Posted on 09/04/2009 10:06:24 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Palm Beach County public-school televisions will be tuned into to President Barack Obama's speech Tuesday, Superintendent Art Johnson announced today.
The national address, which is supposed to focus on the importance of studying hard and staying in school, is angering some South Florida parents and Republican leaders who called it a political agenda.
Johnson told teachers and staff "not to inject political comments and/or political opinions to students in light of the school district's policy prohibiting political messaging to students."
Parents, who object to the broadcast for personal reasons, may submit a written request to the school to excuse their students. And for those that watch it?
"Teachers are encouraged to use this broadcast to reinforce existing lessons where possible," Johnson wrote in a statement.
In Broward County, the speech will be mandatory viewing for all students, Superintendent James Notter said Thursday.
SNIP
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer on Wednesday criticized what he called Obama's plan to "indoctrinate America's children to his socialist agenda."
(Excerpt) Read more at sun-sentinel.com ...
I called and talked to my son’s principle yesterday about this, she told me unless they are given transcripts before its shown they will probably refuse to let it be seen. She also asked if I wanted him to be excused if I didn’t want him to see it, I declined that because having her walk him out while everyone else sits through it would be too embarrassing for him. I will discuss things with him when he gets home if they show it, but she made it sound like they will not be doing it as of now.
In outlying MO schools, some will allow teachers to make the decision based upon their subject matter taught, still permitting the opt out feature with no papers due, others will not show the speech at all.
On the wealthier, Kansas side of the State Line, there are again a mixed bag, Shawnee Mission District (older established NE Johnson County schools) teacher and/or principal decision based upon subject matter, optional attendance, Blue Valley District speech shown, attendance optional, Olathe Schools similar policy.
Only one school district states that all grades will see speech, with attendance optional (Lee's Summit MO) but that might be subject to change over the weekend with lots of pressure from the wealthier (conservative) parents making some noise.
They have to offer the opt-out, otherwise the kids won’t come to school and if they don’t come to school, the school doesn’t get $$.
And if they try to force the issue, parents will sue or burn the place down with the staff and district administrators inside.
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