QUALIFYING FOR GRADUATION

Qualification Criteria

In order to be considered eligible for the Senior Graduation ceremony, participating students must have completed all necessary criteria set forth by the Portsmouth High School Program of Studies. 

When possible, seniors that are in danger of failing to meet these requirements will be scheduled for regular meetings with their school counselor and building administration in advance of the graduation ceremony. 

Final eligibility for the graduation ceremony is determined on the Friday before graduation. Please note that if a student has not completed the necessary requirements by this deadline they will not be allowed to participate in graduation. Should this occur, a meeting will be scheduled with building administration to determine an individualized plan of action for the student to complete their outstanding coursework with the goal of receiving their diploma upon completion of the PHS graduation requirements at a later date.

• Please note that serious breaches of conduct by seniors such as alcohol or drug offenses, acts of violence, vandalism or serious disturbances to the school routine during graduation season will not be tolerated.  The penalty for such offenses will include preventing the offenders from participating in any remaining senior activities, including graduation.

Senior Obligations

Additionally, all Senior Obligations must be completed prior to the final graduation rehearsal. These obligations include the following considerations:

• All chromebooks, textbooks, athletic uniforms, and equipment must be returned to their appropriate individuals 

• All outstanding fees (including lunch debts) must be paid in full

• All detentions/suspensions must be served

• The Senior Survey must be completed

• Student lockers (athletic and academic) must be emptied. PHS is not responsible for any items left in lockers. Should any items be left in lockers, those items will be disposed of

Students with outstanding obligations will not receive their graduation tickets until obligation(s) are cleared.  

Take care of business.  Don’t be taken by surprise!

Student Services Obligations

Senior "Follow-Up" Surveys

As part of End of Year considerations, the School Counseling departmnent sends out a "Senior Follow-Up Survey" in early-mid May each year. The purpose of this survey is to collective final, post-secondary information on graduating seniors prior to saying goodbye.

 This important survey is administered via an emailed Google Form and may be completed during a student's Advisory.  

XELLO Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) Lessons

The Rhode Island Department of Education requires every student to compelte an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) before graduation. At PHS this requirement is primarily delivered via the XELLO platform. Students must complete all of their XELLO ILP lessons by the early-mid May deadline. Please be on the lookout for more information related to this requirement via email.