At Platteview High School we work very hard to communicate guidelines and expectations in advance to help seniors and parents plan for graduation.

The purpose of the Commencement Ceremony at Platteview High School is to recognize and honor the achievements of that year’s graduating class. The Commencement Ceremony at Platteview High School is a formal ceremony. As such, Platteview High School reserves the right to set guidelines and expectations to assure that we remain true to the purpose of the event. We ask that you support us in keeping the event a ceremony and not a celebration.

Graduation celebrations occur after our ceremony. Both are important to our graduating seniors and their families. The important thing is understanding the proper time for each type of activity.

One example of proper decorum at your Commencement ceremony surrounds the time when the name of each graduate is read. It is understandable that a graduates family would be excited and applaud their graduate as their name is read; however prolonged eruptions of cheering, ringing bells, blowing a whistle, throwing confetti or sounding an air horn would be disrespectful to our graduates and would cross the line between a ceremony and a celebration. Graduation is important to every single senior and their family. Actions such as those described disregard the feelings of other families (such as those immediately before and after such disruptions) and as such are strictly prohibited. No artificial noisemakers, confetti, beach balls, etc. will be permitted by graduates or attending spectators.

Please help us make our ceremony one that honors all graduates and their time here at Platteview High School.

The following sections are designed to help familiarize you with what is expected.

Acceptable Commencement Attire

Seniors graduating from Platteview High School are expected to wear appropriate attire for the graduation ceremony and behave in a manner expected of every student as described in this document.

Male students will be required to wear dress slacks (no jeans or shorts), dress shoes and socks (no flip-flops or tennis shoes), dress shirts with collar (tie is optional). Female students will be required to wear a dress or dress slacks, and appropriate shoes (no flip-flops or tennis shoes).

Failure to adhere to the Commencement Ceremony guidelines and expectations as outlined above, as described to students during Commencement Ceremony practice, or as instructed by the class sponsor or administration, will be denied entrance into the ceremony, be removed from

the Commencement Ceremony, or result in their diploma being withheld until such time as outlined in a discipline plan set up by administration.

Graduates are not to attach any items to their hat or gowns.No special order tassels or sashes may be worn. Students are not allowed to possess the following items during the ceremony: cell phones, earbuds, electronic devices, purses or handbags. Graduates will be checked for any such items prior to the ceremony.

Students will be asked to change unacceptable items, which may mean that the student may have to return home to change into appropriate clothing. It is advisable to check in advance of the graduation ceremony with the Principal or staff sponsor if you are uncertain about your attire.

Attendance at Commencement Practice

Please be aware that PHS requires students to attend our Commencement Practice in order to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.