8/15/14 - The Brighton Board of Education this week narrowly passed a resolution recognizing Patriot Week, after considerable debate about what the observance entails and whether there was a need for formal recognition of the week. The resolution was for the purpose of recognizing Patriot Week, with the plan that administration has set forth. The debate revolved around the fact that, according to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Laura Surrey, the district already has an extensive program in place at all grade levels that encourages students to be patriotic and be mindful of the history of this country. The week starts on Sept. 11th, which is known as 9-11, the date of the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in 2001. It ends on Sept. 17th, which is Constitution Day - the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The state legislature has already "recognized" Patriot Week, although it has not yet formally designated the week of Sept. 11-17 as Patriot Week. In pressing her case against formal recognition of the week, Surrey told the board that patriotism, and the celebration of Constitution Day, is a long tradition in the Brighton Area Schools and many educational activities already take place each year. In addition, Surrey said that being patriotic and respecting the Constitution are taught throughout elementary and secondary schools in Brighton, and are part of regular civics classes. The discussion at the meeting over Patriot Week evolved into criticism of some district schools in the past for not having a U.S. flag in each classroom. Surrey said that although that may have been true at one time, it's no longer the case. Additionally, she said that all classrooms recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning and schedule many patriotic events that are interspersed throughout the school year. Surrey said as a result, "mandating" or institutionalizing Patriot Week is unnecessary. However, Surrey said she would comply with any board directive. Such directives must come through Superintendent Greg Gray. As envisioned by its founder, Oakland County Judge Michael B. Warren, Patriot Week also endeavors to honor the Founding Fathers, along with Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and Abraham Lincoln, and promote respect for the U.S. flag. Board President Nick Fiani pointed out that by passing the resolution, Brighton would be in good company, since several Oakland County school districts have passed measures recognizing Patriot Week. The resolution offered at Monday's Brighton school board meeting passed 4-3 with Miles Vieau, John Conely, Bill Trombley, and Fiani voting yes and Bill Anderson, Jay Krause, and Beth Minert voting no. (TT)
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