On Tuesday, Sept. 8, President Obama will speak directly to our Nation's children about persisting and succeeding in school. At Prairieland, we have received phone calls and e mails from parents about the upcoming national address from the President. The comments from parents have been both in support of and not in support of their children watching this address.
I have reviewed the suggested lesson activities that the Whitehouse has distributed (http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/lessons/prek-6.pdf) and see nothing about controversial topics such as healthcare, the economy, or any other political hot topic.
I have suggested to our teachers that they preview the address before showing it to their students. If after viewing it themselves, they may or may not decide to share this message with our children.
I have told teachers that they have my full support to share this experience with their classes. I realize that as adults it can be easy to get wrapped up in politics. In thinking about this, I think back to when I was 8 years old and how I would have responded if the President was speaking to me about doing my best in school. I believe that would have left a very positive impression on me as a student, and a citizen. I appreciate the fact that our President is so concerned about our Prairieland Cougars and is taking time to speak directly to them.
Here are two links in case you'd like additional information:
Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html#faqs)
Classroom Activities (Pre-K – 6) (http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/lessons/prek-6.pdf)
As always, I welcome any comments or questions from parents or the Prairieland community at large.
Have a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend!
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5 comments:
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=662126
Another perspective on this issue. Parents as always you have choices on what your children learn. Choose wisely.
>>I will not pretend to understand what parent concern exists
I will not pretend to be ignorant of the potential for indoctrination in the classroom. There is not only a clear history of associates and friends with sordid pasts (ex-terrorist William Ayers, PLO apologist Rashid Khalida, and racial inciter Jeremiah Wright for starters) there is a clear continuation with his very administration. Look no further than "Van" Jones- the self-described communist and member of Truther movement.
Under the cover of innocence, good intentions, and the ends justifying the means our world has been witness to unbelievable crimes and misfortunes. I will not pretend that our President has not found company, associates, mentors, and spiritual leaders that flirted and participated in crimes in this manner.
I, as a parent, have a duty to remain vigilant to sources that will betray mine and this country's ideals and founding principles. I will exercise my right to free speech and every other right to protect my child from such. Without a doubt, I will be especially vigilant in my child's school.
So, feel free to guise the potential issues as "Silly" or resistance as humorous. That would be expected- and in-line with those who fail to understand the greater liberties and rights that are presently under fire.
I expect none less than blame pointed towards zealotry and people wrapped up in politics. I, for one parent will not remain silent.
While I remain anonymous on your blog for concerns of retalitation against my child, I can defend my positions and ideals...my child is defenseless against a teacher, principal, President and others in positions of authority. Rest assured, I will teach them to question individuals like yourself and others as they mature.
And to you- have a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend too!
Mr. Arnold,
I support your decision.
Suzy Dees
I appreciate respect for my decision to question what our president's motives are. He seems to have a history of lying and associating with creeps. He likes to sneak in little comments that I feel don't support our Democratic Nation under the guise of a positive message.
I support parents' desire and right to protect their children from messages with which they disagree. However, I encourage all of the anonymous posters to read President Obama's speech and think critically about how those messages could be construed as harmful to children. Even if the President (or anyone else) expressed a view with which parents disagree, what an excellent opportunity to start a conversation with your child!
One poster referenced our country's founding principles, and I assert that dialogue about differing opinions is one of those principles. Use disagreement as the beginning of a discussion rather than ignoring it and shielding children from it.
Stephanie Kratz
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