ADMINISTRATIVE

 Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia 
contain provisions for awards for exemplary performance for students who meet the 
requirements for graduation as follows:

1.	Students who complete the requirements for a standard diploma with an 
average grade of "B" or better in the required courses will receive a Board of 
Education Seal on the diploma.

2.	Students who complete the requirements for an advanced studies diploma with 
an average grade of "B" or better and successfully complete at least one advanced 
placement course (AP) or one college-level course for credit will receive a 
Governor's Seal on the diploma.

3.	Students may receive other seals or awards for exceptional academic, 
vocational, citizenship, or other exemplary performance in accordance with criteria 
defined by the local school board.

Please note that, as in the past, the Board or Governor's Seals are not to be 
interchanged between diplomas and may only be used when the above conditions have 
been met.  The seal should be placed in the lower left quarter of the diploma.  
Local school boards determine the design and use of other seals.

Traditionally, seals have been purchased and stored at the Department of Education. 
School superintendents were required to submit a request for the number of seals of 
each type needed for that year's graduating class.  A form is enclosed for your use 
to request seals for the 2000 school year graduates.

In prior years, we provided you with a three-year supply of seals to alleviate the 
necessity of having to order each year.  However, since the proposed revisions to 
the accrediting standards make provisions for new seals, we are asking that you 
order only what you will need for this year.  To determine how many seals you should 
order, we are asking that you estimate the total number of seals you will need for 
this year and deduct the number you already have left from previous years.  Your 
orders should be sent as soon as possible, but not later than March 31, 2000. 

Please also note that a new procedure for ordering seals is in place.  Orders will 
be filled by the Office of Production Services, Division of Technology, in the 
Department of Education.

For information regarding the awarding and use of the seals, please contact Charles 
Finley, director of accreditation, at 804-786-9421 or by e-mail to cfinley@pen.k12.va.us.
Orders for seals or questions regarding placing orders should be directed to 
Ms. Patricia Hicks, Office of Production Services, Division of Technology, at 
804-225-2400.

JLD/cwf

Attachment:  	A hard copy of the attachment will be sent to the superintendent's 
                office.