File: IE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
The Buena Vista City School Board recognizes that a moment of silence before each school day prepares students and staff for their respective work or school days. Therefore, each teacher shall observe a moment of silence at the beginning of the first class of each school day.
The teacher responsible for each class shall make sure that each student: (1) remains seated and silent and (2) does not disrupt or distract other students during the moment of silence. The moment may be used for any lawful silent activity, including personal reflection, prayer and meditation. However, the teacher responsible for each class shall not influence, in any way, students to pray or meditate or not to pray or meditate during the moment of silence. Students and employees are prohibited from praying aloud during the moment of silence.
Adopted: 11/24/03
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Legal Refs: Code of Virginia, § 22.1-203; Virginia State Board of Education “Guidelines Concerning Religious Activity in the Public Schools;” Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38 (1985).
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