Here according to Michelle Malkin is an announcement that President Obama will be making a speech on Tuesday September 8, 2009 to all schoolchildren. Malkin has detailed a teacher guide to direct the class discussion before, during and after the speech.
A simple note to your child’s teachers and Principal to allow your student to attend a study hall where the speech is not to be broadcast should suffice for your child to be excluded from this propaganda.
Brian’s Blog recommends contacting the Knox County School Superintendent’s office tomorrow or Friday asking how to opt out your child from this activity. The Superintendent’s office email address is here or call 865-594-1620.
I asked Russ Oaks about this. Here is his response…
With regard to the Presidential address for students that is scheduled for noon on September 8th, it is the principals’ and teachers’ option to view the broadcast with students if they think the content is appropriate and meaningful to their particular class or planned instruction. As is our practice with the discussion topics of parental concern in the health and social studies curricula, parents may request that their children not participate in this activity.
R/ Russ
I also asked my elementary school principal about it. Here is his response…
The speech will be an optional activity. Some teachers may decide to include it according to their curriculum and pacing.
Yours in education,
Chris Henderson
Principal
Halls Elementary School
I haven't heard from my high school staff yet.
Now I have heard back from my high school principal…
We have no formal plans to do anything different that day. Individual teachers have the discrecion to show the address by the President as it pertains to their particular curriculum. Participation is completely up to the individual teacher and subject.
I hope this answers your question.
Thanks for your inquiry in this matter.
Jason Webster
I read that on Monday the White House will release the transcript of the speech for parents to read.
I got this email this morning from McIntyre. It was the same one as I got from Russ Oaks.
Thank you for your email. With regard to the Presidential address for students that is scheduled for noon on September 8th, it is the principals’ and teachers’ option to view the broadcast with students if they think the content is appropriate and meaningful to their particular class or planned instruction. As is our practice with the discussion of topics of parental concern in the health and social studies curricula, parents may request that their children not participate in this activity.
James McIntyre
Superintendent