September 3, 2009 11:41 AM
Public school parents: a call to arms
Regarding the uproar over Obama's September 8 intrusion into our local public schools and the I Pledge Allegiance to Obama video shown in assembly at a Utah public school (the principal has since apologized, but hey, as my husband says "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission."):
Christina left this comment:
I showed this to our four kids at dinner last night and then we discussed... what were the "good" pledges and the not-so-good... and we talked about the oath of office and how the President is pledging to serve the American people, NOT the other way 'round. My kids *have* to go to school on the first day (or they'll be unenrolled! Seriously.) so I've decided to prepare them in case they spend the day watching/discussing Obama. We're reading 1st and 2nd Kings together and talking about good/bad leaders and our responsibility as citizens (praying for our leaders, not pledging to "serve" them!).
Pre-back-to-school homework for public school parents:
If you are pressed for time, drop the back to school shopping. It's better for your kids to be equipped with the factual information and spiritual resilience they may need this year to deal with.
Read my Call to Arms for Public School Parents at Pajamas Media.
Then sit down with your kids over the next four days and review the propaganda already out there. Discuss it thoroughly from a biblical perspective.
Reteach Bible stories like David and Goliath, Daniel, Esther and so many more.
Remind them that if it seems we are different, it's because we are. And that's okay.
Consider the Lessons in Leadership films I suggested yesterday (keeping in mind the ages and boundaries of your family)
Make plans to attend the 912 March on Washington or some associated event near you. Give your children a sense of what may turn out to be a longterm political struggle.
Lord only knows what assaults on their families, their traditions and their values our children may encounter in public school this year. Make sure they are prepared.
As for homeschoolers who don't understand why anyone would have their children in public school at all, please put aside your judgment and pray for those of us on the frontlines.
Posted in Activism, Obama Nation, Propaganda, Public schools | Permalink
Comments
As a homeschooler I would just like to say to all the families that are sending their children to public school that I am praying that God will keep you strong through this trying time and that God would use this in your children's lives to increase thier convictions.
I would ask that you would also pray for us homeschoolers that our freedom to homeschool our children would not be compromised.
Posted by: Bri | September 3, 2009 12:14 PM
I'm with Bri... while us homeschoolers are praying for your family and your children as they attend government schools (I don't call them public anymore), I ask that you pray for us as our rights are being quickly encroached upon by big government.
[You are right - we are all fighting battles one way or another. Praying for you.>]
Posted by: dirtdartwife | September 3, 2009 4:26 PM
Barbara, Thanks so much for the links and tips.
I wanted to share a bit of good news with you... I just heard back from our district's superintendent, in response to my email about the Presidential Invasion of our classrooms. Here's what he said:
"Individual schools will make decisions about viewing the speech. Each school must also weigh how well the speech will fit (or not fit) with the lessons planned for the day, the appropriateness of the timing of the event (recognizing the myriad of first day activities in a school), the linkage with the content of the day, and any other factors deemed appropriate by the school staff. Also, we will not be using the USDOE questions as they have not been reviewed or approved by our curriculum staff ... and do have issues as you point out."
It's not as good as Loudoun county's response, but since I was most concerned about the discussion questions, I am very relieved they will not be used in my kids schools. (And I have a lot of hope that at least my younger children will not be forced to watch Dear Leader's speech.)
Thanks again for all you do to keep parents informed and empowered!
Posted by: Christina | September 3, 2009 4:45 PM
Cool about making HotAir.com headlines. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Carol | September 3, 2009 5:07 PM
my 16 yr old son watched. he said "ooohh" then "wow" then "it wasn't so bad at first, with people pledging to better themselves. but then when they pledged to serve the president....he's just starting by mixing a little brainwashing with some good..."
Posted by: silken | September 3, 2009 6:48 PM
[I don't allow my blog to be used to advertise others unless it is something with which I am sympatico. ]
Posted by: hall monitor | September 3, 2009 8:24 PM
9/8/09 - What a great opportunity to spend a day in the classroom with your child....
Posted by: A Mac and a Mug O' Joe | September 4, 2009 7:29 AM
Remind them that if it seems we are different, it's because we are. And that's okay.
Thanks for this.
I will be using this as something of a litmus test for whether the government school we have chosen for our kids because we believed it was independent is what we thought it was. I suspect many parents will be doing this.
Posted by: Marie | September 4, 2009 9:37 AM
Appreciate this site and all your hard work keeping us informed--------however I don't think it is judgemental if stuff like this makes a homeschool family say "yep, that is one of the reasons why we are glad we don't have our children exposed to the government schools" Doesn't mean we don't care about you or your kids but it is ok for stuff like this to confirm our own educational choices. Doesn't mean we don't support the right for children to not be exposed to this propaganda....but hey what DO people expect in a government run school? Kudos to you for fighting it!
Posted by: llynn | September 5, 2009 3:58 AM
