Any student who has not met all of the requirements for graduation will not be permitted to participate in the
graduation ceremony.
Students found to be involved in any major disciplinary violation or a
violation of the Drug and Alcohol policy may forfeit their opportunity to
participate in any or all of the activities planned during the calendar of
events for seniors, including, but not limited to: Prom, Senior Awards,
Senior Cruise/Trip, All-Night Party, and the Graduation Ceremony.
Students are reminded that graduation week exercises are a privilege
and not a right.
Graduation rehearsals are mandatory for all students intending to
participate in the ceremony. During these rehearsals, the mechanics
regarding student involvement within the ceremony will be reviewed,
practiced, and refined. Students will receive their caps and gowns
during the second rehearsal as well as their permanent and temporary
school records.
On graduation day, students will convene one hour prior to
graduation for final preparations. It is not considered in good taste to
wear any decorations on the gown, including flowers, except for awards
presented by the school. What shows below the gown stands out
clearly as each student proceeds to the platform to receive his/her
diploma. Shorts, T-shirts, work boots, and/or sneakers are not
appropriate. Students not appropriately dressed may not be allowed to
participate.
With the complete cooperation of each student, the graduation
exercises will be a positive, memorable experience for all.
Graduation Speakers
Recipients of the school committee awards for outstanding
achievement and exceptional distinction in scholarship are chosen on
the basis of their demonstrated academic abilities, other personal
achievements and their standing as “good school citizens” during their
years at Belmont High School. Only students who have attended BHS
for at least six semesters can be chosen for these distinctions.
Graduation speakers must provide the principal with copies of their
speeches one week prior to graduation. Copies of the speeches will be
given to the local newspapers in a press release packet.
Early Graduation
Early Graduation as an option is available to all students who are
able to complete graduation requirements in a shorter time span than
four years. This is an option which must be exercised judiciously with
planning and careful counseling. There must be formal authorization
from parents. Students are eligible for early graduation under the
following conditions:
- An Early Graduation Letter of Intent has been completed,
signed, and filed with the student’s guidance counselor by
the end of the sophomore year.
- All requirements for a high school diploma that are listed in
this document have been completed.
Students who enroll in courses continuing beyond their date of early
graduation will not be authorized to remain in such courses after
graduation, nor will they receive credit for the portion of the course
already completed. The record will show “withdraw-passing” or
“withdraw-failing” as of the time of graduation.
An early graduate may not participate in any extra-curricular
activities, including athletics, after the date of early graduation. Early
graduates will receive no special treatment in any area. When students
choose to graduate early, they assume whatever inconveniences which
might be inherent in their decision. Students who find themselves, for
whatever reason, ineligible to graduate at the time planned for early
graduation, must remain fully enrolled for at least one additional
semester.