// September 7th, 2009 // Comments Off // Uncategorized
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
By now, most of you are aware that on Tuesday, President Barack Obama will broadcast a message to our school-aged children. I know that many of you agree with me when I say I believe that 100 percent of this president’s agenda is not to be trusted, even when it is innocently repackaged as a pep rally promoting the benefits of education. Our children need to be excited about learning, and they need to be encouraged to complete their education, but they do not need to be taught to idolize Barack Obama.
I have spoken with all five school districts that fall within District 150. Humble and Spring ISD have all informed me that the decision to view the speech in class will be left up to each teacher individually. Klein ISD has informed me that at least some social studies students will be viewing the speech, but that the logistics of working that out will be left to each campus. Aldine ISD had not worked out an official policy when I contacted them, but stressed that parents will have the final say as to whether or not their children will participate.
Tomball ISD has indicated through a letter on their website that they will not air the speech live, but will instead record it and review it to determine if it is appropriate to be viewed in social studies classes at certain grade levels. If it is deemed to be appropriate, then teachers will individually have the option of incorporating it into their curriculum, and students will be given opt-out forms in advance to share with their parents.
If you have children in school and you are concerned about them being exposed to this broadcast, I cannot stress enough that your child is NOT required to participate, regardless of the intentions of your campus. Each of you may choose to remove your child from that portion of class, and I believe most campuses are more than willing to assist you in asserting this right. I encourage you to speak with your child’s campus administrators before Tuesday and work out the plan that will be the least disruptive to your child’s routine in advance.
Please contact my office at (281) 537-5252 if I can be of any additional assistance to you on this issue!
Sincerely,
Debbie Riddle
State Representative
District 150
