Pioneer High

All school rules regarding alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are in effect. It is against the law to be in possession of alcohol or drugs on school grounds and this will be enforced. Anyone who has been determined to have been drinking, or in the possession of alcohol or drugs, will not be allowed to go through the ceremony. The same will hold true for fireworks and other explosives as well as other disruptive actions which would detract from the dignity of the graduation ceremony. Please talk with your son or daughter to assure appropriate behavior. This will save embarrassment for your family.

Measures will be taken to ensure that nothing inappropriate is brought into the ceremony field. In addition, if there is any behavior during graduation which is inappropriate and/or dangerous, your son/daughter will be removed from the ceremony at that time.

Girls are required to wear a skirt, dress, or nice slacks. They will need to wear appropriate shoes and accessories. Boys must wear slacks and a shirt and tie, as well as dress shoes and socks. Students will not be allowed to participate with improper dress and are asked to carry their caps and gowns to be put on just prior to the ceremony.

Graduates must follow school site guidelines regarding cap decorations.  Caps will be inspected prior to the ceremony. Sashes, cords and other senior recognition awards must be pre-approved or students will not be allowed to wear them at the ceremony.

Students will not be allowed to carry cell phones, flowers, leis, purses, cameras, etc. Such items should not be brought into the Commons. Any items that cannot be taken to the stadium will be held for students until after the ceremony. Students who attempt to bring items into the ceremony will have those items confiscated and returned at the end of the evening.

Students will be recieving their diploma at the graduation ceremony. However, students who owe monies for outstanding debts, such as lost textbooks, replacement PE locks will NOT receive their diploma or certificate of completion and all transcripts will not be released for graduation verification for colleges, employers and military service. All outstanding debts must be cleared in order to release both diplomas and transcripts.

Students will be expected to conduct themselves during these practices in an appropriate manner, or risk being excluded from the graduation ceremony.
 

Alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are not permitted for anyone including audience members. It is against the law to be in possession of alcohol or drugs on school grounds and this will be enforced. Anyone who has been determined to have been drinking, or in the possession of alcohol or drugs, will not be allowed to attend or view the ceremony.  The same will hold true for fireworks and other explosives as well as other disruptive actions which would detract from the dignity of the graduation ceremony. All dogs, except official service animals are not allowed on campus. Individuals with dogs will be asked to leave campus. 

We respectfully request that large balloons, umbrellas and pop-up sun shades be left at home, as they can obscure the vision of other members of the audience. If your family are insistent that they must have large balloons to recognize your student, please find a seat at the top of the stands in respect of other members of the audience.

We request that spectators remain in their seats during the ceremony. Any pictures you wish to take must be taken from the stands. A professional photographer will take pictures, and you may make arrangements to purchase your student’s photo. Family and Friends may not take photographs on the field during the ceremony.  Family and friends must seat in the stands or stand immediately outside of the field. Chairs on the field are for graduates, student participants, PHS faculty and WJUSD officials, they are not for general public use.  Additionally, personal camera drones are considered a safety hazard and cannot be operated while students are on the football field. 

We also request that family and friends stay off of the football field until the end of the senior song at the conclusion of the ceremony. PHS faculty will surround the graduating students to allow them to enjoy one final moment as a class. When the senior song is finished, friends and family will be allowed to find and congratulate their child. 
 
We are looking forward to an enjoyable ceremony. However, we feel that it is important that parents and graduates be aware of our expectations and the consequences. We appreciate your cooperation in working with us to ensure that graduation is a meaningful and worthwhile ceremony for all concerned.