An address by President Barack Obama to schoolchildren Tuesday about education has some parents concerned about the content of the message and the appropriateness of the message for their children.

St. Tammany Parish Superintendent Gayle Sloan wants to calm fears about the address.

“We will be getting a copy of the text of the address on Monday and will show the address to most students later in the week, not live, after we review it,” she said. “One of the concerns is age appropriateness. We certainly don’t want younger children to have to sit through a 20 minute speech,” Sloan said. She added that many school systems begin their year on Tuesday, the day after Labor Day, so his address will start their school year.

Sloan added that her office has been hearing from parents on all sides of the issue.

A letter was sent home with students explaining the President will “challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. Our schools will share the message with our students.”

According to the letter, “most students will participate by viewing a replay of the speech in social studies classes some time during the week. Your child’s teacher will select the right day to fit the message into the teaching plan.”

Sloan said that as partners in the educational process, parents could make the decision whether their child will participate. If they elect not to, an alternate assignment will be arranged. Younger children will certainly not be expected to sit through a long speech.

In her letter, Sloan emphasized the importance of education as a priority and urge parents to visit the U. S. Department of education web site at www.ed.gov to learn more about the presentation.

Sloan said that she respects the office of the President and she also respects the parents of the students and their involvement in their children’s education. She also emphasized the importance of education.

Elsie Burkhalter, chairman of the University of Louisiana system and president of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees, agreed on the importance of education and the parents’ right to scrutinize what their children look at on TV and the Internet.

“I do believe the President of the United States should set an example on why children should have an education. It is the key to economic development. The speech should be inspirational but not contain personal views of policy,” Burkhalter said. “Parents should control and scrutinize what their children watch on television and on the Internet.”

Leslie Martin, principal of the new Marigny Elementary School, said she would probably make an announcement about the President’s speech and tell the children how important it is to do well in school. The school houses the youngest students, with transitional first-graders the oldest students.