[Mamzelle]

Let them go, and complain to the principal.

I've seen some of the Test that accompanies the speech, and it's "help and praise Obama"--

If a president sends a speech to a school, it should only be about encouraging the student to work hard and take advantage of opportunities. Like a "Dad" speech would be.

But from what I've seen, it'd be more likely to be "go home and tell your parents to support health care reform, and send me their names if they won't."

[CaptainK]

Does anyone ever remember any President ever addressing school children during the school day about anything (never-mind assignments attached to it)?

[BP2]

You have two more days to get a response from the principal and/or school superintendent. Inform them of what's going on (they may not know) via an anonymous letter, then ask the principal to make it known to the parents if they plan NOT to broadcast Obama's speech. Some schools may NOT be participating anyway.

For me, if I hear no response by Friday 4 pm, we will enjoy a nice FOUR-DAY weekend. It's "unfortunate" that the kids got sick over the weekend and couldn't make it in on Tues, Sept 8. But instead, we'll really be at the museum or doing something TRULY educational.
Here's a letter to the principal ... with attachments: