IMDC Religious Policy - On Hold

RELIGIOUS POLICY

ON HOLD

The Wayland Public Schools recognize the role of public schools in educating all of its students on each and every school day. We believe that teachers must seek to maximize instruction for all students who are present on any given school day. We believe that administrators, teachers, coaches and advisors, and all others dealing with children and families in the Wayland Public Schools, should be sensitive to the participation of students in their own religious observance.

There are some practical guidelines that can help alleviate some of the inevitable tension between public and private commitments.

1. On nights of significant religious holidays, the school will try not to schedule one-time events or meetings which will automatically mean that some students/parents will be unable to attend.

2. On nights of significant religious holidays there is obviously a dilemma about homework, quiz and test preparation. Major tests will not be given on certain designated days (see each year’s school calendar) but homework and quizzes should proceed as usual. Students unprepared on a given school day because of a holiday the previous day or evening may bring a note from home and make up the work in the normal amount of time.

3. Conflicts which occur because of after school and weekend religious instruction are not reasons for altering public school work load or events.

The intent of this policy is to keep separate the important role of public school education and private religious observance. We seek a reasonable balance which prevents the most obvious scheduling conflicts and still protects our schools’ mission to provide a full education experience each school day.

Adopted: 1/31/94

SOURCE: Wayland