Our school district's message to parents regarding Tuesday's address to kids.

[subcomhd]

Presidential Address

On Tuesday September 8th, President Obama is scheduled to give an address targeting students from kindergarten through sixth grade. My official communication from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that this message is to encourage our students to complete school, set educational goals, and assume self-responsibility for their education. This is a message on which we can all agree.

As a district we will NOT be showing this broadcast as a live event. We do not have the capacity to broadcast such an event district-wide without crashing our entire district network.

We will, however, record and show this Presidential speech at a later date. This delay allows us to review the speech, determine its place in curriculum, and design appropriate age-level curriculum surrounding the President’s message. This also allows our staff to edit when appropriate.

I encourage parents to record and review the event and make their own determinations about the appropriateness of the message. Should you determine that you do not want your child to view this Presidential message, please contact your student’s campus with your desire. An educational alternative will be provided without any undue pressure on your student. Parents will be given at least a one week notice prior to viewing the address on campuses.

As a nation, we have a long history of our Presidents addressing students. Ronald Reagan addressed Junior High students in November, 1988 to encourage them to stay in school and take rigorous classes. George H. Bush addressed Junior and Senior High students in November, 1989 to discourage the use of illegal drugs, and again in November, 1991 to urge children to stay in school. President Bush used the latest technology of that era by video-taping his address to Alice Deal Junior High students and sending to school districts nation-wide.

I encourage our parents to use this speech as a teaching moment in their own households. You truly make a difference in their lives.

Roy D. Knight, Superintendent LISD

[LWolf]

1. This is a good message and a reasonable response.

It's true that a whole district trying to stream live can crash the network. In my district, it won't crash. It just won't download after a certain point.

We found that out last January.

[trumad]

2. This one is from my kids high school principal--- I love it.

"I know many of you have become aware that President Obama will make a web address to students in schools.

The web address is set for noon on Tuesday. Since this is during lunch, we will not schedule a school-wide opportunity for students to view this web address as this would require us to alter the bell schedule. Mr. Bungart and Mr. Radford will record this web address to disc and will make it available to our teachers for viewing.

Any teacher that chooses to do so must give any student the opportunity to opt out of viewing this address. There are several associated writing assignments to this address that the DOE has devised and may be used by the teacher in the class.

Those students that opt out will be provided with an alternative assignment at the teacher’s discretion. This is not a political address as this is from a sitting President. Teachers are to refrain from using this to espouse any political views they or any organization they are affiliated with may have.

The goal of the President is commendable - to promote education, urge our students to work hard and achieve at their highest level, and enhance awareness that education is a must for this generation to compete in our global society".

[Cha]

3. "Edit when appropriate"? Is that what they did to the other

Presidential speeches?

[customerserviceguy]

4. It's an assurance to parents

that if Obama tries any Jedi mind tricks, they can pull that part out.

[subcomhd]

6. yes, it is placating the nuts

but props to the sup. for pointing out other presidents have done it, the district supports the message and WILL show it. And there is nothing wrong with giving teachers time to work it into a lesson plan.

I think after the initial bombardment by the local baggers, they heard from a lot of non-crazy parents.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. But schools showed right wing presidential speeches and allowed GW Idiot to visit schools

without ANY opting out or censorship. WHY ARE WE ALLOWING THIS CENSORING TO GO ON? Why do we allow Repukes to get away with all this?