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. Such ceremonies or observances shall have a secular purpose and shall not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.
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. When September 17 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then Constitution Day shall be held during the preceding or following week.
Appropriate exercises may be held for the following: Veterans' Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, and State Fire Day (the Friday before the Fire Recognition Day, which is the second Saturday in May).
The flags of the United States of America and the State of Nebraska shall be prominently displayed on the school grounds on each day such school is in session. All flag displays shall be in accordance with the standards prescribed for the display of the flag of the United States of America.
For grades kindergarten through twelve, each school in the district shall establish a period of time during the day, when a majority of pupils is scheduled to be present, during which pupils will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the flag of the United States. Pupil participation in the recitation shall be voluntary.
Pupils not participating in these activities shall be permitted to silently stand or remain seated or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy, but shall be required to respect the rights of those pupils electing to participate.
Legal Reference:
P.L. 108-477 (Consolidate Appropriations Act of 2005)
