Butte School District
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2333
Participation in Commencement Exercises
Statement of Policy
A student’s right to participate in the commencement exercises of the graduating class at Butte High School is an earned privilege. As such, participation in this ceremony is reserved for those members of the graduating class who have completed all of the state and local requirements for graduation before the date of the ceremony. Students who complete their requirements after the date of commencement exercises will receive their diploma at that time.
Organization and Content of Commencement Exercises
The school district will permit students to honor their American Indian heritage through the display of culturally significant tribal regalia at commencement ceremonies. Any item that promotes drug use, weapon use, threats of violence, sexual harassment, bullying, or other intimidation, or violates another district policy, state, or federal law may not be worn during graduation.
The school administration may invite graduating students to participate in high school graduation exercises according to academic class standing or class officer status. Any student who, because of academic class standing, is requested to participate may choose to decline the invitation.
The school administration shall not censor any presentation or require any content, but may advise the participants about appropriate language for the audience and occasion. Students selected to participate may choose to deliver an address, poem, reading, song, musical presentation, prayer, or any other pronouncement of their choosing.
The printed program for the commencement exercises shall include the following paragraphs:
Any presentation by participants of graduation exercises is the private expression of an individual participant and does not necessarily reflect any official position of the District, its Board, administration, or employees, nor does it necessarily indicate the views of any other graduates.
The Board recognizes that at graduation time and throughout the course of the educational process, there will be instances when religious values, religious practices, and religious persons will have some interaction with the public schools and students. The Board, while not endorsing any religion, recognizes the rights of individuals to have the freedom to express their individual political, social, or religious views.
Legal Reference:
Art. II, Sec. 5, Montana Constitution - Freedom of religion
Art. X, Sec. 7, Montana Constitution - Nondiscrimination in education
§ 20-5-201(3) MCA Duties and Sanctions
§ 20-1-308, MCA Religious instruction released time program
§ 20-7-112, MCA Sectarian publications prohibited and prayer permitted
Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on:12/17/12, 11/20/17
- 2000 - Goals
- 2100 - School Year Calendar & Day
- 2105 - Grade Organization
- 2110 - Objectives
- 2113 - Pre-Kindergarten Programs
- 2120 - Curriculum Development & Assessment
- 2130 - Program Evaluation & Diagnostic Tests
- 2132 - Student & Family Privacy Rights
- 2140 - Guidance & Counseling
- 2150 - Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- 2151 - Interscholastic Activities
- 2158 - Family Engagement Policy
- 2160 - Title I Parent Involvement
- 2160P - Title I Parent Involvement Continued
- 2161 - Special Education
- 2161P - Special Education Continued
- 2162 - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- 2162P - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Continued
- 2163 - Traffic Education
- 2166 - Gifted Program
- 2167 - Correspondence Courses
- 2170 - Montana Digital Academy (MDA)
- 2170F-1 Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) Consent Form (opens in new window)
- 2170P - Montana Digital Academy (MDA) Instruction
- 2171 - Significant Writing Program
- 2221 - School Closure
- 2221P - School Closure Continued
- 2240 - Summer School
- 2250 - Community & Adult Education
- 2309 - Library Materials
- 2310 - Selection of Library Materials
- 2311 - Instructional Materials
- 2310P - Selection of Library Materials Continued
- 2311P - Selection, Adoption & Removal of Textbooks & Instructional Materials
- 2312 - Copyright
- 2314 - Learning Materials Review
- 2314 F-1 - Request Form for Reconsideration of Learning Materials (opens in new window)
- 2314 F-2 Reconsideration of Learning Materials for Review Committee (opens in new window)
- 2320 - Field Trips, Excursions & Outdoor Education
- 2322 - Contest for Students
- 2330 - Controversial Issues & Academic Freedom
- 2332 - Student Religious Activities at School
- 2333 - Participation in Commencement Exercises
- 2335 - Instruction - Health Enhancement (opens in new window)
- 2335F1 - Human Sexuality Annual Notice 11-2022 (opens in new window)
- 2335F2 - Human Sexuality 48 hour notice- 11-2022 (opens in new window)
- 2413 - Instruction - Credit Transfer/Assessment for Placement
- 2420 - Intruction - Grading and Progress Reports
- 2420P - Instruction
- 2450 - Recognition of Native American Cultural Heritage
- 2510 - School Wellness Policy
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.