President Obama Speech

On Sept. 8, President Obama will address students across the nation on the importance of taking responsibility for their education, challenging them to set goals and do everything they can to succeed. Several parents have asked whether or not Sandpiper will be showing this live address.

This is an opportunity that is consistent with other character development activities we have had at Sandpiper. In the past, we have had members of the Arizona Cardinals visit and speak about the importance of finishing school, we attended a science presentation at Chase Field, where members of the Diamondbacks spoke of the importance of staying in school, and we have had assemblies that promote responsibility and making the right choice. President Obama’s address also has ties to content at different grade levels, and it can be used in a variety of ways in connection with academic standards.

For these reasons, I am allowing our teachers to show President Obama’s address if they feel it is consistent with their class activities.

However, due to the presentation time (9 am), they will not be able to watch it live. Instead, we will download the presentation, which will allow the teachers the opportunity to preview the address and then better determine if it is a learning activity that is appropriate for their classroom.

If your child’s teacher decides to show the video, in its entirety or selected clips, you will receive prior written notice and be given the option for an alternate activity for that period.

You can find out more about this speech at www.whitehouse.gov.