Upper Arlington City School District
Administrative Guidelines
 

8220 - SCHOOL DAY
 A.Opening Exercises
  Each school day and special program may begin with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
  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.
  Religious readings or exercises shall not be a part of opening, closing, or any other exercise for any school day.
 B.Announcements
  Principals may allow notices of general interest to be broadcast over the school loudspeaker at designated times; however, no announcement shall be read which has not been approved and initialed by the principal.
 C.Flag Display
  The American Flag is to be flown at all schools on days when schools are in session.
 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.Any necessary transportation is readily available.
 

If the activity has been scheduled to take place at a nondistrict location, particularly at another school district, the principal/Athletic Director 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.
   
 

If the activity is to take place within the District, it can be scheduled providing the above criteria have been met.

   
 

If it becomes necessary to close a school or schools during the school day, parents shall be so informed immediately through the Columbus radio and television stations and, when possible, direct communication. In case parents do not want their children to go home under such conditions (e.g., working parents or parents who are only away from home occasionally) they shall be notified by the building principals of their responsibility to inform their children where they are to go.