STUDENTS 5145

Period of Silent Meditation

1.) General Statement of Policy - Consistent with the mandate of State law, it is the policy of the Manchester Board of Education to provide an opportunity at the start of every school day for each student and each teacher to observe a time of silent meditation.

2.) Procedure - At the beginning of each school day and prior to the commencement of school activities, the principal of the school or his designee for such purpose shall announce over the public address system the commencement of a one-minute period for silent meditation.

At such time those students and teachers who wish may utilize such period of silent meditation. Any student who chooses not to engage in such silent meditation shall nevertheless remain quietly seated in the classroom. Any teacher who chooses not to engage in such silent meditation shall nevertheless remain in the classroom to provide professional supervision. No statement or action by the principal, teacher or other Board employee shall connote a religious purpose to the act of silent meditation. Attendance shall not be taken until after the period for silent meditation has been completed.

This policy is to become effective September 29, 1975.

Adopted: September 22, 1975