Indoctrinate them young

On September 8, 2009, history will be made. Will you be a part of it?

At 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), President Barack Obama will deliver a national address to the students of America. (Please note that this is a change from the originally scheduled time.) During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation’s children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

From the suggested student activities:

Why does President Obama want to speak with us today? How will he inspire us? How will he challenge us? What might he say? Do you remember any other historic moments when the president spoke to the nation?

and

What do you think the president wants us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us? What would you like to tell the president?

My email to the school:

Principal xxxxxx,

On Tuesday, September 8th, President Obama will be making an address directed at all public school students. Does [our school] intend to include this address in the students' schedule?

I think the kind of hero worship encouraged in the suggested student activities is inappropriate for impressionable young minds.

Sincerely,
princewally

Yes, I am starting out nice. Flies, vinegar and all that.

Update:

I got a response from the principal.

Mr. princewally,

This is not a mandated activity that the district is encouraging. The District's position is that this is not part of our curriculum and we therefore should not be giving time for it. However, some teachers can use portions for social studies connection.

The classroom teacher should be able to give you more information regarding their connection, if there is one.

Thank you,

xxxxxxx, Principal

Now, I'm just waiting on a response from my son's teacher, which should come after school hours.