (EAHS) | Silver | 2 cords | Green | 2 cords | ||
| Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) | Maroon | 2 cords | Silver | 2 cords | Silver | 1 cord |
| Meridian Academy (MAHS) | Silver | 2 cords | Red | 2 cords | ||
| Meridian (MHS) | Blue | 1 cord | Gold | 1 cord | Blue | 1 cord |
| Gold | 1 cord | |||||
| Mountain View (MVHS) | Blue | 1 cord | Blue | 1 cord | Silver | 1 cord |
| Green | 1 cord | Green | 1 cord | |||
| Silver | 1 cord | |||||
| Owyhee (OHS) | Red | 1 cord | Silver | 2 cords | Red | 2 cords |
| Silver | 1 cord | |||||
| Renaissance (RHS) | Crimson | 1 cord | Gold | 2 cords | Crimson | 2 cords |
| Gold | 1 cord | |||||
| Rebound School of Opportunity (RSO) | Red | 1 cord | Red | 2 cords | Silver | 2 cords |
| Silver | 1 cord | |||||
| Rocky Mountain (RMHS) | Purple | 1 cord | Gold | 2 cords | Purple | 2 cords |
| Gold | 1 cord | |||||
| Virtual School House (VSH) | Burgundy | 1 cord | Burgundy | 2 cords | Silver | 2 cords |
| Silver | 1 cord |
Eligibility Criteria for Cord Designation
Cords will be conferred representing the following levels and kinds of academic achievement in the graduating class.
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Students eligible for honor cord designation must meet specific weighted GPA criteria as indicated on a student's transcript for any class that has earned high school credits.
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Highest Honors which is reserved for students who achieve the pinnacle of academic performance.
- High Honors which is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Honors which is awarded to students who demonstrate a significant standard of academic excellence.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) cords which represent proficiency in CTE programs and adherence to set criteria, including completion of relevant courses, pathways and academic achievements.
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Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) cords are awarded to a student who is a member and demonstrated leadership, community service, academic achievement, participated in competitions and events.
- Business Professionals of America (BPA)
- Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- Future Farmers of America (FFA)
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
- SkillsUSA
- Technology Student Association (TSA)
- National Honor Society (NHS) cords or stole which represent membership and achievement within NHS as outlined by the organization's criteria, which typically includes maintaining high academic standards, demonstrating leadership qualities, and engaging in community service.
- Idaho Seal of Biliteracy which recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.
- Idaho STEM Diploma which recognizes students who have pursued rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) coursework.
Eligibility Criteria for Stole Designation
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Students eligible for a stole designation must meet specific criteria, which include:
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Completion of AVID Requirements:
- Students must complete all the requirements for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), demonstrating their participation and achievements within the AVID program.
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Earning an Associate’s Degree:
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Students must earn an Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution.
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Completion of Full IB Diploma:
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Students must complete all the requirements for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
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Completion of Full IB Career Certificate:
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Students must fulfill all the requirements for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Career Certificate.
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Enlistment in the Military:
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Students who are enlisted to serve in the military are recognized for their commitment and dedication to serving their country.
In Loving Memory...
Purpose To honor the memory of loved ones who are not able to attend graduation ceremonies by placing an "In Loving Memory" chair in a designated position at each event.
Scope This regulation applies to all graduation ceremonies within the district.
Procedures
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Designation of the Chair
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An "In Loving Memory" chair will be placed in the first row of seating at graduation ceremonies.
- The chair will be located at the far left of the left-hand column of chairs in the first row with signage and an electronic candle provided to schools by the Communications Team.
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Communication with Families and Staff
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Graduation speeches should include notice of the chair:
- "In the first row of seating at graduation today, we have placed an 'In Loving Memory' chair. This chair is a heartfelt tribute to honor all loved ones; students, staff, friends, family members, etc., who are not able to be with us but are forever in our thoughts during this significant milestone. It symbolizes our collective memory and respect for those who have touched the lives of our community. We hope this gesture brings comfort and a sense of presence as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates together."
Class Rank Information
The class ranking for graduating seniors will be determined using the following formula:
- Un-weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) + number/# of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB-HL) classes x .02 = class ranking.
In accordance with International Baccalaureate assessment allowances, no more than four (4) International Baccalaureate Higher Level courses may be weighted in the calculation of a student's GPA.