News

Friday, September 4, 2009

President Obama’s back-to-school message for students

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at 9 am (PST), the president will deliver a back-to-school message for America’s students. According to the White House web site, the message will focus on the importance of taking responsibility for their education, challenging them to set goals and do everything they can to succeed (go to www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/).

A downloadable video of the speech will be made available later that day at the above noted White House web site.

Some parents and community members have expressed concerns about the content of President Obama’s message and/or the White House-suggested lesson plan. Teachers regularly make sound instructional decisions based on how a presentation, speech, book, or other source of information meets content standards or is educationally relevant. If any teacher in our elementary or secondary districts elects to show the president’s speech, we will allow it. However, we are advising staff to either download the speech and preview it before sharing it or to send a message home and advise the parent or guardian of their right to opt their child out of this activity and an appropriate alternative will be provided.