Presidents Address to Students next week and the note home

[IdClaire]

UNBELIEVABLE. Well, maybe believable considering where I reside.
We got a letter home from school today in Fulton County which says "As you know, the Fulton County School System focuses on instruction and teaching the states new curriculum, the GPS, so that students can achieve-and exceed- their personal and educational goals." "Daily instructional time is a precious resource; therefore, schools are under no obligation to watch the hour long address, either through the webcast or on CSPAN....Parents who do not wish for their child to view the presidential address or participate in any class discussion on the topic should complete this form and return it to their teacher".

If this is any indication, the right seems to believe he will be spending his time during the speech swinging a bright object back and forth while indoctrinating our kids. "public option, gay marriage" etc etc.

I am drafting a letter to my principal. Any ideas or suggestions on what to say?

By the way, the speech according to the ed.gov website is about encouraging persistance and success in school and it lasts all of about 20 minutes. Hardly an indoctrination speech.

[rwheeler31]

1. When did this school district stop respecting the

the President of the United States?

[countingbluecars]

2. My school system in Northern Virginia

will not be showing the President's address at all. I sent emails to all school board members, superintendent, and the local NAACP.

My letter to our Superintendent

Dear Dr. Hatrick,

I was very disturbed to learn that Loudoun County Schools will not be sharing President Obama's educational address with the students of Loudoun County. What better way to start the school year than with words of encouragement and motivation from the President of the United States. Also, in a country and county where minority achievement still lags, I find this missed opportunity to hear the first African American president talk about the value of education most distressing. I have a hard time believing that, as the newspaper stated, Loudoun's decision was made for logistical, not political, reasons. I was a teacher in the county for 30 years and know that the first day of school is a perfect day for words of motivation! Even on the busy first days of school for teachers, I always looked forward to your motivational welcome back address.

Sincerely,


This is one reply I received from the Assistant Superintendent

Dear :
As you may imagine the school system is receiving messages from parents on both sides of this issue. Below is the response that Dr. Hatrick, our Superintendent, offered to another parent. It is an accurate explanation of the situation on the first day of school, but certainly does not preclude teachers from deciding to use the President's speech at an alternate time.

"We are not asking schools to stop their first day activities to view the live broadcast of the President's speech. The speech will be available to download after the initial broadcast, and teachers may view the speech to determine its applicability to civics or social studies classes. I'm sure you can appreciate that the first day of school is tightly scheduled, and the time chosen for the broadcast is in the middle of some students' lunch period. The procedure of seeing the speech and then deciding how to use it effectively is the same that was used when President George H. W. Bush made a similar speech to students. By the way, that speech evoked similar controversy prior to its delivery. I hope this helps you understand our direction."

[IdClaire]

4. good ideas

about sending letters to the board and Superintendent and NAACP. I will do that. I'll be interested to hear if teachers are allowed to show the speech and which ones will.
I didn't realize the same thing happened with Bush. My kids weren't in school yet. Honestly, I don't think EVEN Bush would have used a speech to children nationwide to for instance, talk about weapons of mass destruction being found. I would have seen it as one of the things presidents do.

[Iris]

3. This doesn't makes sense. There's a form to fill out if you DON'T want your kid to watch

which indicates they are apparently planning to watch even though "schools are under no oblication to watch the hour long address..." (b/c a presidential speech is so clearly not educational)?

the letter you describe is full of contradictions. Why fill out a form for your child NOT to watch if there's not plan to watch anyway?

[IdClaire]

6. the letter is definitely convaluted..

I can't tell if our school is going to watch it or not. That's one of the things I"m going to ask the principal.

[Iris]

9. well, keep us posted.

I actually live in Fulton County, too. Did you know there are state forums at DU? You might get some reaction from other people here if you post this story on the Georgia forum.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

5. Dear principal,

Are you a fucking moron? Why are you bending over for these crazy racist nutjobs?

Fuck you,
Parent.

[IdClaire]

7. LMAO!

I like it. It's short and to the point.:toast:

[countingbluecars]

8. That about sums it up!

I was a bit more tactful in my letters, but I was thinking what you said.