UPDATE Monday, January 19th - It seems that there are strong views on both sides and so I decided to update this posting with some wider-scope thoughts. Click the READ MORE to get the expanded story.
This anonymous report comes from the MDUSD's Valle Verde Elementary School where a recent multi-month head lice infestation confounded the community. It seems that partisanship is active as a pro-Democratic principal plans to enforce the inauguration of President Obama upon all the youngsters of the school site so that it makes the news.
48 comments:
Too funny! Sounds like someone high up was also high when they thought of the idea. I can't wait to see it on the news. Will it be on Claycord? Or only in the Times?
Maybe this will teach pep rally skills to our youngsters. They will learn how to decorate and wave flags.
I understand that at least one middle school is also showing it school wide on their classroom tv's . Whether you like it or not.. :) I actually happen to like the idea of the (my) kids witnessing it, but maybe they should've just done what my friend's schools do in DC and VA. They have the whole darn day off.
It's true, Tuesday will be a historial day. The first African American President...let freedom ring! Seeing politcal slogans hanging on Valle Verde's quad walls seems inappropriate to me. I doubt if this was the first African American Republican President this would be happening. Let's solve the lice problem!
Cathy, I think it is fine for 4th grade on up - and it certainly is a historic day. Schools are not supposed to be partisan and inflicting this on the younger grades does nothing to foster patriotism. More to the point is that this is a school that has underlying issues between staff and administration.
Given the fact that anything not PC is summarily rejected at this school, I wonder how many teachers endorsed the idea or whether it was just a mandate!
Andre',
My friends and family read this blog. We admire you for following so many issues, and finding them worthy to write about - to share with the world. Obviously, opinions will differ at times, but I happen to agree with you on this one.
If my child were a kindergartner in school, this would be inappropriate, in MY opinion. But, who am I? Just a mew mother, not an administrator or someone who plans the school activities and curriculum.
Anna,
Thanks for the comments. I am interested to hear from staff at the school how they feel about this. I am also waiting to see whether the newspaper shows up to cover it since it has been suggested this is just for media attention. If that is true then it is even more shameful.
As long as the don't censor Pastor Rick Warren when he invokes the name of God in prayer for the nation, and as long as they don't hide the fact that Obama is taking the oath on the Bible, I have no problems with it.
However, when the tide turns and a Republican is inaugurated, I will expect the same treatment.
Hello Andre,
Maybe I am missing the point to your post. It seems like you are saying that the inauguration is a partisan activity. I will agree that partisan politics have no place in our schools, but I view the inauguration of our next President as something that is non-partisan.
Will kindergartners understand the entire event? Nope. They will understand some of it though. My kindergartner will get to watch it and we will talk about it. I wish that every child's parent would spend a few moments explaining the inauguration.
MLK day is fairly difficult to understand, but my kindergartner came home on Friday and explained the word segregation to me. Segregation is a difficult concept, but she got it. That is something that her teacher taught to her and something that I was able to further speak to her about.
Our Country is in need of change; you yourself have written quite eloquently about that need. I'm not exactly sure what is planned for Valle Verde, but I'm not all that concerned about our elementary students viewing the inauguration of our next President. I remain hopeful that Obama will bring some of the change that we need and to the extent that our schools can help our students understand the governance of our country, I think they should.
Hi Gary,
The post was from teachers at the site who were annoyed at what they saw to be a self serving media ploy by the administrator. I believe the main point was whether there would have been a celebration had McCain won. The authors of the emails suggest not. As for the little ones getting something out of it, I guess depends on the little ones.
Nice to see Gary (and others) respond to this too. That is what makes this blog important and fascinating. Opinions differ, and we appreciate to see all points of view. Thanks so much!
I am a valle verde parent and I will keep my son and daughter home from school tomorrow. I voted for John McCain and I don't appreciate them forcing their views upon my children.
Anon 3:42-
So the beauty that is the peacful transition of power that the Inaguration represents and has served as the basis for this nations's success for 200+ years is a "view" that is forced on you and your impressionable children?
