Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Descriptor Term:
4.606
09/09/24
Graduation Activities
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.606
07/11/22
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Students who have met all graduation requirements on the day of graduation and students who are within
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two (2) or fewer credits of meeting all requirements¹ and can complete the requirements during the
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summer may participate in graduation activities. If extenuating circumstances exist at any school, the
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matter shall be presented to the Board prior to graduation activities.
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Students are expected to participate in all graduation activities, and graduation apparel shall be
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determined by the administration of each school and shall be the personal expense of each student. Any
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fees required for graduation ceremonies shall be waived for students who are eligible to receive free or
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reduced price lunches, and in such cases, the school shall assume responsibility for payment of fees.²
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Graduation ceremonies shall be physically accessible to all students, their parents and/or guardians, and
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other interested citizens. 3
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Students who do not wish to participate in graduation activities shall notify the school principal in writing
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at least five (5) days prior to the day of graduation. Non-participating students shall receive their
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diplomas or certificates from the principal's office within one (1) week of the day of graduation.
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Graduation activities organized by district employees shall not be religious in nature.⁴ The content of
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any students' speeches shall not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the
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school, employees, or Board.
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The director of schools shall develop procedures to ensure that students are recognized at graduation
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ceremonies for the following achievements:
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Honors;
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State Honors;
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State Distinction;
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District Distinction;
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Tri-Star Scholar;
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Students receiving a TN Seal of Biliteracy;
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Students voluntarily completing at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester the
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student is in attendance at a public high school;
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Students receiving a gold or platinum medal on National Career Readiness Certificate; and
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Students graduating with a district-developed approved work ethic distinction.
Version Date: September 10, 2025
4.606
Graduation Activities
Legal References
Cross References
1. TCA 49-6-405(b)(2)
Section 504 & ADA Grievance Procedures 1.802
2.
TCA 49-2-114
Student Fees and Fines 6.709
3.
28 CFR § 36.201
4. Lee V. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577(1992), 112 S. Ct.
2649. 120 L. Ed. 2d 467 (1992)
5. State Board of Education Policy 2.103; TCA 49-6-
6010
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County School System
Graduation Activities
4.606AP
Graduation Activities
Formal graduation activities are reserved for graduation from high school.
Qualification for and participation in graduation activities or commencement ceremonies shall be
limited to seniors that are considered in good standing by the school of record for attendance.
To participate in graduation activities, all students shall comply with the dress code set forth in board
policy and the student handbook.
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## Table 1

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Graduation Activities | Descriptor Code: 4.606 | Issued Date: 09/09/24 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.606 | Issued: 07/11/22 |

## Table 2

| Hickman County | School System |
| --- | --- |
| Graduation Activities | 4.606AP |