8220 - SCHOOL DAY

Defiance City School District

Administrative Guidelines

8220 - SCHOOL DAY

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.

	B.	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 by the principal.
		2.	Announcements may be made for the following:

			a.	any school-sponsored activity
			b.	organizations using District facilities for student activities
			c.	nonreligious, noncommercial, nonpolitical community groups
			d.	Notices which constitute advertising are not allowed.
			e.	No announcements, other than emergencies, are to be made during any class period.

Flag Display

		1.	The American Flag, not less than five (5) feet in length, is to be flown at all schools on days when schools are in session.
		2.	The principal is responsible for seeing that the flag is raised and lowered.
		3.	The flag is flown at half-staff on order of the President or the Governor. It may not be flown at half-staff as a form of political or other dissent.

	D.	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 District's goals for students and should interfere as little as possible with the academic program.
	E.	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.

If conditions improve later in the day, the principal will be responsible for recommending to the Superintendent which, if any, school-sponsored activities could take place. The recommendation 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 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 District.
		3.	Students have been informed that their participation is not required and they will not be penalized for nonparticipation.
		4.	Any necessary transportation is readily available and the road conditions have been deemed to be safe by the local police, sheriff's department, or the highway patrol.

If the activity has been scheduled to take place at a nondistrict location, particularly at another school district, the Superintendent should determine whether or not the activity is still scheduled and the weather and other conditions between the District and the location and at the location.