8220 - SCHOOL DAY

1. Opening Exercises

   1. Each school day and special program may begin with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

   2. Only those students who have conscientious scruples against such a pledge or salute, or are children of accredited representatives of foreign governments to whom the United States extends diplomatic immunity will be excused from repeating the Pledge of Allegiance. Such students should show respect by remaining silent.

   3. If a student or teacher is in the hall or office during the Pledge of Allegiance, s/he must stand and remain silent.

   4. Religious readings or exercises shall not be a part of opening, closing, or any other exercise for any school day.

2. Announcements

   Principals may allow notices of general interest to be broadcast over the school loudspeaker at designated times in accordance with the following rules:

   1. No announcement shall be read which has not been approved.

   2. Announcements may be made for the following:

      1. any school-sponsored activity

      2. organizations using Corporation facilities for student activities

      3. nonreligious, noncommercial, nonpolitical community groups

3. Flag Display

   1. The American Flag and the Indiana State Flag are to be flown at all schools on days when schools are in session.

   2. The plant operator is responsible for raising and lowering the flags and for maintaining them in proper condition.

   3. The flags are flown at half-staff on order of the President or the Governor. They may not be flown at half-staff as a form of political or other dissent.

4. School Assemblies

   The principal is responsible for the scheduling and operation of all assemblies in his/her building. Each assembly should be directly related to accomplishing one or more of the Corporation's goals for students and should interfere as little as possible with the academic program.

5. School Closings

   Whenever a school is closed due to a calamity such as hazardous weather, utility failure, and the like, all school-sponsored activities are to be considered cancelled until further notice or the resumption of school.

   At the high school level(s), if conditions improve later in the day, the principal will be responsible for recommending to the Superintendent which, if any, school-sponsored activities may take place. The determination is to be made using the following criteria:

   1. Staff, students, and/or parents can be notified effectively and without unbudgeted costs about the necessary details related to attendance requirements, location, schedule, and the conduct of the activity.

   2. The staff needed to conduct the activity properly is available and there are no unscheduled or unapproved costs to the Corporation.

   3. Any necessary transportation is readily available and the road conditions have been deemed to be safe by the local law enforcement agency.

   If the activity has been scheduled to take place at a noncorporation location, particularly at another school corporation, the principal should find out whether or not the activity is still scheduled and assess the weather and other conditions between the Corporation and the location.