4751 Graduation Ceremonies
- 4000: Instruction
4751 Graduation Ceremonies
The graduation or commencement ceremony is a time to celebrate the honors and achievements of the graduating class. The Board of Education will establish the date for graduation ceremonies, while the administration will determine the place and program details, including attire. Academic and other awards and scholarships may be presented along with diplomas. Speakers may be selected from among the graduating class or other persons may be selected to speak.
Participation in the graduation ceremony and related activities will be predicated on satisfactory completion of all graduation requirements, or as otherwise described in this policy. Exceptions may be made under extraordinary circumstances with the permission of the Superintendent of Schools. Students who have earned either a Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS) or Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) without meeting the requirements for a high school diploma by the time their ninth-grade cohort reaches graduation may, but are not required to, participate in that graduation ceremony and related activities.
However, students may be denied participation in the graduation ceremony and related activities as a consequence of violations to the Code of Conduct. The Building Principal, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Schools, may set other rules and conditions for participation in the graduation ceremony and related activities. Students who have met the requirements for a diploma but are barred from participating in the graduation ceremony will be given their diplomas separately.
A student denied participation in the graduation ceremony may appeal to the superintendent of schools for reinstatement. Such appeal must be made in writing, demonstrating a pattern of improvement.
Under this policy, students are allowed to participate in only one graduation ceremony, upon earning either a CDOS/SACC or a high school diploma.
A student with a disability who participates in graduation ceremonies by earning only a CDOS or SACC is entitled to continue his/her educational program until the end of school year in which the student turns 22 years old, or until they earn a Regents or local high school diploma.
Participation in the High School graduation ceremony is a privilege. Current employees of the Brentwood Union Free School District (those directly employed by the District) are invited to take part in the ceremony by presenting a diploma to their child or grandchild.
Cross-ref: 4321, Programs for Students with Disabilities Under the IDEA and New York’s
Education Law Article 89
4321.9, Declassification of Students with Disabilities
4773, Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities
5300, Code of Conduct
Ref: Education Law §3204(4-b); 8 NYCRR §§100.5; 100.6; A.R. v. Connecticut State Board of Education, 5 F. 4th 155 (2021); Formal Opinion of Counsel No. 242 (7/2023), NYSED
Approved by the Board of Education: 03/15/18
Revision Approved by the Board of Education: 03/20/25