5 months ago
ELK GROVE, CA - School district officials in Elk Grove have had so many calls of concern from parents in recent days about President Obama's speech to kids next Tuesday, they're giving families a chance to keep their children out of class while the President makes his address about education.
In several states, some districts have already said they won't show President Obama's speech on campus, which is scheduled for the middle of the school day.
"It just gets so blown up with the way the media is these days," said Patrick Zalasky.
Zalasky has two kids in the Elk Grove district. Officials sent him and other parents a letter, giving him a chance to opt his kids out of class during the president's speech.
The criticism from Republicans is that Obama is trying to influence kids, not just with his address, but with implementing a lesson plan that calls for students to write a letter to themselves about education.
Originally, the White House wanted kids to write about how they can help the President in this matter. That plan has been revised, to have kids write about their short and long term goals.
In Elk Grove, News10 spoke with several people who don't understand why the issue has become such a big deal.
"I feel that if President Obama wants to make a speech to kids about education, he can do it," said Alfredo Cruz, a parent of two children in the Elk Grove district.
"I didn't vote for President Obama," said Zalasky. "But I don't think he has any nefarious intentions where he's trying to brainwash our kids, like some people think."
There were some who did not want to be identified, saying they're considering signing a form that would keep their kids from watching the President's speech. They don't see how it has any place in the classroom.
"I personally don't care one way or the other," Zalasky said.
Elk Grove spokeswoman Elizabeth Graswich said the opt-out form being sent to parents is no different than other forms sent in the past, when potentially violent or controversial films have been offered as part of course study.
Written for the web by Will Frampton, wframpton@news10.net.
News10/KXTV
