Fort Bend ISD has announced that each individual school will decide whether or not to carry President Barack Obama’s Sept. 3 speech to American students.
FBISD Chief Communications Officer Mary Ann Simpson issued a statement outlining the district’s policy to local news media just before noon today.
Because of growing controversy and parental complaints about the planned speech, FortBendNow had asked the county’s three largest school districts – Fort Bend ISD, Lamar CISD and Katy ISD – whether they planned on airing the speech to students and how they would handle parental objections.
In the statement, which is being placed on the district’s website, Fort Bend ISD said each campus would decide what approach would be best for its student body.
“In Fort Bend ISD, the decision to show President Obama’s Back-to-School Message is a campus-based decision. The Department of School Administration sent a communication to all campus principals on September 2 stating that they should work with their Campus-Based Leadership Teams (CBLTs) to determine the best decision for their campus,” the statement reads. “For those campuses that choose to show the President’s message, they have been encouraged to work though their Social Studies department/classes.”
Still, the statement said, children whose parents object will be excused.
“However, as Fort Bend ISD has done in the past, if any parents or students request to be excused from viewing the message, the campus will honor this request and provide an opportunity for those students to engage in another constructive activity on the campus during the broadcast,” the statement went on to day. “A parent letter was provided to all secondary principals to send home with students that would allow a parent to opt-out of having their student view the message. Elementary campuses sent the letter with an opt-in, or opt-out, option.”
The district also admitted it has been receiving “numerous” calls and messages from upset parents.
“Within the past 24 hours, the district has received numerous calls and e-mails from parents expressing their opinion about the President’s address. Based on the comments we have received, we believe our position to provide parents with a choice as to whether their child does or does not view the message is in the best interest of all of our families in Fort Bend ISD,” the statement said.
Additionally, the district is telling parents whose children do not see the speech at school that Obama’s address can still be viewed on the Internet.
“Campuses that will not broadcast this event on Sept. 8 will encourage those parents who would like their child to view the message to do so via the replay or the internet. Parents can view the President’s address at www.ed.gov,” the message said.
The district asked any parents that have questions or concerns to contact their children’s school.
Earlier in the day, Katy ISD spokesman Steven Stanford said the Katy school system was working on a strategy on how to handle the Obama speech. He said the district expects to have an announcement later today.
Lamar CISD has not announced its plans nor responded to FortBendNow’s inquiry.
According to the White House, Obama will challenge students to work hard, set goals and take responsibility for their education. In advance of the speech, the U.S. Department of Education sent schools “outlines” of suggested activities students undertake before, during and after Obama’s speech.
Some of the “recommended” questions educators are being asked to pose to students include:
Who is the President of the United States?
What do you think it takes to be President?
To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking?
Why do you think he wants to speak to you?
What do you think he will say to you?
Students in grades Pre-K through 6 are being encouraged to “write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the President.”
Afterwards, under the Department of Education recommendations, children should be asked “Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important”?
Many parents have objected to the speech, categorizing it as “indoctrination” and “propaganda.” School districts and individual campuses across the Houston region are reporting “being swamped” with calls from upset parents.
At least one Houston-area school district, Montgomery ISD, has announced it will not carry the speech to students.
9. September 2009 at 2:03 pm
There is some MISINFORMATION in a few of these comments I must correct.
Yes, Smelley of FBISD has announced he’ll be running for Fort Bend Precinct 4 Commissioner. HOWEVER, the current commissioner, Patterson, will NOT be exiting. He will be running to keep the position but this time have an opponent.
I concur with the negatives of Smelley, as I also had a bad experience with him a year or two back. He was ZERO help to us (wouldn’t even give us the time of day) when we were having major FBISD zoning issues in a western portion of Missouri City.
Patterson, on the other hand, has been nothing but completely helpful, knowledgeable, and a wonderful asset to the residents of precinct 4. You know you can always call on him for help or information. I think others that have had experience with him will agree.
8. September 2009 at 9:11 am
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/618fb6cbf2/gus-porter-american-legend-with-thomas-haden-church
The patriotism of the American in this video is inspiring.
7. September 2009 at 8:48 pm
b_tabor thanks for the advice.
