SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 69 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 8, 2008 Designating the first full week in February, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Humane Education Week in Virginia and encouraging the Department of Education to advise all public school divisions in Virginia to participate in the week. ---------- Patron-- Vogel ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, the safety of children and the humane treatment of animals are commonly held goals of all citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, companion animals, properly treated, provide inestimable joy, comfort, solace, and companionship to their human keepers and the world at large; and

WHEREAS, children are our future and must be properly guided by society in their relationship with each other and the creatures around them; and

WHEREAS, the Humane Education program will be developed as an official Department of Education curriculum that teaches students responsible ownership of companion animals, but will not be included in the Standards of Learning; and

WHEREAS, at the discretion of the jurisdiction, instruction may be provided by volunteers or outside humane organizations with classroom time scheduled outside normal school hours of operation, but with course credit nevertheless; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate the first full week in February, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Humane Education Week in Virginia and encourage the Department of Education to require that all public schools in Virginia participate in the week. The Department of Education shall advise all public school divisions that they are currently permitted to provide appropriate instruction regarding the humane treatment of animals and animal safety utilizing volunteers and external materials. The Department of Education is requested to ascertain the best educational practices and programs currently employed by school divisions in the Commonwealth to improve animal safety and the humane treatment of animals; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the President of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, requesting that they further disseminate copies of this resolution to their respective constituents so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.