In previous years Joy James Academy of Leadership (formerly Joy James Elementary) used to have a Cap and Gown graduation for their 5th graders. And an amazing after party in the courtyard where the parents pitched in and brought a dish or drinks. 
Those traditions have gone on for years. However they now have a “promotion ceremony” , they get an award and after a cupcake in the courtyard for 30 minutes. This is a HUGE downplay to previous years! 
When I addressed this with the principal she has stated due to safety concerns. The awards ceremony is already happening, so why can’t they use the cap and gowns? There’s no safety concern. If it’s the food then Have parents pitch in to bring in catered food or pizza. 
They have posted a Potluck for the staff and for parents to “send a dish” for them. So there’s no safety concern for that but a safety concern for the 5th graders pitch in? 

I have had 3 kids graduate from JJA and they have all had the cap and gown and pitch in. My now 5th grader is wondering why the school is not allowing the same for them. 

The school didn’t have to do much to make this happen. The parents steamed the gowns. Brought the food and enjoyed watching their kid play and eat with their friends they have grown up with for the rest of the day. We are now down to an hr and a half. Only 30 min in the courtyard. 

So I need everyone’s help. Please sign this petition and tell JJA we want our kids given the same meaningful graduation they deserve. We don’t have much time to try and accomplish this and make sure parents can pitch in to bring food, or financially and also steam gowns for the kids. Please email me when you sign this petition so We can set up our own committee to get this done for our kids

Thank you,

Christina Segundo

(Mia’s mom)