In response to questions from staff and students, Dr. Chip Kimball sent a message to staff today with guidance on President Obama’s televised address to students, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8. He wrote, “We believe that when the President of the United States addresses the country, the viewing of that address and subsequent discussion is an appropriate educational activity, so long as it fits within the educational objectives of the class. Whether the address is shown will be left to the professional discretion of the individual classroom teacher. If shown, each teacher is expected to ensure activities or discussions provide a balanced view of the issues and viewpoints. Advocacy for a particular political view is not permitted in the classroom. The President’s speech is not expected to be political in nature.”

“Our classrooms are a place where we encourage the open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. Students benefit a great deal through the debate of ideas that impact them and the people around them. If we eliminate this open exchange, we will not be adequately serving our students. It is our hope that students will find our classrooms a place where open agreement and disagreement can take place regarding any number of important issues.”

If parents have a concern regarding how a discussion has been handled in their student’s classroom, they should contact their child’s teacher or building principal to discuss the issue.