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Instruction

Ceremonies and Observances BP 6115

Daily Performance of Patriotic Exercises:

An appropriate patriotic exercise shall be conducted daily at the beginning of the first regularly scheduled activity period in grades K—6 and during the regularly scheduled day in grades 7-12.

Special Days and Events:

Commemoration of special days and events shall be arranged to the end that the effective observation of these occasions is a definite and valuable part of the school program.

The Governing Board recognizes the importance of having students observe holidays, celebrate events of cultural or historical significance, and acknowledge the contributions of outstanding individuals in society. On days designated by the Board, staff shall provide students with appropriate commemorative exercises so that they acquire the knowledge, skills, and principles essential for informed, responsible citizenship in a democratic society.

Patriotic Exercises

Each school shall conduct patriotic exercises daily. These patriotic exercises shall consist of the reciting of the Pledge of and may also include instruction that promotes understanding of the concepts of "pledge," "allegiance," "republic," and "indivisible" and understanding of the importance of the pledge as an expression of patriotism, love of country, and pride in the . (Education Code 52720, 52730)

At elementary schools, such exercises shall be conducted at the beginning of each school day. (Education Code 52720)

At secondary schools, such exercises shall be conducted during the homeroom period.

Individuals may choose not to participate in the flag salute for personal reasons.

Display of Flag

The flag of the United States and the flag of shall be displayed during business hours at the entrance or on the grounds of every district school and on or near the district office. At all times, the national flag shall be placed in the position of first honor. (Government Code 431, 436; 4 USC 6)

When displayed on a building or on a flagstaff in the open, the national flag shall be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. The flag should not be displayed during inclement weather unless an all-weather flag is used. (4 USC 6)

The national flag shall fly at half-staff on the following occasions: (4 USC 7)

1. For 30 days from the death of the President or a former President

2. For 10 days from the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives

3. From the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, former Vice President, or the Governor of a state

4. On the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress

5. On , until noon only

6. On Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15), unless it falls on Armed Forces Day

7. Upon a proclamation from the Governor in the event of the death of a present or former official of the state government or a member of the Armed Forces from the state who has died while serving on active duty

8. On other occasions by order of the President and in accordance with presidential instructions or orders

Legal Reference:

Education Code 1318 Declaration of (by County Superintendent) 37220-37231 Holidays and Observances 52720 Daily Performance of Patriotic Exercises in Public Schools

Policy Adopted: 22, 1984 Policy Revised: Instruction

Ceremonies and Observances AR 6115

Special Days and Events:

Anniversary of Adoption of Constitution: All public schools and educational institutions shall include in the school work on or near the anniversary ( 16) of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States exercises and instruction for pupils suitable to their ages in the purpose, meaning, and importance of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: On the school day preceding or following 15, the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., all public schools and educational institutions throughout the State shall hold suitable exercises commemorating and directing attention to the history of the civil rights movement in the United States, particularly the role therein of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lincoln and Washington: All public schools and educational institutions throughout the state shall hold exercises in memory of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, on February 12 and February 22, respectively, or on the day in which school is in session next preceding, if the specified day is a holiday.

Susan B. Anthony Day: February 15 of each year, the anniversary of the birthday of Susan B. Anthony, is designated and set apart as Susan B. Anthony Day. All public schools and educational institutions shall observe this day with suitable exercises, direction of attention to the development of the political and economic status of women in the United States, through the efforts of Susan B. Anthony.

Black American Day: March 5 of each year, the anniversary of the death of Crispus Attucks, the first black American martyr of the Boston Massacre, is designated and set apart as Black American Day to direct attention to the development of black people in the United States of America. All public schools and institutions shall observe this day with suitable exercises.

Conservation, Bird, and Arbor Day: March 7 of each year, the anniversary of the birthday of Luther Burbank, is set apart and designated Conservation, Bird, and Arbor Day. All public schools and educational institutions shall observe Conservation, Bird, and Arbor Day not as a holiday, but by including in the schoolwork of the day, suitable exercises having for their object instruction as to the economic value of birds and trees, and the promotion of a spirit of protection toward them, and as to the economic value of natural resources, and the desirability of their conservation.

Ceremonies and Observances Events

July 4 Independence Day September Library Card Sign-Up Month First Monday of September September 8 International Literacy Day September 9 California Admission Day September 15-October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month September 16 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day September 17-23 First day of Fall Autumn Equinox Fourth Friday of September October Bully Prevention Month October Cultural Diversity Month October Disability History Month October Character Education Month October 2 International Day of Non-Violence First Monday of October National Second Monday of October Second full week of October Week of the School Administrator Third Thursday of October Great CA ShakeOut Third full week of October National Teen Driver Safety Week Third week of October National School Bus Safety October 23-31 Red Ribbon Week Fourth Saturday of October Make a Difference Day November National American Indian/Alaskan Native Heritage Month November Sikh Awareness Month First Sunday of November Daylight Saving Time ends; Standard Time Begins Tuesday following the first Monday in November Election Day November 11 Week prior to Thanksgiving American Education Week Fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving December 3 Day of the Special Educator December 15 Bill of Rights Day First day of Winter Winter Solstice December 31 New Year’s Eve January 1 New Year’s Day Third Monday of January Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Fourth week of January No Name-Calling Week January 23 Ed Roberts Day New moon between Jan. 21-Feb. 20 January 30 Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution February African American History Month February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month February 2 February 4 February 6 Ronald Third Monday of February Presidents’ Day February 15 Susan B. Anthony Day National PTA Sponsored Take Your Family to School Week March National Women’s History Month March Music in Our Schools Month March Arts Education/Youth Art Month March 2 Read Across America Day March 5 Black American Day (Crispus Attucks Day) March 7 California Conservation, Bird and Arbor Day Second Sunday of March Daylight Saving Time Begins March 30 Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day March 31 of Service and Learning April Alcohol Awareness Month April Child Abuse Prevention Month First week of April Adult Education Week April 6 California Poppy Day Second full week of April National Library Week April 14 Mendez v. Westminster Second full week of April National Library Week Third Friday of April Day of Silence Third full week of April Public School Volunteer Week April 21 John Muir Day Wednesday of last full week of April Administrative Professionals Day Fourth Thursday of April Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May Labor History Month May National Mental Health Month First full week in May (Mon-Sun) National Chirldren’s Book Week Second Wednesday of of the Teacher May 3 National Two Different Colored Shoes Day May 5 Second Sunday of May Mother’s Day May 17 Anniversary of School Desegregation Ruling (Brown vs. Board of Ed) Third full week of May Classified School Employee Week May 22 Day Last Monday of May Memorial Day June 14 Third Sunday of June Father’s Day

Regulation Established: February 22, 1984 Regulation Revised: