Obama's Address to the Nations Children

Dear Parents,

As many of you have experienced if you have watched the news, their is much discussion of President Obama's Sept. 8th 12:00 noon address to school children.

Much of the concern is regarding some of the media's reports that the video is "mandatory" or that children will be "compelled" to watch the video.

One of the greatest things about being Americans is that we have a choice. In this case, parents were sent home a permission form, just like they would have received for any guest speaker or video that is not in our collection, and they can choose whether their child participates. We will have alternate activities based on the NC Standard Course of Study for those who choose not to view the President's address. Those who view the address will also have activities that tie the speech to the IB and character curriculum.

Please note that because of lunch, recess, and the possibility of technical problems, the video may be recorded and shown at a later time or date, once again, only to students we have received permission forms from.

All the best,

Chris