The two credits that he was short could have been made up during summer school, but there is no way to recreate the graduation ceremony and celebration with members of his class. This was obviously very important to him and to his family and the callousness of the Lake Washington School District in denying him the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremony with his class is disturbing and unforgivable.
He could have walked and received an empty diploma envelope, as was the practice at my high school and at my college for students who were within 2 credits of graduation.
By Susan Wilkins, LWSD parent and PTSA volunteer
...in response to: "Parents' request to let student "RS" participate during graduation ceremony is denied."
This decision was not made lightly. It was made with a complete review of this student’s academic record, information provided by the family with regard to his medical situation, a review of district policy and a review of standard practices concerning commencement at all of our high schools. The prevailing practice at all Lake Washington School District high schools, as prescribed in policy, is to allow only those students who have completed all district and state graduation requirements to participate in commencement. The only exception is spelled out by law for a specific group of special education students who will continue with the district through age 21. In fact, during the commencement ceremony themselves, building principals turn to the superintendent and Board member(s) stating “I certify that all of these students have met all the necessary requirements to receive a LWSD diploma,” or similar language. High school principals feel strongly that the public commencement ceremony is to recognize and award diplomas to students who have met all graduation requirements. As Ms. Wilkins notes, this celebration is very important to students and their families: by allowing them to participate without completing the requirements, a critical motivation to complete the requirements and earn the diploma is removed.
ReplyDeleteWe have historically taken what may be viewed as a very rigid stance by only allowing those students who have completed all graduation requirements to participate in commencement activities. Each year we have a number of similar situations involving students with very difficult situations who are not able to participate in commencement. These situations are very difficult for families, principals, and district personnel alike. We all share the desire to have each and every one of our students graduate on time and participate in commencement. Each student who faces a similar situation has a unique, challenging, and often heart-wrenching circumstance. Next year we will complete a process to review our policy and to reconfirm that we are in alignment with neighboring districts regarding our stance on participation in commencement.
According to Keller, foreign exchange students are allowed to walk and participate in graduation ceremonies. But not RS.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Pierce in a 6/12/12 email to the school board w/ copies to Kimball: david the LWHS administrator "will be communicating back to the parent that while the student is not eligible to participate in commencement actiities, he can still attend the graduation ceremony and sit in the general audience...In addition, he can return to LWHS as a 5th year senior next year and participate in the ceremony with the Class of 2013 if he chooses."
Ms. Keller said RS would be attending Bellevue College to pick up his two credits and move forward onto college level studies.
Dr. Pierce concluded, "I appreciate
the feedback and ideas you (school board) have all shared regarding our policy and next year will give the policy serious review."