ICHABOD CRANE 4772
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.
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 is are not required to, participate in that graduation ceremony and related activities provided that the student successfully completed the school year in compliance with the district’s attendance policy.
However, students may be denied participation in the graduation ceremony and related activities as a consequence of violations of the Code of Conduct. The Building Principal may set other rules and conditions for participation in the graduation ceremony and related activities. All such rules will be provided to students and parents/guardians in advance. Students who have met the requirements for a diploma but are barred from participating in the graduation ceremony will be given their diplomas separately.
Students who participate in the graduation ceremony by earning only a CDOS or SACC, who subsequently meet the requirements for either a Regents or local high school diploma, he/she may participate in the graduation ceremony of that graduating class as well.
Students with disabilities who participate in graduation ceremonies without receiving a diploma are entitled to continue their educational programs until their 22nd birthday, or until receipt of a Regents or local high school diploma, whichever comes first.
The Board directs the Superintendent to develop regulations to implement this policy, to be adopted by the Board. The district will provide annual written notice to all students and their parents/guardians of the requirements of this policy and associated regulations.
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 5310 Code of Conduct
5100 Attendance
Ref: Education Law §3204(4-b)
8 NYCRR §§100.2(oo); 100.5; 100.6
A.R. v. Connecticut State Board of Education, 5 F.4th 155 (2021)
Formal Opinion of Counsel No. 242 (7/6/2023), NYSED
Effective Date: July 15, 2025
ICHABOD CRANE 4772-R
GRADUATION CEREMONIES REGULATION
A student who has earned either a Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS) or a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC), but not a high school diploma, shall be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related activities of the student’s graduating class provided that the student successfully completed the school year in compliance with the district’s attendance policy.
The district shall retain a record of each student’s ninth grade cohort. Each year, the High School Building Principal shall determine whether each student who entered ninth grade with the current year’s graduating class is eligible to participate in that year’s graduation ceremony, pursuant to state law, Board policy and this regulation.
During the school year in which the ninth grade cohort enters twelfth grade, the High School Building Principal shall submit to the Superintendent of Schools or designee the name(s) of all students who are on track and expected to earn either a CDOS or SACC, but not a Regents or local high school diploma, by the time of graduation.
For each student so identified, the Superintendent or designee shall ascertain whether the student wishes to participate in the graduation ceremonies and related activities of that year’s graduating class by discussing the matter with the student and/or parent/guardian either in person, in writing, by telephone, or via email.
For any student who meets such requirements and wishes to participate in the graduation ceremony and related activities, the Superintendent shall ensure, prior to graduation, that the High School Building Principal, the student, and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified that the student may participate in that year’s graduation ceremony and related activities, and shall ensure his/her participation is facilitated.
The district shall provide annual written notice to all students who are earning a CDOS or SACC and their parents/guardians of the requirements of this regulation and associated policy.
Effective Date: July 15, 2025