I guarantee you that school children have watched the inaguration at schools all over this country in the past both when both Republicans and Democrats took the oath.
Wow, sounds like there are quite a few sour grapes over the fact that a Democrat won the election. The inauguration has nothing to do with republicans or democrats, and everything to do with the United States of America. It's nice that so many parents want to teach their children that what matters isn't We the People, but Me the Person ("I didn't get MY way. So now I'm not going to play. Hmph."). Intolerance at it's best, Anon 3:42. They aren't showing the Democratic National Convention!
It is also historic that a Black man is taking the office of the Presidency, and there is nothing wrong with celebrating that, either.
Did the schools show the inauguration when bush won in '04? I don't think so!!!!!!!!
Watching the inauguration is perfectly acceptable. I'm sure many children will get it AND it is a Historical event. I am thrilled that Barak Obama will be taking the oath of presidency tomorrow. What I am not thrilled with is having this big hoopla with bubbles and tri-colored programs, posters all over the pod when our school's finances are so precarious. Teachers are constantly told not to use so much paper, make sure what you copy is double sided (this is for homework folks), there is no money for staff improvement, and the list goes on. I don't know about sour grapes: I think it's more about the wastefulness of precious money. Yes, our country is ready for change Mr. Eberhardt, but do school districts that have to cut millions of dollars put tax dollars into an event when the teachers have to fight for copy paper?
There are many historical events that take place and are publicized in the news, but are too advanced for a K-3 student. That's my point too. Should the young students focus on this event? My opinion is no - whether it was McCain, Nader, or Obama. It is just too complicated for a K-3rd grader.
I work at this school and I am unhappy with how the principal deals with the staff. She has been the reason we keep losing teachers. When she decides to do something like this she thinks it makes her look good but no one can stand her. Mr Eberhart should come and talk to us. I am glad that Barak Obama won. This whole activity is too much.
Anon 3:42-
When you say you are not going to have a school "force their views on you", when the issue is to witness the inauguration of our President, then I fear that we will never move past partisanship.
Obama's presidency is quite something considering where we were as a nation not so long ago.
Would we be watching it if McCain won? Probably not. He would be just another white guy in the Presidency--like the 35+ before him.
I wish my two high schoolers were going to be able to watch the inauguration tomorrow, but I haven't heard whether the school has plans to do that. I wouldn't keep them home because the school really needs the ADA, and if they do miss it, I hope we can catch it on C-SPAN later on.
What I disagree with is the hoopla surrounding the event at VVE. Have the kids watch the inauguration and talk about the implications of the election appropriate for each grade level.
Let's make it educational, not a spectacle.
would they make a big deal out of the event if McCain had won?
Probably not.
If the new republican president was African-American?
Absolutely.
This is a wonderful precedent that this school is starting. Now that it has started, they will not be able to discontinue until both democrats and republicans have cycled through the White House.
Why is this so historical? It's just another president getting into office. What is the big deal about him being black? You black people always say we should not see color, but then when a black person gets elected all you say is how historical this event is. It's just another corrupt person taking office. Whether it was McCain or Obama it wouldn't matter, the country is in the shitter and no one person will get us out of it.
I think it is fine that students watch and listen to the speech of President Obama. It is a point of history that is significant. That significance is what makes it separate and more meaningful than if McCain had won. If you are unable to understand the significance at this time, well maybe when my 5 year Old Grandson Malik grows up and takes the oath of office the significance may have faded. One can only hope.
Schools aren't supposed to be partisan? Are you kidding me? Take a good look at the educational code of California, especially the parts about teaching communism, Stalin, Lenin, and Marx, as though they all thought the same. Compelling teachers to "tattle" on each other if they perceive any action to suggest that U.S. business as usual might not be the best game in town. It's a darn shame.
