§4805. Other special observances

Other special observances shall be as follows.   [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1.  Flag.  It shall be the duty of instructors to impress upon the youth by suitable references and observances the significance of the flag, to teach them the cost, the object and principles of our government, the inestimable sacrifices made by the founders of our Nation, the important contribution made by all who have served in the armed services of our country since its inception and to teach them to love, honor and respect the flag of our country that costs so much and is so dear to every true American citizen.

[PL 1985, c. 103, §3 (AMD).]

2.  Period of silence.  The school board of a school administrative unit may require, at the commencement of the first class of each day in all grades in all public schools in their unit, that the teacher in charge of the room in which each class is held shall announce that a period of silence shall be observed for reflection or meditation and during that period silence shall be maintained and no activities engaged in.

[PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3.  American History Month.  American History Month is the month of February, in accordance with Title 1, section 113.

[PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4.  Maine Cultural Heritage Week.  Maine Cultural Heritage Week is the week containing March 15th, in accordance with Title 1, section 118.

[PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5.  Arbor Week.  Arbor Week is the 3rd full week in May, in accordance with Title 1, section 111-A.

[PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6.  National Women's History Week.  National Women's History Week is the week containing March 8th, in accordance with Title 1, section 122.

[PL 1983, c. 719, §2 (NEW).]

7.  Maine Business Women's Week.  Maine Business Women's Week is the 3rd full week in October in accordance with Title 1, section 124.

[PL 1985, c. 31, §2 (NEW).]

8.  Deaf Culture Week.  Deaf Culture Week is the last full week in September in accordance with Title 1, section 132.

[PL 1991, c. 279, §4 (NEW).]

9.  Religious holidays.  A public school may acknowledge religious holidays by conveying a message of pluralism and freedom of belief in some manner or form that does not endorse religion. In determining whether an acknowledgement endorses religion, school officials shall consider the context in which the acknowledgement appears or occurs.

[PL 1993, c. 581, §1 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1981, c. 693, §§5,8 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 719, §2 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 31, §2 (AMD). PL 1985, c. 103, §3 (AMD). PL 1991, c. 279, §4 (AMD). PL 1993, c. 581, §1 (AMD).