Sikeston R-6

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P 6118- Ceremonies and Observances

The Board of Education recognizes the value of district-sponsored programs and ceremonies during school hours and at other appropriate times. Recognizing achievement and talent encourages further learning. District-sponsored programs, ceremonies and observances also provide an opportunity to involve the community in public education.

Programs, Ceremonies and Observances

 The flag of the United States of America will be prominently displayed, either on the outside of the building or upon a pole erected in the school yard, at every school in the district during school hours.

  1. Pursuant to state law, the Pledge of Allegiance will be recited in at least one scheduled class of every student no less than once per school day. However, in accordance with law, no student will be required to participate in the recitation.
  2. The text of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution will be displayed in all school buildings in a conspicuous and legible manner.
  3. Teachers and students should observe the following days with the appropriate exercises, as required by law:
    • Bird Appreciation Day (March 21)
    • Prisoners of War Remembrance Day (April 9)
    • Patriots' Day (April 19)
    • Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17, or the preceding or following week if this date falls on a weekend or holiday)
    • Missouri Day (the third Wednesday of October)
    • Veterans Day (as closely as possible to November 11)
    • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)
  4. The district may observe the following days and months, as recommended in state statute:
    • Missouri Lifelong Learning Month (February)
    • Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Week (the first week of March)
    • Arbor Day (the first Friday in April)
    • Jefferson Day (April 13)
    • Emancipation Day (June 19)
    • Emergency Services Day (September 11)
    • POW/MIA Recognition Day (the third Friday of September)
    • Disability History and Awareness Month (October)
    • Bill of Rights Day (December 15)
  5. The district may host a diploma ceremony on or around Veterans Day for any veteran receiving an honorary diploma from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) pursuant to "Operation Recognition."
  6. Each school in the district shall, prior to any scheduled Veterans Day observance, conduct programs and activities that convey the meaning and significance of Veterans Day. Veterans Day observances will be held as closely as possible to November 11, and the duration of activities and programs that lead up to such an observance shall be the equivalent of at least one class period.

The superintendent or designee will create administrative procedures addressing how ceremonies and observances will be conducted.

Religious Content in Programs and Ceremonies

The schools of the Sikeston R-6 School District, as well as all employees of the district as governmental o?cials, are required by law to remain neutral and refrain from endorsing any particular religious belief. However, this policy should not be interpreted to preclude the factual and objective teaching about religions, religious holidays and religious differences.

In particular, music, art, literature and drama with religious themes and programs involving religious themes will be permitted if presented in an objective manner, without sectarian indoctrination. Religious content included in any student performance or ceremony will be selected on the basis of independent educational merit.

To the extent required by law, district employees or o?cials shall not lead attendees of a district-sponsored event in prayer or any other religious ritual, nor shall they direct, whether implicitly or explicitly, a student to lead attendees in a prayer or any other religious ritual. However, this policy shall not be used to deny any student, employee or district official any personal legal right of expression.

Special Consideration

Parents who wish their children to be excused from certain activities or observances should notify the building principal in writing annually. These students will be provided appropriate study activities in lieu of participation.

Parents who object to their children pledging "allegiance" to the flag should make the principal or teacher aware of their objections. Arrangements will be made for the student to remain seated and silent, or if parents prefer, the student will be given permission to leave the room during the time the pledge is being given.


Last Updated: February 2021