IMDC - THE CELEBRATION OF HOLIDAYS
OurTHE nation'sCELEBRATION historyOF isHOLIDAYS
Regional School Unit 1 may neither promote nor inhibit religious belief or non-belief, so long as expressions of religious belief or non-belief are consistent with embracingschool rules and respect the rights of others.
The Board directs its administrators, teachers, and students, with the cooperation of parents and community, to make practical and reasonable decisions regarding religious holidays aswhen partin school. This requires sensitivity to the needs of every student and a willingness to steer a course between the avoidance of all references to religion, on the one hand, and the promotion of religion on the other.
The intent of this policy and related regulations, which reflect and balance the academic and instructional mission of our cultural heritage. In a nation as diverse as America, we haveschools, the unusuallaw, opportunityand legal guidelines related to integrate appropriate levels of study and
celebration of holiday celebrations that are rooted in our tradition. We
acknowledge the strict provision for separation of church and schoolstate, inthe regardsrichness and diversity of our population, and sensitivity to the school'srights responsibilityand dignity of the individual, as they relate to refrainthe from supportcelebration of anyholidays.
The doctrinefollowing guidelines will apply to the celebration of holidays:
A. Holidays, which have a religious origin, may be acknowledged in the public schools.
B. The historical and celebratorycontemporary eventsvalues and the origin of those holidays may be explained in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.
C. Music, art, literature, and drama, having religious themes or basis, will neverbe permitted as part of the curricula for school-sponsored activities and programs, if presented in an objective manner.
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The duration of such programs and activities, which should be linked to the school’s curriculum, should not exceed a period of time equivalent to the academic value of the program or activity.
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Activities, including any party-like celebration, should not exceed one hour at the end of the session on the identified day.
D. Symbols that are a part of a religion are permitted provided such symbols are displayed as examples of the cultural and religious heritage of the holiday and are temporary in nature.
E. Symbols that are a part of religious holiday, but have acquired a secular meaning are permitted.
F. Acknowledgement of a holiday will emphasize the historical, cultural, and social value of the holiday and the associated religion and will not be used to inculcateendorse religiousany beliefs.religion or holiday.
Therefore,Cross itReference: isACAAB–Equity, the policy of Regional School Unit 1 (RSU 1) to support
a balanced approach to all holiday celebrations, musical events, playsDiversity and other related school activities and classroom activities. The school
principal, in concert with the school staff, will make appropriate
decisions about holiday celebrations that best relate to the provisions
of this policy. Parental concerns are to be addressed to the school
principal and then to the school superintendent.
Legal References:
Title 1 MRSA Section 111-A-118 Florey v. Sioux Falls School District 619 F.2d 1311, 1319, (8th Cir. 1980). Clever v. Cherry Hill Township Board of Education, 838 F. Supp. 929 (D.N.J. 1993).Inclusion
Adopted: January 20, 2009
Revised: April 27, 2026