Ceremonies and Observances
Commemoration of special days and events shall be arranged so that the effective observation of these occasions is a definite and valuable part of the school program. Such ceremonies or observances shall have a secular purpose and shall not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.
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 (605.03).
September 17 shall be designated as Constitution Day. The district shall hold an educational program (s) for all students on the United States Constitution each September 17 or when September 17 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding week.
Each of the District’s schools shall establish a period of time during the school day, when a majority of the students are scheduled to be present, during which time students will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the flag of the United States of America. Student participation in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance shall be voluntary. Students not participating in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance shall be permitted to silently stand or remain seated but shall be required to respect the rights of those students electing to participate.
Legal Ref.: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-705; § 79-707 and 79-708; NDE Rule 10; 70 Federal Register 55507 (Constitution Day)
Approved: November 10, 1992
Revised: December 9, 1996
Revised: August 14, 2006
Revised: November 12, 2012