Graduation Ceremony Student Expectations
Your graduation ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 12:00 p.m in the district Performing Arts Center. The formal ceremony is to honor you, the student, for completing all of the graduation requirements. The formal ceremony is a privilege provided by the Zion Benton Twp. High School District 126 Board of Education.
Participation is contingent on your successful completion of required credits and your adherence to all school regulations, procedures, and student behavior and attendance policies outlined in this contract. Please make every effort to ensure that you progress toward your graduation requirements and help us maintain the proper learning environment.
To participate in the formal graduation ceremony, students must:
- Complete, sign, and submit the electronic contract, including a parent/guardian signature by Monday, April 15, 2024,
- Complete all academic graduation requirements by May 16, 2024,
- Attend the mandatory graduation practice on May 16, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Report any emergency absence to Principal Felske.
- Wear the approved cap and gown.
Additionally, before graduation, students should:
- Complete the Senior exit survey,
- Complete a FAFSA, Alternative App, or Opt-out form,
- Pay all school fees.
During the graduation ceremony, I understand and agree to the following:
- To abide by District 126 Board Policy 7:190 and the Student Code of Conduct,
- To dress in clothing appropriate for a formal event,
- To display dignified and courteous behavior throughout the ceremony and to remain quiet during the speeches and the reading of student names,
- To refrain from any behavior or using any object that is disruptive, distracting, or dangerous to yourself or those around you,
- To refrain from adding any unapproved decorations or alteration to your graduation cap or gown,
Can you customize your graduation cap? Yes. This has become a popular tradition that D126 will support. Any inappropriate decorations that violate District 126 Board Policy 7:190 and the Student Code of Conduct are prohibited. Decorations are restricted to the surface area of the cap itself and should not extend beyond the cap edges. Any personal identification or celebratory messages must be limited to the top of the graduation cap.
Can you customize your graduation gown? No. Our Maroon gowns are the official school color, and we want to create a uniform look among all the graduates. Whole flags are not allowed. Stoles or sashes that allow cultural or individual identification are all allowed. Additionally, honors cords or decorative pins issued by District 126 are permitted.
Violation of these expectations will subject me to the following consequences:
- Being prohibited from participating in the graduation ceremony,
- Being removed from the graduation ceremony,
- A temporary hold of the diploma until a parent/guardian and student appear before the Principal and/or Board of Education,
- Any other consequences deemed appropriate by the Board of Education.