|
School District Homepage Policy Index |
| School District of Philadelphia | |
| Policy and Procedures | |
| Subject | Opening Exercise In Schools |
| Classification | Elementary Schools |
| Date Issued | April 1979 |
| Policy Number | 116.0 |
| Issued by | Office for Field Operations |
| Supersedes |
Memos: File #300, 1/19/77
File #300. 2/6/79 |
| Review Before | To be determined |
A. POLICY
On November 8, 1976, the Board of Education adopted the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, That each school day officially begin in every classroom or school setting with the Pledge of Allegiance. This will be followed by one minute of silent meditation, and be it
"FURTHER RESOLVED, That at every official assembly, the Pledge of Allegiance be recited and the National Anthem be sung.
B. PROCEDURE
1. In all elementary schools, every teacher in every classroom must begin each school day with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by one minute of silent meditation.
2. In every general assembly program, the Pledge of Allegiance must be recited, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
3. In keeping with decisions of the United States Supreme Court, no pupil may be required to participate in the singing of the National Anthem or in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. No pupil may be compelled to stand during either of these exercises, nor excluded from the room if he/she does not wish to participate.
5. During the period of silent meditation, pupils may chose to meditate or to remain silent, but school authorities may not suggest or direct the subject upon which pupils may meditate.
6. Pupils may be required to remain in the room during the period of meditation.
7. A teacher who may object, for reasons of conscience, to lead the pupils in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, may request a pupil to lead the Pledge.
8. A teacher who does not wish to participate personally in the one-minute period of silent meditation each day is not required to do so; however, the teacher is required to call the class to order, announce the meditation, and remain in the room to supervise the pupils.