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Gilbert board approves first reading to add 9/11 education and Sandra Day O’Connor civics days to policy 5-201
Summary
The board approved the first reading of policy 5-201, renaming it to 'patriotic exercises and observance days' and defining two observance days — a 9/11 education day and a Sandra Day O'Connor civic celebration day — with direction to use State Board of Education civics resources aligned to ARS 15-701 and 15-701.01.
The Gilbert Public Schools governing board voted to approve the first reading of a revised policy 5-201 that shortens the policy title to "patriotic exercises and observance days" and defines specific observance days and expectations for civics instruction.
Under the proposed changes spoken to the board, September 11 "shall be observed as 9/11 education day" with age-appropriate instruction for grades 7–12 about the 2001 terrorist attacks; September 25 "shall be observed as Sandra Day O'Connor Civic Celebration Day" and schools would dedicate the majority of the day to civics education. Superintendent Doctor McCorden told the board the superintendent is directed to emphasize resources developed by the State Board of Education that align to academic standards in social studies pursuant to ARS 15-701 and ARS 15-701.01.
Board members asked about what "dedicating the majority of the school day to civics education" would look like in practice; Doctor McCorden suggested it could be integrated across subjects and used to augment, not replace, existing curriculum and estimated "let's just figure on 6 hours a day" as a practical example for integration on an elementary schedule. He said teachers would have a degree of autonomy and the district's social studies coordinator (Woody Hodges, named in the presentation) would provide guidance and lesson suggestions.
The motion for the first read was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Because this is a first reading, the policy is not yet final and will return to the board for subsequent steps required by district policy.
