Bellingham Public Schools’ mission, through a collective commitment with the Bellingham community, is to develop students who graduate from our schools prepared for success in the global community. Students will be exceptional in their own way, with strong character, a passion for learning and ready for the widest range of educational and vocational options to support a diversity of life choices. Our graduation requirements reflect our strategic plan, The һapp.
The school district is committed to developing student and graduates who are:
Readers and writers, scientists and mathematicians, historians and global thinkers, artists and performers, artisans and technicians, multilingual readers and speakers, skilled users of technology and information, leaders, collaborators and team players, dependable and responsible people, confident individuals who continuously challenge themselves, respectful and compassionate humans, honest and ethical individuals who act with integrity, healthy, active individuals, critical thinkers and problem solvers, effective communicators, innovators and creators and well-rounded community members engaged with the broader world.
Bellingham Public Schools will establish graduation requirements, which at a minimum satisfy those established by the State Board of Education. The board will approve additional graduation requirements as recommended by the superintendent or designee. Graduation requirements in effect when a student first enrolls in high school will remain in effect until that student graduates. The board will award a regular high school diploma to every student enrolled in the district who meets the requirements established by the district. Only one diploma will be awarded with no distinctions being made between the various programs of instruction that may be pursued.
Requirements for Graduating
Each student must meet the following requirements to graduate from high school:
A. Complete the credit requirements specified in the procedure accompanying this policy.
B. Demonstrate career and college readiness by completing a high school and beyond plan; and
C. Meet the requirements of at least one graduation pathway option described in the procedure accompanying this policy.
Implementation
The superintendent or designee will develop procedures for implementing this policy according to applicable state law.
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Policy 2418 Waiver of High School Graduation Credits Policy 3241 Student Discipline Policy 3520 Student Fees, Fines or Charges |
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RCW 28A.155.045 Certificate of individual achievement RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies-Reevaluation of graduation requirements-Review and authorization of proposed changes-Credit for courses taken before attending high school-Postsecondary credit equivalencies RCW 28A.230.097 Career and technical high school course equivalencies RCW 28A.230.120 High school diplomas-Issuance-Option to receive final transcripts-Notice RCW 28A.230.122 International baccalaureate diplomas RCW 28A.600.500 Graduation Ceremonies-Tribal Regalia RCW 28A.600.300-400 Running start program – Definition RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property-Liability of pupil, parent or guardian-Withholding grades, diploma, or transcripts-Suspension and restitution-Voluntary work program as alternative-Rights protected RCW 28A.655.250 Graduation pathway options RCW 28A.655.260 Graduation pathway options-Review and monitoring-Participation data WAC 180-51 High school graduation requirements WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements WAC 392-169 Special service programs – Running start program WAC 392-348 Secondary education WAC 392-410 Courses of study and equivalencies WAC 392-410-350 Seal of Biliteracy WAC 392-415-070 Mandatory high school transcript contents-Items-Timelines
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