A group of about a dozen parents and 30 children prayed at the flagpole in front of East Hanover Elementary School in East Hanover Twp., Lebanon County this morning as a “See You At the Pole” observance, while three representatives from atheist groups held protest signs.

“Thank you for our freedom,” prayed parent Randy Bauman. Of the group’s prayer, he said, “We know that it does make a difference.”

Carl Silverman of Camp Hill, a member of Pennsylvania Nonbelievers, said he was concerned the event was going to be held at 8:50 a.m., which is when school starts, according to a flyer sent home with students. He also took issue with the “opt out” box on the form for students who weren’t going to participate.

The event began about 8:40 a.m. as school buses were arriving, and was over at 8:50 a.m. Many parents brought their children by car.

Northern Lebanon School District Superintendent Don Bell, contacted while on vacation, said the letter to parents had gone out without his approval, and said the event cannot be held during the school day.

Parent Jess Grimes said she felt praying at the flagpole “was a great start to the day” for her seven-year-old son. “It was important for him to come and see other kids gathering in unity, in the name of the Lord,” she said.

“We don’t care if they pray...But don’t intermingle it with school, said Ernest Perce of Enola, state director of American Atheists Inc.