Port Matilda Elementary School Kindergarteners (left to right) Brandon Adams,5, Haley Reese,5, and Danielle Harvey,5, participate in a school wide Pledge of Allegiance out front of the school on September 28, 2005.
Posted on 09/29/2005 12:33:04 PM PDT by TheBigB
PORT MATILDA -- Hands on their hearts, students at Port Matilda Elementary School gave a public recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance Wednesday morning -- an event school officials called a public display of patriotism.
Stationed outside around the school's flag pole, Bald Eagle Area school board President Keith Reese led 195 students in kindergarten through sixth grade in the annual recitation. They were joined by Superintendent Daniel Fisher, Port Matilda Mayor Vi Duncan and police and fire officials.
"It's something we really value, which is why we continue it," said Principal Barry Bowe, noting the outdoor recitation began in 2001, in response to the Sept. 11 attacks.
In light of a recent court ruling declaring the use of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional in the Sacramento (Calif.) School District, Bowe said, this year's recitation came as a reaffirmation of the community's sense of patriotism.
"I think our community expects us to say it," he said. "Our community assumes it is a part of what we teach the children."
Students at the school are taught the Pledge and its significance in kindergarten.
"They don't understand the words, but they understand it means pride for their country," said kindergarten teacher Laurice Mitchell.
"We tell them to have proud backs," she said, "and we tell them to use the hand closest to the door."
The principal said there have not been any objections to students saying the Pledge, or anyone opting to not say it, that he knows of. If there were, he said, the student would have the option to sit out.
Over the years, though, Fisher said, there have been a few students who have exercised the option not to participate.
PA ping! :o)
I bet our Patriotic Canteeners would like this story! :o)
" in kindergarten. They don't understand the words"
They shouldn't feel bad. Dumbo-rats with grown-up bodies don't understand the words, either!
Outtasight & Supertight!
Cool PA story!
BTW - I'm headed your way - sort of - for Thanksgiving! I'll get to see Gramma in Franklin! Woohooo!
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