GRADUATION CEREMONY

Students who have met all graduation requirements on the day of graduation and students who are within two (2) or fewer credits of meeting all requirements1 and can complete the requirements during the summer may participate in graduation activities. If extenuating circumstances exist at any school, the matter shall be presented to the board prior to graduation activities.

Students are expected to participate in all graduation activities, and graduation apparel shall be determined by the administration of each school and shall be the personal expense of each student. Any fees required for graduation ceremonies shall be waived for students who are eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches, and in such cases, the school shall assume responsibility for payment of fees.

Graduation ceremonies shall be physically accessible to all students, their parent(s)/guardian(s), and other interested citizens.

Students who do not wish to participate in graduation activities shall notify the school principal in writing at least five (5) days prior to the day of graduation. Non-participating students shall receive their diplomas or certificates from the principal’s office within one (1) week of the day of graduation.

The ceremony and all activities included shall not be religious in nature. The content of any students' speeches shall not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the school, employees, or board.

Director of schools shall develop procedures to ensure that students are recognized at graduation ceremonies for the following achievements:

· Honors;

· State Honors;

· State Distinction;

· District Distinction;

· Tri-Star Scholar;

· Students receiving a TN Seal of Biliteracy;

· Students voluntarily completing at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester the student is in attendance at a public high school;

· Students receiving a gold or platinum medal on National Career Readiness Certificate; and

· Students graduating with a district-developed work ethic distinction.

In order to participate in the commencement exercises (graduation), a student must fulfill all graduation requirements as stipulated by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Giles County Board of Education.

What is a Ready Graduate?
A Ready Graduate is a high school graduate who meets success milestones that increase the probability of seamlessly enrolling in post secondary education and securing high-quality employment.
To be a Ready Graduate, students are encouraged to meet one or more of the following indicators:

• ACT Composite score of 21 or higher 
• SAT score  of 1060 or higher
• Four Early Post Secondary Opportunities, or EPSOs
• Two EPSOs & pass an industry certification
• Two EPSOs & a 31 on a military entrance exam - the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

What is an Early Post Secondary Opportunity?
An Early Post Secondary Opportunity, or EPSO, is a high school course or program that allows a student to gain college credit or industry certification. To earn an EPSO, the student must take the exam corresponding to the course or program, and in some cases, the student must earn a passing score on the exam to earn an EPSO.
Giles County Schools offers the following EPSOs in our academic programming:

-Advanced Placement Courses (must complete the course and attempt the exam to earn an EPSO)
-Dual Enrollment Courses (must complete the course to earn an EPSO)
-Statewide Dual Credit Courses (must complete the course and attempt the exam to earn an EPSO)
-Industry Certification Exams (must earn a passing score on exam or complete licensure requirements)