From the desk of Russ Taylor,

Principal

Graduation gowns:  This year each junior high/middle school in the Bakersfield City School District chose to add a very special and dignified component to our graduation ceremonies.  Signifying the distinction of the occasion, our graduates will now participate in the tradition of wearing academic robes (gowns).  The Chipman Student Council, School Site Council, and our team of 8^th grade teachers have all voiced their support of this decision.  Additionally, many local junior high/middle schools already participate in this tradition and report overwhelming support.

Within the next few weeks each 8^th grader will be measured, orders will then be placed with our supplier.  

All of our graduates will wear “Chipman Blue”

(No ceremonial caps will be worn…save that for high school and college)

The gowns will be made of a bright, durable fabric, not a disposable paper-like product.  It will be suitable to keep for use by younger siblings in future years. 

The cost will be approximately $16.00 per student.

Students will be included in the graduation exercises according to the following:

Attendance -No more than 19 days of willful/intentional absence from school

Behavior -Must not suspended or excluded at the end of the school year

Academic- Eighth Grade Cumulative Grade Point Average must be at or above 2.0 average for the 1^st and 2^nd trimester with 3^rd trimester monitoring. Students below 2.0 will be placed on a non-participation list.  Students must have passed the Constitution test.     G.P.A. scale:  4=A. 3=B, 2=C, 1=D