Silent Repose/Commencement 6-16.1

School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Regulation 6-16.1

INSTRUCTION

Silent Repose/Commencement/Pledge of Allegiance

1. Observance of Silent Repose

   In order that the right of every pupil to the free exercise of religion be guaranteed within the schools and that the freedom of each individual pupil be subject to the least possible pressure from the state either to engage in, or to refrain from, religious observation on school grounds, the principal of each school shall establish a daily observance of one minute of silence in each classroom. The teacher responsible for each classroom shall ensure that all pupils remain seated and silent and make no distracting display in order that each pupil may, in the exercise of his or her individual choice, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity which does not interfere with, distract from, or impede other pupils in the like exercise of individual choice.

2. Commencement

   Students who meet the criteria for the awarding of a diploma will be expected to attend the graduation ceremony.

   1. To participate in the graduation ceremony, the student will attend the appropriate rehearsal unless released by the principal.
   2. If a student is not able to attend the rehearsal because of extenuating circumstances, the student will notify the principal as soon as possible. The student will be expected to review the rehearsal with the sponsor or other appropriate personnel.
   3. The principal may exclude a student from participation in the graduation ceremony.
   4. A student who cannot attend the graduation ceremony will inform the school. The student will assume responsibility for securing the diploma from the school after the regular graduation has been held.
   5. Foreign students enrolled in grade 12 may participate in the graduation ceremony but will not receive diplomas.
3. Pledge of Allegiance

   The principal of each school shall ensure the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in each classroom of the school and shall ensure that the flag of the United States is in place in each such classroom. The principal shall determine the appropriate time during the school day for the recitation of the pledge. During such Pledge of Allegiance, students shall stand and recite the Pledge while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or in an appropriate salute if in uniform; however, no student shall be compelled to recite the Pledge if he, his parent or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical, or other grounds to his participating in this exercise. Students who are thus exempt from reciting the Pledge shall remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others who are reciting the Pledge. The principal shall provide appropriate accommodations for students who are unable to comply with the procedures described herein due to disability.

Legal Reference

Code of Vairginia, § 22.1-202. Instruction in history and principles of flags of United States and Virginia; pledge of allegiance to American flag; guidelines developed by the board.

Code of Virginia, § 22.1-203. Daily Observance of one minute of silence.

Approved by Superintendent: July 16, 1991
Revised by Superintendent: October 19, 1993
Revised by Superintendent: February 28, 2001
Revised by Superintendent: July 31, 2001