Master index a

Use of School Facilities/Grounds for Memorial Services and Funerals

Furthermore, the Board of Education believes learning best takes place in an environment protected from undue emotional stress. Therefore, the regular school day will not be shortened or dismissed in order for students and staff to attend a funeral or memorial service. Students who wish to attend funerals or memorial services will be released with parental permission. In that same vein, school activities and games will continue as scheduled except when the Superintendent, in the event of a catastrophic event (such as an accident with multiple student/staff deaths), determines that such activities would be inappropriate.

It is the belief of the school district that using school grounds or facilities for memorial and/or funeral services is not in the best interest of all students. Therefore, the granting of such requests during school time is prohibited. Requests for use of school grounds or facilities for such purposes after school and on weekends will be discouraged.

Memorials

Louisburg USD 416 has an established Educational Foundation. One purpose of the Foundation is for receiving and administering monetary memorials given in memory of an alumnus, student or staff member. This is the preferred method of establishing memorials.

Other appropriate memorials:

1. 
   Scholarships and endowments in memory of a deceased student or staff member.
   
2. 
   Donated books, CD’s, videos, or other materials recommended by the principal and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. These educational materials may have wording limited to “Donated in Memory of …” on the item. Disposal of the donated item, due to its being outdated or obsolete is at the discretion of the school board or designee.
   
3. 
   Permanent items (benches, picnic tables, playground equipment, etc.) may be purchased and placed in a location specified by the Director of Buildings and Operations. A plaque with wording limited to “Donated in Memory of …” may be affixed to the structure. Disposal of the donated item, due to its being outdated or obsolete is at the discretion of the school board or designee.
   
4. 
   Trees, shrubs, or other perennials on school grounds may be permitted provided that the location has received prior approval from the Director of Buildings and Operations. It will be with the understanding that the plant may not survive weather conditions and may be removed if deemed appropriate and necessary for the overall operation and plan of the school.
   
5. 
   A flower bouquet may be on display at graduation ceremonies in a location deemed appropriate by the high school principal acknowledging that it is “In memory of all deceased students who were a part of this graduating class.” This will only be done if requested by the parent(s) of one of the deceased students.
   
6. 
   Memorial pages dedicated to the deceased may be placed in student yearbooks, student newspapers or other student publications only after approval of the school board or designee.