I’ve previously related the note from my daughter’s school about the Obama speech to kids, and my response to it.
And in today’s backpack mail, a (generic) letter from our newly returned regular principal, which included:
Additionally, after reviewing President Obama’s speech and providing time for parents and staff to hear his message, [our school] will be airing the speech on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 1:30. Parents are welcome to join us in the gymnasium. We very much support the message of encouraging our students to take responsibility for their learning and set goals for success. Classroom teachers will be following up with discussions related to social studies content and our Positive Behavior Support standards of Kindness, Respect, Responsibility and Safety. If you would like to escuse yoru child from participating in the assembly, please let the office and your classroom teacher know prior to Thursday afternoon. Alternative activities will be proivided in the library.
Well, good to know that after review (and review and review), the President’s words have been cleared of any seditious or indoctrinal qualities, except for the RightThinking values of “taking responsibility.” I’m not sure how any of this foofoorah demonstrated a the standards of “Kindness, Respect, Responsibility and Safety” (esp. as regards the office of the President), but I’m sure it will all work out in the end.
And kids will get a chance to see the address and discuss it. Except for those whose parents are still parsing it for socialist buzzwords and Kenyan sign language gestures.