I have attended more than 35 graduation ceremonies and each one is special. Play along with me and imagine Graduation Day 2023.
We are at Panther Stadium, overflowing with proud parents, family members and friends. The stage is up, graduates are in their caps and gowns, and the band begins to play “Pomp and Circumstance,” the traditional graduation march. Something about “Pomp and Circumstance” always gets the crowd. It’s ceremonial, emotional and memorable – so is graduation. “Pomp and Circumstance” is always fitting. The song carries the weight of importance for the day.
Next, the school board and dignitaries lead the graduates into the stadium, and they take their seats. The principal, usually accompanied by a lot of cheering, welcomes the parents, dignitaries and the students. After a short speech, the principal will say something like: “Madam school board president, school board members, superintendent and platform guests, before you is the class of 2023. I certify that each of these young men and women have met the Colorado and Montezuma-Cortez requirements for graduation.” Then, commencement begins and the calling of graduates’ names.
Note, the principal’s word choice of “certify.”
The standard diploma graduate requires 23 credits – four credits of English, three credits of math, three credits of social studies, three credits of science, one credit health/PE and nine credits of electives. An honors diploma graduate must earn 24 credits. Honors students earn the same core credits, plus an extra math credit, two credits of foreign language, one credit of fine art and six credits of electives, instead of nine.
There is no substitution – a student can’t take an extra science or PE class in place of English, for example.
Every year I have been a superintendent, some parents – at the last minute – have learned the heartbreaking news that their student will not be graduating. They ask the same, sad question, “Well, can’t something be done?” Translation: Let my child graduate, he or she has attended 12 years of school.
I have also heard that grandparents are coming, announcements were ordered and the gown is paid for. “Let them walk,” these parents say. The student is one credit short and will get that done this summer. “Can’t they walk?”
No. The reality is students only graduate if they’ve earned credits in the correct classes. Walking in graduation is a privilege, not a right. When the principal certifies a class, she is laying her professional career on the line.
Sure, I know some school districts socially promote and graduate students who do not meet graduation requirements. We will not do that here. These graduation rates are part of the school accountability report. They are real – not inflated. Do you want a disingenuous graduation rate or do you want diplomas that are respected at colleges and in the workforce?
Parents, please talk to your seniors over the holidays. You can also make an appointment to see your child’s guidance counselor in early January. Make sure you know what to expect way before graduation day.
At any grade level, it’s time to plan. Look at your child’s grades. It’s important to know exactly where he or she stands in passing classes and promoting to the next grade. Make an appointment with your school principal, who is there to help.
Back to Panther Stadium. These graduates will move that orange tassel from right to left. They will have accomplished a great milestone in their lives. It’s a privilege to walk and take that diploma. It represents tenacity, hard work, and meeting and surpassing requirements.
Congratulations to all of our upcoming 2023 graduates. They will have earned their places on that stage.
Tom Burris is superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez School District. Email him at tburris@cortez.k12.co.us.
