Moment of Silence/Pledge of Allegiance 

The Salem City Schools recognize that Virginia law requires the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and daily observance of one minute of silence in each classroom. These will be conducted during the homeroom period ( 8:00-8:15 a.m. each morning) led by the classroom teachers.

During the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, students shall stand and recite the pledge while facing the flag of the United States with their right hand over their heart or in an appropriate salute if in uniform.

However, no student or teacher shall be compelled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance if he, his parents, or legal guardians objects on religious, philosophical, or other grounds to his participation in this exercise. Students who are thus exempt from reciting the Pledge shall remain quietly standing or sitting at their desks while others recite the Pledge and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others who are reciting the Pledge. Principals shall assign another employee to lead the Pledge in classrooms assigned to teachers who are thus exempt.

Students who are unable to comply with the procedures described herein due to disability may participate as they are able or may be excused from participation on request.