606.2- School Ceremonies and Observances

Code No. 606.2

SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances will have a secular purpose and will not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

The district will provide and maintain a suitable flagstaff at each school site and raise the Iowa and United States flags each school day as weather conditions permit.  The district will display the United States flag and administer the Pledge of Allegiance in each 1^st through 12^th grade classroom on school days.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:          U.S. Const. amend. I.

                                    Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).

                                    Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

                                    Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8; 280.5

Cross Reference:          603      Instructional Curriculum

                                    604.5   Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program

Approved   12/19/2022                          

Reviewed  12/19/2022                           

Revised 12/19/2022