P6335 Graduation Exercises and Senior Convocation

Section A: Each high school in Unified School District 259 shall hold graduation exercises to recognize those who have completed or who are within one credit of completing requirements of the Board of Education and the State of Kansas for a diploma from the Wichita Public Schools.  

Administrative Implemental Procedures: 

1. The date(s) for graduation and convocation activities shall be selected far enough in advance to assure the necessary reservation of facilities for the activities. 

2. A student must have met all graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation exercises.  

3. In the event of a catastrophic illness, injury, or event that impacted credit deficiency, which occurred during the student’s senior year, and the student is within one credit of meeting all graduation requirements, the principal may approve participation in graduation exercises. 

4. Any student, with principal approval as described in AIP 3, who participates in graduation exercises, must complete the one credit requirement by September 1st. A diploma will be issued when all requirements are met. 

5. While student participation in graduation exercises is voluntary, class officers may be strongly encouraged to participate in the programs. 

6. The majority cost of graduation exercises shall be paid directly by the Secondary Education office.  

7. Graduation exercises shall be planned to involve Board of Education members’ participation. 

Section B: An inspirational senior convocation may be held prior to but as close as reasonable to the graduation exercises. The convocation may be conducted jointly with a number of schools participating in a single program or individually at each school. The determination of the program, selection of speakers, and format for the convocation shall be the responsibility of the building principals. Student attendance at convocation activities shall be voluntary. 

Administrative Implemental Procedures: 

8. Convocation. The Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and high school principals shall determine if a joint convocation shall be held or if individual activities shall be conducted at each high school. The procedure for program planning and the selection of a speaker(s) at convocation activities may include student participation and consultation with outside agencies, but the final selection of a speaker(s) shall be made by the principals if individual convocation activities are held or by the involved principals if a joint convocation is conducted. Convocation activities may be planned to involve participation of Board of Education members. 

9. An invocation, benediction, or other religious observance of any kind shall not be included and shall not be part of any district high school graduation exercise or ceremony that is held or sponsored by a district high school. 

Administrative Responsibility: Secondary Education Office 
Latest Revision Date: November 2018 
Previous Revision Date: February 2008 P6335 

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