Nobama Part II

My school had revoked their decision. Here is the email:

Message from the Superintendent

The Blablahdeblah learned of President Barack Obama’s student address scheduled to air at noon on Tuesday, September 8, just two days ago from several concerned parents. Since then, we have been overwhelmed with phone calls and e-mails both in favor of and against airing the broadcast in our school buildings on Tuesday.

As a district, we take a non-partisan view towards this address. The President of the United States is our nation’s leader and a world power who will be addressing the youth of our country. The intent to speak to students is not unprecedented, as other Presidents have done the same. For educators, this address presents a teachable moment for our students. As a system, it is our responsibility to provide educational opportunities for our students.

As Superintendent of this district, I always make an effort to listen and be responsive to community concerns. This issue has resulted in a divided community outcry that cannot be ignored. In an attempt to bring some calm to our community and be responsive to the concerns on both sides of the issue, I have decided to permit our schools to air the broadcast on Tuesday. Students whose parents prefer they not participate will be provided an alternative activity during the 15-20 minute address.

I understand this decision will be met with mixed emotions; however, I believe it offers an educational opportunity that should be made available to students.

Mr. Blabedeblah
Superintendent

End quote. And here's the first email:


September 3, 2009


Good afternoon,

As many of you may already know, President Barack Obama is broadcasting an address to students online next Tuesday, September 8, at noon. The district has attempted to take a neutral position regarding the broadcasting of the address in school by offering students the option of viewing or not.

However, since yesterday we have received significant feedback from our school community regarding the broadcast in our schools. We also have just learned that the address will be available on C-Span for recording, as well as posted on the White House Web site (www.whitehouse.gov) for viewing at any time.

Parents will now be able to access and share the broadcast with their children at their own discretion. The district will not broadcast the President’s address in the schools on Tuesday. We hope this decision will address the concerns of all our parents and prevent the disruption of our students’ school day.

End quote.

Now, you know those games that you play in kindergarten where you spot the differences between two pictures? Let's play.

First email:
We hope this decision will address the concerns of all our parents and prevent the disruption of our students’ school day.


Second email:
For educators, this address presents a teachable moment for our students.

Emphasis mine.

First email:

We also have just learned that the address will be available on C-Span for recording, as well as posted on the White House Web site (www.whitehouse.gov) for viewing at any time. Parents will now be able to access and share the broadcast with their children at their own discretion.

Second email:

As a system, it is our responsibility to provide educational opportunities for our students.

I think this speaks for itself. Although I love my district and the services they provide, I'll hold them accountable when they make a mistake and try to double talk out of it. They jumped ship on a educational opportunity provided by the leader of our nation to save a mite of controversey. I'm glad they've been persuaded otherwise, but I shouldn't have to write this post. As a district, they want me to learn to think for myself. And that's what I'm doing.

That's what I want you to do as well. So, whether you agree or disagree, make your voice heard.

GO BLABADEHBLAHS!

Tomato