Instead of worrying about the in-your-face decision of the school to post the inauguration, you should be MUCH more worried about the stuff you don't see. Sure, students will get to blow bubbles, wave flags, and do pithy things with colored paper. There are children all over the world who have a 50% chance of dying before the age of three simply because they have no access to clean water. Stop whining!
I realize that this thought may not be considered PC by many of the posters but I will take the plunge anyway....why is Obama always referred to as a Black Man? Am I wrong in thinking that his Mother was white? If you must, why not refer to his African heritage and let it go at that. Or let us just refer to him as an American of mixed heritage like the rest of us! That should be the point in the teaching of our children....we are all from somewhere else originally and labels should be eliminated other than that we are all AMERICANS.
I hope that the tradition of having school children watch the inauguration will become a part of the curriculum and that administrations and teachers alike will make a fuss every four years no matter who is elected!
I am a teacher at another elementary school in the MDUSD and we too are showing the inauguration. It was not forced upon us, we were asked by our principal if we planned on showing it to our students, and everyone said yes. I am an upper grade teacher, and we have been studying the branches of government, as well as the civil rights movement in preparation for viewing the inauguration. For the record, I did show the inauguration of Bush, and prepared my students for it with the same lessons, including the civil rights movement lessons. Voting is a right for citizens, regardless of race (thus the civil rights lessons), and the result of our vote is the inauguration. Younger children will not understand much of it, however a teacher can explain that we are getting a new president, and explain the inauguration in age appropriate language with an age appropriate time limit on the viewing. I do not believe that the school should put up posters, have a party, or anything of the sort. Doing so is simply wrong. We should teach the significance of any inauguration, but not force or even share our personal views on or with the students.
Did the school do this in 2005?
If not why not.
Did they do it in 2001?
If not, why not.
etc,etc,etc.
I do think that watching our President's inauguration is a wonderful experience. However, if this is the 1st time, it smacks of partisanship!
Will the school commit to doing this at EVERY Inauguration from now on regardless of who wins?
Anybody complaining about this is just another conservative hack and/or probably racist. God bless President Obama!
I think it's racist that they are showing the inauguration when they didn't show it for the white man who won every year before this one.
Reverse racism my friend, it exists, and it reeks of nastyness.
Anonymous 7:40 you can't say that, you're a white person you can't talk bad about the black people in this country, it is impossible for them to be racist. We are the only ones that can be racists, not them. How dare you!
We claim to call those born in this country American. The reality was that if you were of another race or even evidently mixed, you'd have a better chance of being abducted by aliens than of being president. The children don't have to be subjected to the whole ceremony, but what a way to open up the discussion of our history and how far we have come?
I also work at Valle Verde. I think it is totally appropriate to have a classroom discussion and even watch it on TV, but I think that it is wrong to have a huge event. I also agree with the other teacher from my school about the principal. People have no idea what goes on here. The parents and the teachers make this school what it is, no thanks to the Principal who likes to make us feel small.
7:40 What? Whites experiencing racism? Are you writing this from North Korea??!!
Get a grip. There have been inauguration parties as far back as White Men ran this country.......
This whole topic is hilarious. This is an educational opportunity and a historical moment and if the principal wants to make a big deal, so be it. I'm sure the powers that be (who control said principal's employment) will be watching. It's not like the kids' views are going to be slanted forever because of this 'exposure'. They've got years to learn about and become thoroughly disgusted by the antics of both major political parties before they vote for this first time.
I don't have a problem with the showing of the inaguration, but why are signs with his CAMPAIGN SLOGANS being hung up around the campus?
My son attends Strandwood Elementary in Pleasant Hill and the upper grades will be watching the inaguration in the multi-use room. I don't know if he'll be included, because he is in the 3rd grade. I am assuming that he will be included because 3-5 grades play in what they call the "upper grade" playground at school. I don't know if "upper" applies to 3rd graders at his school. I think that it is a good idea for 3rd graders to watch the inaguration for it's historical significance, and not necessarily highlighting the fact that the Democratic party won at this age. My son doesn't really care to much about the inaguration, he just knows that we will be changing presidents - even though I've explained the historical significance to him over and over.
