Administrative Regulation

AR 6115

Instruction

Ceremonies And Observances

Holidays

District schools shall be closed in observance of the following holidays:

New Year's Day January 1

Dr. Martin Luther Third Monday in January or the

King, Jr. Day Monday or Friday of the week in which January 15 occurs

Lincoln Day The Monday or Friday of the week in which February 12 occurs

Washington Day Third Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day First Monday in September

Veteran's Day November 11

Thanksgiving Day That Thursday in November designated by the President

Christmas Day December 25

(cf. 6141.2 - Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs)

Holidays which fall on a Sunday shall be observed the following Monday. Holidays which fall on a Saturday shall be observed the preceding Friday. If any of the above holidays occurs under federal law on a date different from that indicated above, the Board may close the schools on the date recognized by federal law instead of on the date above. (Education Code 37220)

Commemorative Exercises

District schools shall hold exercises to commemorate the following special days:

U.S. Constitution Day On or near September 17

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Day The Friday before the day schools are closed for this holiday

Lincoln's Birthday The school day before the day schools are closed for this holiday

Susan B. Anthony Day February 15

George Washington's Birthday The Friday preceding the third Monday in February

Black American Day March 5

Conservation, Bird and Arbor Day March 7

Classified Employee Week Third Week in May

Patriotic Exercises

Each school shall conduct patriotic exercises daily. At elementary schools, such exercises shall be conducted at the beginning of each school day. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag will fulfill this requirement. (Education Code 52720)

Individuals may choose not to participate in the flag salute for personal reasons.

Display of Flag

The flag of the United States and the flag of California shall be displayed during school days at the entrance or on the grounds of every school. At all times, the national flag shall be placed in the position of first honor. (Government Code 431, 436; 36 USC 174)

Upon order of the President, the national flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States government and the Governor of a state, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag shall be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, the Governor may proclaim that the flag be flown at half-staff. (36 USC 175)

In addition, the national flag shall fly at half-staff: (36 USC 175)

1. For 30 days from the death of the President or a former President

2. For 10 days from the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives

3. From the day of death until internment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of executive or military department, former Vice President, and the Governor of a state

4. On the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: March 8, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California