One School Superintendent w/ Backbone & A Clear Head

[Hissyspit]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/9/5/777645/-A-Breath-of-Fresh-AirOne-Superintendent-with-backbone-and-a-clear-head.

A Breath of Fresh Air -- One Superintendent with backbone and a clear head.
by Russells 10

Sat Sep 05, 2009 at 06:25:45 PM PDT

From the Superintendent of schools in Westport, CT:
Russells 10's diary :: ::

Dear Parent:

The President of the United States, Barack Obama, duly elected by the people of the United States, will be addressing our Nation’s children on Tuesday, September 8. In so doing, our President, like his earlier predecessor, George H.W. Bush, will be delivering an important message to the young people of our great country that calls on them to do their best in school by working hard so they can be successful in their personal lives and in the global environment in which they will live and that will challenge them in every way in the years to come.

As Superintendent of Schools, I am pleased that the President of the United States will be taking time from his busy schedule to deliver this important message to our students.

I have instructed our building principals and classroom teachers at all school levels that I am fully supportive of having them integrate the message of the President of the United States into their lessons on Tuesday, or on any subsequent date. Toward this end, we will be televising President Obama’s speech, video streaming it, or recording it on DVDs for teacher use. I anticipate that our professional administrative and teaching staffs will incorporate the President’s presentation into classroom instruction in the best way possible to enhance this learning opportunity for our students.

MORE

[Creena]

1. They're not just mythical creatures!

I can't believe one exists. Why can't there be more like this person?

The district serving my area doesn't start until 9/10, but the neighboring district posted this message:

Parents,

Our offices have received many communications with varying thoughts on student viewing of the live webcast of President Obama’s speech to school children scheduled for the morning of our first day of school. Our primary goal is to provide our students and parent community with a successful and positive experience on opening day. Therefore, we are not encouraging nor discouraging classroom viewing. We will respect the rights and opinions of all our district communities by inviting those parents who prefer an alternative setting for their children (should the speech be viewed at school) to please contact their school principal.

Thank you and welcome to the 2009 - 2010 school year.

[Frouge]

2. How's this for a suggestion

First off, I am not an Obama supporter. I want that out there. He is our President, and deserves the respect every President should have. He has worked hard to get where he is, and was duly elected. For that reason, I am not that concerned about his wanting to speak to students. Reagan, and George Bush Sr. both did the same. The only difference is they both did this late in their presidency (1988 and 1992 respectively). Obama is currently in a fight for one of his favourite projects of health care. So, people are concerned about his scheduling.

How about have the speech around an hour before prime time (networks need money), and allow everyone to watch it with their parents/guardians? That way the message will be delivered, and shared with the whole family. This would assuage the fears of those Obama haters, and give the message to the masses? Or better yet, have it during a sponsored school event. That way more parents will show up and become involved in the local school.

Lets try to make compromises, not chasms.

[dmr]

3. Respectfully disagree.

Our nation has an increasingly alarming record of high school drop-outs.

I applaud our president in attempting to address the importance of having an education, and I am hoping this is one of several messages from our country's leaders in encouraging our children to not only do well, but to try to exceed beyond what may be expected.

When I was in school, President Kennedy challenged us in physical fitness; how wonderful it is another president is challenging our children to succeed in their education. I'm hoping most will take the challenge as well as develop good critical thinking skills.

In this global world where children of other countries are better educated, our nation's future is is at risk.