The inauguration is about democracy, not party affiliation. Whenever a peacful transition of the white house from one party to another, it is educational opportunity that should not be missed.
I am a lifelong Republican, voted for McCain, and a father of five. My kids go to private school and I don't know if they are going to be watching it at school, but I'm keeping them home in the morning to watch it as a family.
This seems to be a lightning rod at Valle Verde for something other than watching the swearing in of a new president. Fix that problem, don't fight over the kids getting a first hand look at democracy in action.
Anon 11:23pm
Thank you for your perspective. I really appreciate hearing it.
Glad they didn't hang the signs that were talked about and didn't go in to the politics.
Certainly a good debate on the issue. I wanted to respond to the employee of Valle Verde who indicated that I should visit the school and speak with the staff. I am available to do that and if you would like to e-mail me with some proposed dates and times when I could get together with the staff and chat, I'd be happy to do that.
My e-mail address is gary@mdusd.net
I don't think it's a bad thing for schools to show the inaguration. They should show all of them. They are part of our country's history/heritage. The inaguration shouldn't just be shown because it's the first black president.
If parents want to keep their kids home so they don't see it or to see it as a family that's their choice as parents.
As far as schools not being partisan that's a bunch of crap. My kids have both graduated now but many times over the years democratic views were pushed upon them at school. My oldest daughter actually had a black male english teacher at Clayton Valley (he's no longer there) that tried to force his views on the class and when she argued back with her views she was called racist, even though the discussion had nothing to do with race. He even felt that he was due compensation because his ancestors were slaves and stated to my daughter that it was owed from her ancestors. Her response was "My ancestors were from the North and never had slaves, so I don't owe you anything".
Now on the other side she had a history/government teacher her was a staunch deomocrat who would state his views and encourage students to voice theirs in class when they were having a discussion. My daughter of course was completely on the other side of the fence from the teacher, which was probably a good thing since many of the other students would not have gotten such broad and differing views otherwise. That teacher was one of my daughter's favorites. He evoked thought and she had her views and had information to back her views and he welcomed it.
That said. I don't think teachers should put their views on the students. They should provide information from both sides and encourage the students to make their own decisions.
I'm a 2nd grade teacher. We had the inauguration on today. Why? It's history! Every inauguration is. It ties in with teaching about MLK! I did not force my students to sit and watch hours of footage. It was on in the background, and they had other activities to work on. They looked up when the music caught their attention. Then we all watched the 34 word inauguration and did some vocabulary work using context clues to figure out what the oath means.
My third graders loved watching part of the inauguration this morning. We talked about the other presidents and CA senators there - most never had seen Bush (1), Clinton or Carter and went to look for them on our president poster as they went to recess. We discussed what an oath was and clarified what the White House was. Our children need to know what it is to be an American, and this can be hard in CA, far from the history in DC. And yes, many classrooms watch the inauguration every 4 years, no matter who has won. And No, we were not forced to watch at our school. And no, I did not vote for Obama, but will respect him as our new president.
My class watched it on TV. Thank God we did not have to do some song and dance with our principal.
Gary thank you for the offer. I will see who is willing to come forward at our school. You have to understand that we have had years of this. Teachers do not have much faith in what comes out of the district. We also know that the principal's friend is now assistant superintendent. That hardly inspires us to come forward. Would you be open to meeting staff off campus?
10:18
Wow! Clayton Vally sure was lucky that year. I'll bet they've never had a student like that before.
Our school showed the inauguration of the first African-American president. Will it be such a big deal in 2013 when he's re-inaugurated? Probably not. But if the next president is a woman, regardless of the political affiliation, I think the children should see it. Same for the first atheist and first homosexual president. These are historical times.
Had McCain one? Big deal. One more old white guy.
I'm not even in the school district, but I am impressed that Gary Eberhart followed this blog, and actually asked the staff of Valle Verde to visit their school. Now, I'm even more glad I voted for Gary!
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