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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)
Third Reading 4/20/2022
Silent Meditation
The Board directs that the administration shall provide for students and teachers the
opportunity to observe an appropriate period of time a moment of silence at the beginning of
each school day. An announcement by administration shall be made at the start of each 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 at the start of 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 for any reason, he/she may stand or sit in silence and remain
respectful to others participating.
Religious Observances and Separation of Church and State & Absence for Observances
In accordance with the mandate of the Constitution of the United States prohibiting the
establishment of religion, it It is the policy of this Board that the Colchester 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, s
Students and staff members should shall 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