Thursday, May 12, 2022
Dear Parents and Seniors,
As you may be aware, many things regarding graduation have changed. I want to thank Laura O’Connor for the work she and her team do to make our graduation special. Here is the latest graduation information. Please note the following:
1. Arrival Time Change Notification for May 26, 2022, at BYU
Graduates are expected to arrive at the BYU Marriott Center “Check-In” table at the northwest corner by 11:30 a.m.
Processional begins at 12:15 p.m.
Commencement Exercises begin promptly at 12:30 p.m.
2. Graduation Cultural Expression Update
I sent out an email regarding the district’s decision to allow cultural expression at graduation. Students may wear objects that represent their ancestral heritage. We received additional information from the district noting guidelines etc. Please note the following:
a.. The cap and gown issued by the school represent the uniform for ASD graduation. They should be worn appropriately and not altered.
b. The recently passed HB30 expanded the graduation uniform, allowing cultural expressions for cultural regalia and objects of “religious and cultural significance” for our qualified Native students and inclusive of other cultures. (i.e., Pacific Islander formal Ta’ovala, leis, feather, flowers in moderation, necklaces, etc.)
c. Additions to the cap and gown should reflect culturally significant objects to the students, families, and their communities. These are not limited to only one. These objects should not include representations of drugs, violence, political speech, flags, or other non-religious or non-culturally significant objects.
d. Students must obtain administrative pre-approval for adjustments to graduation wear. Pre-approval should allow for appropriate cultural expressions without causing last-minute misunderstandings and frustrations. Please make an appointment now or before May 24, 2022, at 3:00 P.M.
Pre-approval process
1. Students (parents are welcome) must bring in the objects of “religious and cultural significance” to their administrator. If approved, the administrator will take a picture and attach it to a form. The form then will be signed stating that the student agrees that they will provide the form at graduation and only items in the picture will be allowed at graduation.
2. Students will present the form/card at graduation check in to ensure the items they wear are the same as the picture on the form.
If you have a specific question or concern about your student’s graduation which requires a timely or in-person response, please reach out to the Administrator who oversees your child based on their last name:
A-Cook Scott Mansfield [email protected]
Coola-Hat Daren Ward [email protected]
Hau-Mei Kimberly Moore [email protected]
Mej-See Pat Fossat [email protected]
Sef-Z Kenyon Christen [email protected]
Thank you all so much!
Courtney Johnson
Cedar Valley HS Principal