SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES RULES AND REGULATIONS
The practice of the District relative to School Ceremonies and
Observances shall be as follows:
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School Ceremonies and
Observances
Building administrators shall, through special ceremonies or
through the instructional program, arrange for proper commemoration of
the following special days in the schools: September 17 (Constitution
Day); Columbus Day (Second Monday in October); Veteran’s Day (November
11); Martin Luther King’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January);
President’s Day (Lincoln’s Birthday-February 12 and Washington’s
Birthday (3rd Monday in February). Observance of Religious Holidays
The several holidays throughout the year that have a religious and
secular basis may be observed in the public schools.
The historical and contemporary values and the
origin of religious holidays may be explained in an unbiased and
objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.
Music, art, literature and drama having a religious
theme or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for
school-sponsored activities and programs if presented in a prudent and
objective manner and as a traditional part of the cultural and
religious heritage of the particular holiday.
The use of religious symbols such as cross, Menorah,
crescent, Star of David, crèche, symbol of the Native America or other
symbols that are part of a religious holiday is permitted as a
teaching aid or resource provided such symbols are displayed as an
example of the cultural and religious heritage of the holiday and are
temporary in nature. Among these holidays are Christmas, Easter,
Passover, Hanukkah, St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day,
Thanksgiving, and Halloween.
The District’s calendar,
through the collective bargaining process, may be prepared so as to
minimize conflicts with religious holidays of all faiths.
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Religion in the Curriculum
It is essential that teaching about – and not of – religion be
conducted in a factual, objective and respectful manner. Therefore,
the practice of the District shall be as follows: The Board supports
the inclusion of religious literature, music, drama and the arts in
the curriculum and in school activities provided that it is intrinsic
to the learning experience in the various fields of study and is
presented objectively.
The emphasis on religious themes in the arts,
literature and history should be only as extensive as necessary for a
balanced thorough study of these areas. Such studies should never
foster any particular religious tenets or demean any religious
beliefs.
Student-initiated
expressions to questions or assignments, which reflect their beliefs
or non-beliefs about a religious theme, shall be accommodated.
Students are free to express belief or non-belief in composition, art
forms, music and speech.
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Dissemination of Religious Materials
Materials that have a religious content may be made available to
students during non-instructional time. The District shall impose
content neutral, time, place, and manner restrictions on the
dissemination of religious materials to ensure that students are aware
that the materials are not being endorsed or sponsored by the
District.
Dedications and Commencement
Traditions are a cherished part of the community life and the
District expresses an interest in maintaining those traditions, which
have had significance to the community. While recognizing the
significance of traditions, the Board recognizes that its dedication
ceremonies and commencement exercises must be secular in nature.
Inspirational addresses, which do not promote religion, may be
permitted at such ceremonies.
Baccalaureate Services
Because the baccalaureate service is traditionally religious in
nature, it, if held, shall be sponsored by agencies separate from the
District. School initiated invocations and benediction, inherent in
commencement (graduation) ceremonies, are not allowed under current law.
Federally
Required Guidelines
Students have the following rights pursuant to federal law:
- To engage in private, non-disruptive activity such
as prayer or bible reading while at school;
- Participation in before or after school events that
have a religious content;
- To study about religion when appropriate to the
curriculum;
- To produce written expressions of religious beliefs
in homework, art work, and other assignments;
- To distribute in a non-disruptive manner, subject
to reasonable restrictions as to time, place, manner and religious
literature;
- To be excused for religious reasons from
participation in school programs or activities;
- To be granted release time to attend religious
events;
- To wear clothing that includes a non-disruptive
religious theme or message;
- To be given access to school media to announce
religious events in the same manner as other organizations;
To be granted access to school facilities for
religious activities in the same manner as other organizations.
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