May 16th 2024

Dear Farmington Municipal Schools,

We, the undersigned students, parents, and community members of San Juan County, respectfully request the administration to reconsider the current policy that prohibits the decoration of graduation caps during the commencement ceremony.

Graduation is a significant milestone in our lives, symbolizing years of hard work, dedication, and personal growth. Allowing students to personalize their graduation caps would not only make the ceremony more vibrant and memorable but also serve as a means for students to express their individuality, creativity, and cultural heritage. Here are several reasons why we believe this change would be beneficial:

1. Self-Expression and Individuality: Decorating graduation caps provides students with an opportunity to showcase their unique personalities and achievements. Each student’s journey through high school is distinct, and personalized caps can reflect their individual experiences, interests, and future aspirations.

2. Celebration of Diversity: Our school is a diverse community with students from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Allowing cap decorations would enable students to honor their heritage, celebrate their culture, and share their pride with classmates, family, and friends. This is especially important for Native American students, who should have the opportunity to express their cultural values and traditions, which are integral to their identity and sense of belonging.

3. Positive Memories: Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Personalized caps can serve as a cherished keepsake, reminding graduates of their accomplishments and the special moments shared with peers. It can also enhance the overall festive atmosphere of the ceremony.

4. Encouragement and Motivation: For many students, the ability to express themselves creatively can be a source of motivation and pride. It encourages students to think about their achievements and future goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and hope as they transition to the next chapter of their lives.

We propose the following guidelines to ensure that the decorations remain appropriate and respectful:

- All decorations must be school-appropriate and adhere to the school’s code of conduct.

- Decorations should not include offensive language, images, or symbols.

- A review process can be established where students submit their cap designs for approval prior to the ceremony.

We believe that by implementing these guidelines, we can maintain the dignity and formality of the graduation ceremony while allowing students the freedom to celebrate this important milestone in a meaningful way.

We'd like to remind you that graduation is about celebrating the incredibly individualized journey each young person has chosen to achieve. These students are individuals, not Army Cadets.

We kindly request that you consider our proposal and grant us the opportunity to make our graduation day even more special. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

The people of San Juan County