BP 6115Ceremonies and Observances

Patriotic Exercises
The School Board encourages activities that instill pride in our country, state, borough, town or village. The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited or patriotic exercises conducted each day.
The District respects the legal right of individuals not to participate in the salute to the flag for personal reasons. An individual not participating in the salute of the flag must maintain a respectful silence. Students will not be compelled, reprimanded or punished for electing not to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.
This policy shall be posted in the Parent/Student Handbook annually. Employees will also be notified annually.

Special Days and Events
District schools shall commemorate special days and events in accordance with state and/or federal law. Schools are encouraged to recognize days and events of local significance as a way of celebrating and recognizing place and local culture as an important part of the educational day.
District schools shall be closed in observance of Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July.
Holidays which fall on a Sunday shall be observed the following Monday. Holidays which fall on a Saturday shall be observed the preceding Friday.

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
14.03.050 School holidays
14.03.130 Display of flag and pledge of allegiance
41.15.900 Observance of Arbor Day

West Virginia State Board of Education, et Inal. v. Burnette, et al 319 U.S. 624 (1943)4

Banks v. Board of Public Instruction , 314 F. Supp. 285

Hanover v. Northrup, 325 F. Supp. 170