ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 5127

Honors and Awards

To honor superior academic achievement and significant service to the school, graduation ceremonies shall include recognition of students who meet honors criteria as decided and published by each school. This may be based on Grade Point Average (GPA), Honor Society membership, or other site designations. A separate awards program may be held to recognize graduating students receiving other school and non-school awards.

Graduation Attire

The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony. Students will have the opportunity to purchase graduation attire or have it provided for them by the school. Caps and gowns on loan must be returned to the school by the designated date.

Any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at the student's option, wear a military dress uniform at the ceremony in place of the traditional cap and gown. (Education Code 35183.3)

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. (Education Code 35183.1) 

The principal maintains the discretion and authority to prohibit an adornment that is likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the ceremony.

Disciplinary Considerations 

Students are expected to comply with district and school policies, regulations, and rules throughout the school session, including during graduation/promotion ceremonies and related events. Students shall not be denied the privilege of participating in graduation or promotion ceremonies and activities except as a matter of discipline in cases of serious misconduct. A student shall not be denied participation in graduation ceremonies unless the principal or designee has informed the student and the student's parents/guardians of the misconduct and has given them an opportunity to respond.

During the graduation/promotion 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, and shall be required to acknowledge receipt.

Adopted: January 23, 2024
Revised: April 21, 2026