File:  JHE - OBSERVANCE OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

1.  Excused absences from school are allowed on major religious holidays so that students may freely participate in their religious activities without conflict with their school obligations. Due to differences in religious practices, observance by individual students will not be uniform. Parents/Guardians may, in writing, excuse their students from school for any religious days important to the child's religious beliefs.

2.  All students in the Framingham Public Schools are required to make up work covered and assignments made during an excused absence from school. This practice shall be applicable to students who are absent due to religious observance. Such work shall be made up at the student's initiative without loss of credit no later than five (5) school days following their return to school after absence.

3.  New content/topics may be introduced on the day of a major religious holiday, but educators should consider planning such new work on the holiday.

4.  Assistance in the introduction of new content/topics for students absent on religious holidays will be provided by the teacher.

5.  No homework should be given if the next day is a major religious holiday as defined by the school calendar.

This policy was updated and approved by the Framingham School Committee in Open Session on May 3, 2023