Logan High Vice Principal Robert Henke last week distributed flags to teachers in anticipation of a policy that goes into effect this morning, requiring students there to recite the Pledge once a week.

Henke said the policy will do more than put the school in compliance with legislation passed in 2003 requiring Utah's elementary students to recite the pledge at the beginning of each day, and secondary students to do so once a week.

"Besides that, I think that's an important part of school - learning patriotism and learning to honor and respect the flag and what it represents," Henke said.

Paul Puzey, curriculum coordinator for the Utah State Office of Education, says he frequently visits elementary and secondary schools throughout Utah, where he regularly sees students reciting the Pledge. Puzey said he doesn't know of any schools that aren't in compliance with the state law and he hasn't heard any complaints about the practice.

Logan High geography teacher Emily Monroe likes the idea of requiring the Pledge.

"It's a great way for kids to learn the respect that a lot of their grandparents and other people have for the flag that they had to fight for," Monroe said.

And Logan High math teacher Monica Chase says the practice of reciting the Pledge was something that she and her classmates did while growing up and without question.

Chase has a small American flag and a wall bracket for her classroom - as well as a notice, required to be placed in a conspicuous place, that states, "If you wish to be excused from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, you must submit a written request from your parents or legal guardian."

Although Logan school officials haven't had any "major problems" since the pending policy was announced in the school newspaper on March 25, not everyone on campus is expected to embrace the requirement to pledge.

Michael Graves, a junior at Logan High, said he supports the requirement - with some reservations.

A self-described atheist, Graves said he is a very patriotic person who refuses to include "God" in his recitation.

"The original Pledge of Allegiance did not have 'God' in it. That was added later on," said Graves, who said he discussed his concerns with Logan High Principal Patricia Hansen as soon as he learned about the new policy.

Graves expects some Logan High students to buck the requirement Monday - by presenting waivers signed by their parents, by refusing to stand and participate, and even by demonstrating with signs. Graves will not be among what is expected to be a small contingency.

"I love America. I still believe in showing respect for the country, so I will participate, but I won't be saying 'God,' " he said. "I don't believe people should be forced to say it. That's a total mix of church and state, and that goes against everything this country was founded on."

Henke said faculty and administrators will respond to student concerns - to a degree.

"We're going to try to be professional about it and try to respect their wishes," he said, "but we will encourage them to follow the law."

ajbrunson@comcast.net