At the discretion of the Superintendent, a moment of silence may be provided each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. However, under no circumstances shall students be compelled to participate.

The flag of the United States shall be raised above each school and/or at other appropriate places during all school sessions, weather permitting. The flag shall be raised before the opening of school and taken down at its close every day.

The mottoes of the United States of America ("In God We Trust") and the State of Ohio ("With God, All Things Are Possible") shall be displayed in an appropriate manner in a classroom, auditorium, or cafeteria of a school building of the District, if copies of the mottoes or money to purchase copies of the mottoes are donated to the District. The donated or purchased copies of the mottoes shall meet the applicable design requirements as provided by statute.

Furthermore, the Board requires that an observance be scheduled each year on or about Veterans Day to convey the meaning and significance of that day to all students and staff. The amount of time each school devotes to this observance shall be at least one (1) hour or, in schools that schedule class periods of less than one (1) hour, at least one (1) standard class period. The Board shall determine the specific activities to constitute observance in each school in the District after consulting with the school's administrators.

Professional staff members are authorized to lead students in the Pledge of Allegiance at an appropriate time each school day. However, no student shall be compelled/required to participate in the recitation of the Pledge. Additionally, the Board prohibits the intimidation of any student by other students or staff for the purposes of coercing participation.

R.C. 3313.601, 3313.602, 3313.76, 3313.77
20 U.S.C. 4071 et seq.
Gregoire vs. Centennial School District 907 F.2d 1366, (3rd Circuit, 1990)
Lee vs. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992)

Revised 12/19/02
Revised 6/18/07