7. September 2009 at 7:58 pm
Perhaps ftbendconservative you would have more friends in here if you didn’t taunt and bully everyone.
7. September 2009 at 7:18 pm
sillyanthony it really isn’t about you.
7. September 2009 at 7:01 pm
or better yet go borrow an IQ for someone because I don’t see anyone even talking to you jerk!
BIOYA……lol
7. September 2009 at 7:01 pm
When all is said and done the “Pillsburydoughboy” can’t even bully in a manner that is intimidating.
BIOYA……lol
7. September 2009 at 6:22 pm
Amazing sillyanthony thinks its about him.
7. September 2009 at 6:07 pm
Very true factually and it fits the pattern I’ve been talking about. When he can’t get his way he throws a tantrum like a child and then “calls people out”, but we’ve seen this too with him before and he has never shown up for any of these “invited” meetings.
When all is said and done the “Pillsburydoughboy” can’t even bully in a manner that is intimidating.
It’s a long sad story, but just observe him and try not to chuckle to loud. After all it really isn’t that funny. The crowd he runs with (the rest of the “Pillsburydoughboys” have the last laugh with our tax dollars while falsely waving the conservative flag).
If you were wondering, there is a record number of homeowners protesting their property taxes again this year, don’t. Just ask these edc boys. They know which member companies are getting these lone bid and no-bid contracts, special taxing zones and abatements that we all have to make up for.
Pist “JBB”–You will never shut me up! Not you or your buddy thugs. There are too many of us now. So stop yanking peoples chains or i’ll poke you in the belly “PBDB”. lol
7. September 2009 at 6:06 pm
Very true factually and it fits the pattern I’ve been talking about. When he can’t get his way he throws a tantrum like a child and then “calls people out”, but we’ve seen this too with him before and he has never shown up for any of these “invited” meetings.
When all is said and done the “Pillsburydoughboy” ( http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/1738895792_5b78833566_o.gif ) can’t even bully in a manner that is intimidating.
It’s a long sad story, but just observe him and try not to chuckle to loud. After all it really isn’t that funny. The crowd he runs with (the rest of the “Pillsburydoughboys” have the last laugh with our tax dollars while falsely waving the conservative flag).
If you were wondering, there is a record number of homeowners protesting their property taxes again this year, don’t. Just ask these edc boys. They know which member companies are getting these lone bid and no-bid contracts, special taxing zones and abatements that we all have to make up for.
Pist “JBB”–You will never shut me up! Not you or your buddy thugs. There are too many of us now. So stop yanking peoples chains or i’ll poke you in the belly “PBDB”. lol
7. September 2009 at 5:18 pm
trueconservative,
Correct, it is posted on this Blogsite as well–I was on another site and was so excited, I did not notice that it was posted here as well.
In response to your question regarding “you know who,” You hit the nail on the head in answering your own question; I do believe your answer lies in the latter portion of your question-he gets his kicks this way.
7. September 2009 at 4:13 pm
I think it is now published on this news site too on the front page. FS, can you tell me what is wrong with that guy in response number 153? Has he got a grudge or something and does he get his kicks this way?
7. September 2009 at 3:49 pm
I just read on another Blogsite that President Obama’s speech to school children has been posted.
I quote:
“The only “ism” represented is patriotism,” at its finest.
7. September 2009 at 3:30 pm
just as I thought. Next time don’t let your bullfrog mouth overload your hummingbird butt.
7. September 2009 at 2:45 pm
Can you read? Try #119, 147 and a plethora of others and stop wordsmithing the posts loser.
7. September 2009 at 2:24 pm
In #119 sillyanthony posts “santhony says:
September 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am (#)
Truth, I wonder if we showed these manipulations by ft. bend con. (Bobby M.) in his posts to the constituents in his district, would they re-elect this special interest vendor feeder? We should especially show them the mangled sarcastic “eubonic” posts he places in the threads ad nauseum along with his constant defense of high debt, increased taxes and supporting excessive spending projects during record budget deficits all the while wearing his hypocritical login moniker.”
Can you walk the walk or are you just going to hide behind your keyboard making false accusations?