[Eva]

Lisa, whoever she is, is lying. I spoke to the information director of the school and she told me that the song was written in class by a teacher and her students. She refused to reveal the name of the teacher, however. I asked why she wouldn’t tell me the name, if it was because the woman was ashamed of what she had done. Patti Caplan assured me that the teacher was not at all ashamed. She said that it was part of some program that the school ran last year, a tech program of some kind. I didn’t get the exact assignment. Anyway, it happened.

[Bob Hyneman]

CONFIRMED IN WRITING Subject Re: internet rumor pls comment From "Carol H. Caldwell" Date Wednesday, October 7, 2009 8:48 am To bob*******@optonline.net Return-path bob*******@optonline.net writes: >>My name is Bob *******. >>I have encountered an Internet rumor that students in the Longfellow Elementary >>school are being taught to sing a song praising President Obama. >>Please let me know if there is any truth to the rumor. >>http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-.../2355967/posts >>http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2009...rd-county.html >>Yours very truly, >>~Bob ******* Mr. *******, “Yes I Can” Song – Longfellow Elementary School Background: Last week, all LES first graders were shown a videotape of President Obama’s speech to students as part of the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Program (PBIS) focus on being safe, responsible and respectful. As the classes were gathering in one of the first grade classrooms, the teacher was playing a CD of a song she and her students composed last year for a technology competition (lyrics attached). She also played the song as the students were leaving. One parent called and emailed the school with the complaint that students were being forced to “glorify and worship” President Obama. The school administration responded to this parent and provided him with a copy of the lyrics, which he posted on a blog. • The objective of this lesson was to motivate students with a positive message to be respectful, stay in school, work hard and do their best. • The lesson supports the work the school is doing as part of PBIS. • There was no intention or attempt to glorify or worship the President. • The children did sing along to the chorus of the song, which repeats “Yes I Can” and “Yes We Can.” Repetition of this nature is a common element in songs for children of this age. • The focus of the lesson was on the children and positive behavior, not the President. • Educators often use positive role models in their lessons, including Presidents of the United States, and this practice is supported by the Howard County Public School System. The Howard County Public School System does not require nor encourage teachers to include references to President Obama in their lessons, nor does it discourage the use of such references. Carol Caldwell Public Information 410.313.6682 Carol_Caldwell@hcpss.org fax 410.313.6774