Per Board Policy IKFB, Graduation Exercises:
In recognition of the dignity and importance of graduation commencement exercises to our students and their families, all adornments to the cap and gown shall comply with District Policy JICA – Student Dress Code.
Honor Cords
The following Honor Cords are approved adornments to be worn with a student's cap and gown:
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Top 10% of graduating class at each school: White
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Scholarship: Red
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National Honor Society: Gold
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Senior Advisory: Teal
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Seal of Biliteracy: Hunter Green
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Career Technical Education (CTE) Concentrator: Maroon
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Cultural Adornments Protocols
Students must wear the designated cap and gown. Those students wishing to express honor and respect for their cultural traditions by wearing regalia and adornments to the traditional cap and gown shall adhere to the cultural protocols outlined in this Regulation.
Approved categories include:
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Items of traditional Native American and/or Indigenous tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to a student, including, but not limited to: feathers, flowers, jewelry, beads, cords, leis, serape stoles, cloths or ornaments.
Guidelines for Requesting Additions to Cultural Adornments Protocols
Students wishing to request an addition to the above list of approved adornments may petition their School Principal. Such requests shall be in writing and signed by the student and, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or guardian. The request must describe:
- The item
- The item's cultural or religious significance
- Why the student wants to wear this item for graduation
In determining whether to approve the adornment, the School Principal shall consult with the Superintendent’s Designee. The determination shall be in writing, and shall be final and shared with the Superintendent and other administrators involved with the graduation ceremony. The following Guidelines for Approval shall be followed:
- The accessory is displayed in a respectful manner.
- The accessory does not distract from the dignity and purpose of the ceremony.
- The accessory does not violate dress code standards, including Policy JICA.
Other Adornments of Graduation Regalia
Mapleton graduates are allowed to decorate the tops of their mortarboards (caps) for the following purposes (or similar and approved purposes):
- To thank a family member (parent, sibling, grandparent, etc.), teacher, or friend.
- To recognize the college or university they will be attending.
- To display their graduation year.
- To recognize the branch of the military they will be joining.
- To display their home state or country’s flag.
- To express a goal, emotion, or personal characteristic.
- To identify as part of a group, team, or activity.
- To display an intended college major.
- To highlight a formative experience.
- To express an inspirational message.
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Cap Decorating (optional)
Mortarboard decorating is optional, and it is perfectly fine for students NOT to decorate their caps.
All mortarboard decorations must follow these rules:
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No advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:
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Refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, or anything of a sexual nature.
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Denote an affiliation with gangs or advocating drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior.
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Are obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd.
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Express animosity toward or against a person or a group of people.
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Threaten the safety or welfare of any person.
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Only the flat, top area of the mortarboard may be decorated.
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There may be nothing hanging down from any of the sides of the cap or protruding beyond the edges.
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Decorations must be flat on the surface of the cap. Three-dimensional items are prohibited.
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Decorations must not make noise (bells, whistles, etc.)
NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list, and any adornment or message deemed inappropriate or determined to pose a safety risk or distraction will not be permitted. School principals will have the authority to interpret these rules and disallow anything that they consider inappropriate for the commencement ceremony.
Students may choose what they wear under the required Graduation attire as long as the attire complies with District Policy JICA – Student Dress Code.
