6115P - Ceremonies and Observances

6115

Instruction

Ceremonies and Observances



Silent Meditation

The school day shall start with a minute of silent meditation. Teachers and students not
participating will be expected to observe the courtesy of not disturbing others.


The Board further directs that an opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance shall be provided
each school day. Participation in the recitation of the Pledge is voluntary.


The teacher will make the announcement in each classroom. Those students and teachers who
do not participate may continue with their regular activities in a manner that does not disturb
those who wish to observe the minute of silent meditation.

Legal Reference:    Connecticut General Statutes

                    10-16a Silent meditation.

                    PA 02-119, An Act Concerning Bullying Behavior in Schools and
                    Concerning the Pledge of Allegiance



Policy adopted: December 10, 2002                        COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
                                                                  Colchester, Connecticut
                                                                                     INSTRUCTION
                                                                                           6115P
                             CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

                     Replaces Existing Policy (CABE reduced / Suffield BO)
                     Revised Draft March 2022 - Second Reading 3/23/2022

Silent Meditation

The Board directs that the administration shall provide for students and teachers the
opportunity to observe an appropriate period of time for silent meditation at the beginning of
each school day.

​Pledge of Allegiance

Students will be offered the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States
Flag at least once during each school day. Participation in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance will
be voluntary. Students may refuse to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any
reason, including religious, political, philosophical or personal reasons. If a student chooses not
to participate, he/she may stand or sit in silence.

Religious Observances and Separation of Church and State

In accordance with the mandate of the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the
establishment of religion, it is the policy of this Board that the public schools will, at all times
and in all ways, be neutral in matters of religion.

This requirement of neutrality need not preclude nor hinder the public schools in fulfilling their
responsibility to educate students to be tolerant and respectful of religious diversity. The
district also recognizes that one of its educational responsibilities is to advance the students’
knowledge and appreciation of the role that religion has played in the social, cultural, and
historical development of civilization.

Therefore, the district will approach religion from an objective, curriculum-related perspective,
encouraging all students and staff members to be aware of the diversity of beliefs and
respectful of each other’s religious and/or non-religious views. In that spirit of respect,
students and staff members should be excused from participating in activities that are contrary
to religious beliefs unless there are clear issues of compelling public interest that would prevent
it.




CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES                                                              Page 1 of 2
Absence for Religious Observation

Student absences for religious observances shall be excused. Furthermore, such absences
should not prohibit receipt of attendance related awards nor impact student grades or
participation in school events.



Legal Reference:    Connecticut General Statutes
                    10-16a Silent meditation.
                    10-230 Flags in schoolrooms and schools. Policy on the reciting of the
                    “Pledge of Allegiance.”
                    No Child Left Behind Act of 2001


POLICY ADOPTED: December 10, 2002                            COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
POLICY REVISED:                                                   Colchester, Connecticut




CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES                                                  Page 2 of 2