School Ceremonies and Observances

Code No.: 606.8
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. These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and
performances. Such ceremonies or observances will have a secular purpose and will 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.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp.
531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).
Approved 3/7/16