Office of School Board Members
Board Meeting of May 13, 1998

Dr. Michael M. Krop, Member

SUBJECT:  OBSERVANCE OF AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

Three of this county's most important holidays occur in spring and early summer.  These are days on which the meaning of being an American becomes clear; days which draw us together, which make us proud to live up to the vision of the founders of our nation.

Although it is critical that our students understand the reasons for observing Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, they will not attend school on these days, making appropriate celebration a challenge.  Our schools should, therefore, make special efforts to ensure that the true meaning of these holidays is conveyed to all our students.

Florida Statue 233.061 mandates that public schools will teach students:

(a).  The content of the Declaration of Independence and how it forms the philosophical foundation of our government.
(b).  The arguments in support of adopting our republican form of government, as they are embodied in the most important of the Federalist Papers.
(c).  The essentials of the United States Constitution and how it provides the structure of our government.
(d).  Flag education, including proper flag display and flag salute.

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, occurs this year on May 25.  Originally called Decoration Day, this day of remembrance of those who have died in our nation's service began in 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers.  Observance of Memorial Day is one of America's noblest traditions.  At its core lies the most basic of the beliefs on which our Nation was founded:  that freedom is so precious it is worth the price of our lives to preserve it.

On June 14^th, Flag Day, we mark the birthday of the Stars and Stripes, the national flag of the United States, which the Continental Congress adopted in 1777.  Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877 and became official in 1949, when President Harry Truman signed legislation making it a day of national observance.  Last year, President Clinton stated, "Let us do all we can to teach younger generations the significance of our Flag.  Its 13 red and white stripes represent not only the original colonies, but also the courage and purity of our Nation, while its 50 stars stand for the separate but united states of our Union.  Let us pledge allegiance to this flag to declare our patriotism and raise its colors high to express our pride and respect for the American way of life."

With the signing of The Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, we declared our independence from England.  Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty.  Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people.  That day saw the beginning of a journey that has brought us through struggles and adversity to become the proud and strong nation we are today.  On the Fourth of July we remember who we are, where we've come from and what we've accomplished as a people.

Objectives and strategies to achieve understanding of the significance of these holidays appear in grades K through 12 of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Competency Based Curriculum.

ACTION PROPOSED BY DR. MICHEAL KROP:
That The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, authorize the Superintendent to take steps to ensure that all students are taught the meaning of Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day, and are given the opportunity for observance and celebration.