Graduation contracts keep teens in line

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Alecia Hewlen has a lot on her mind.

Not only is the 17-year-old senior at Roosevelt High worrying about passing her English class, but she doesn't want to miss the graduation ceremony in June.

And she could, if she does anything that violates the senior contract, an agreement between students and schools that outline requirements on everything from behavior to paying debts in order to participate in commencement activities.

"We have so much pressure on us to graduate already," she said. "Signing a contract puts more pressure on us. We have to tip-toe around school to make sure we don't do this or do that. It's very stressful ... I understand it, but I think it puts too much pressure on us."

A number of Hawai'i high schools require their students to sign contracts that detail what is expected of seniors in exchange for participation in commencement exercises, a milestone that holds particular social importance in Hawai'i. The contracts have grown increasingly common in recent years as a way to combat "senioritis" and help keep the peace during the final weeks of school.

"It wasn't like things are way out of control," said Department of Education spokesman Greg Knudsen, "but there is a general need to maintain discipline and order until the end of the school year."

Schools historically have had problems with seniors slacking off during the end of the year, often skipping class or ignoring school rules. Part of the reason for implementing the contracts was to cut down on these problems by making the students commit in writing to adhering to certain behaviors and rules, school officials said.

A report released in 2001 by the National Commission on the High School Senior Year showed that even high-achieving students drift through their senior year, treating it as a "prolonged farewell to adolescence."

Students take their contracts seriously.

"For the vast majority of seniors, it's so important to them to walk the line," said Joanne Swearingen, an educational specialist with the DOE. "And in Hawai'i, high school graduations are a big thing."

Hewlen knows that only too well.

Part of the pressure she's feeling comes from her family expecting her to walk the line. About 10 family members are flying in from California just for the occasion.

"I've been stressing out since senior year started," said Hewlen, who will attend Kapi'olani Community College. "I have to graduate, I have to walk, I have to get into college ... I have to make my grades because I have to walk that line."

The contracts cover such areas as commencement practices, general behavior, abiding by school rules and paying school financial obligations. Students who get suspended, for example, may not be allowed to participate in commencement. Those who don't show up for required practices or who fail to replace lost textbooks also may not be permitted to participate.

Commencement, like proms and athletic events, is not a required school function and comes with its own set of rules and dress codes for students.

"Commencement is a privilege, not a right," said Sarah Gronna, senior vice principal at Castle High, which requires seniors to sign an agreement in order to participate in the ceremony. "Receiving a diploma is something you've earned; there's no ifs, ands or buts about it."

Most of the 400 seniors at Castle are walking the line this year, Gronna said. The school has had few violations of the contract, most of which were students who hadn't paid their financial obligations.

The school looks at each situation of contract breach case by case, she added.

"The contract says the school may revoke your privileges, not will or must," Gronna said.

Roosevelt High has had its seniors sign graduation contracts for more than a decade. The contracts are given out during a parent-student assembly in April.

But they're given even wider use at Roosevelt: Seniors also sign contracts to attend the prom. Those contracts outline behavior and dress codes.

"What it does it makes it very clear and upfront what the expectations are so people don't have any confusion if it comes down to a decision whether a student won't be able to participate based upon a breach of that contract," said Roosevelt principal Dennis Hokama.

Nearly all of the 300 seniors eligible to graduate in June are expected to walk the line, having signed the contracts, Hokama said.

Statewide, about 96 percent of eligible students will participate in graduation ceremonies, a percentage that hasn't changed much over the years, said Knudsen.

Not all high schools require students to sign contracts. Kahuku High, for example, doesn't, and the school hasn't had any major problems.

"We expect our students to maintain the same level of standards all year long," principal Lisa DeLong said. "That shouldn't change toward the end of the year with a contract. That's our take on it."

Roosevelt senior Jesse Jampolis thinks the contracts can be beneficial.

The 18-year-old has seen his classmates slack more now with graduation coming up. He, too, has been affected.

"First quarter I was on the honor roll, and it went downhill from there," said Jampolis, who will attend the University of Northern Colorado. "I just know it's coming. It doesn't really seem important to work as hard."

Jampolis signed the contract, though he admits he didn't read it.

"I don't see a problem with (the contracts)," he said. "They're just trying to let students know what they can or can't do. It's helping them out."

Paige Jinbo feels that twinge of "senioritis," a term used to describe lack of motivation and focus in seniors during their final months of school. After seeing, through orientations, what college life has to offer, the 17-year-old Roosevelt senior can't wait to graduate.

"To see all those different doors open, it's hard to come back here with the same routines, sitting in 80-minute classes," she said. "I'm ready to get out and move on."

Parents and students often forget that participating in commencement activities is different from obtaining a diploma, school officials say. Students can meet all the requirements for earning a diploma but can still be denied participation in the ceremony if they don't adhere to the stipulations of the senior contract.

"It's supposed to be a memorable event," Gronna said. "It's demonstrating to the staff and community that you're ready to assume your rightful role in society; that you're a decent, caring, responsible individual; that you practice that behavior. The reason we have the agreement is so there is a clear understanding between students, parents and the school of what's required."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at 535-8103 or ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.