My kids all go to Catholic school. This is a new school and I haven’t completely made up my mind about it. I loved our parish school which was closed down last year due to lack of children. I see many good things about the new school. But this perturbed me a bit.
My seventh grade daughter has been assigned to read a book called “Jefferson’s Sons” which is all about Thomas Jefferson’s alleged affair with a slave girl which produced children. I asked her why this was an important book to read and she said her teacher didn’t explain why. I asked her if she’d ever been assigned to read The Declaration of Independence by this teacher or any other. She said she had not. Now, I’ve gone over the Declaration with my kids but the school hadn’t.
Isn’t it more than a little bizarre that these kids haven’t even been assigned to read the Declaration of Independence but they’re assigned to read about the alleged moral failings of one of our country’s founding fathers.
Maybe I’m overreacting. What do you guys think?
April 12, 2013 at 5:35 pm
I am a home schooling mother and ironically I have read the book you are referring to. I found it at the library and thought it sounded interesting so I checked it out.
Before giving it to my children (the oldest two of whom are in 8th and 6th grades), I read it myself. I read almost every book I find at the library before giving them to my children, because even though they are shelved in the children's section they are not necessarily appropriate for children. In the end, I did not allow my children to read "Jefferson's Sons" when I was finished.
It was not a story for children. It is not a subject matter for children. If I were in your situation, I would let the school know that my child would not be reading the book and I would let them know I didn't appreciate it being a part of their curriculum. I don't know if I would pull my child out of the school over that one issue but I would be VERY vigilant and involved.
Incidentally, I did enjoy the book myself. It was well-written. It was engaging. It was a fascinating story of what might have been. It was a good read- for an ADULT.
BTW- If home schooling is an option for your family- I WOULD highly recommend it.
April 12, 2013 at 10:01 pm
I scanned through the posts and I did not see it mentioned that this book is part of the Common Core educational effort that is going nationwide. It is a project of Bill and Melinda Gates. Here is a website for teachers concerning Common Core http://www.teachervision.fen.com/common-core-state-standards/lessons-resources/73195.html. The book and class agenda are listed.
April 12, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Of course, if you just insist on a curriculum, I hear Ron Paul now has one for you. The man knows America needs educating, and apparently, he has not retired just to play golf.
April 13, 2013 at 2:08 am
Thanks lisag! I did not know this was part of Common Core. The more I find out about this program, the less I like it.
April 13, 2013 at 5:51 pm
Why not suggest this book instead?
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/shepherd_in_combat_boots_aA9z18PCHI11aIbCebxsSN
April 13, 2013 at 11:40 pm
GARBAGE IN EQUALS GARBAGE OUT, and this book sound like garbage. Write a note to the Principal, WAIT 3 DAYS FOR HIS RESPONSE, AND THEN WRITE A LETTER TO THE DIOCESAN BISHOP.
THE OBLIGATORY SEX SCENE MAY BE REQUIRED IN MOVIES, BUT NOT IN SCHOOL.
April 14, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Thanks for giving clear advice as a priest, Father. That is what the laity need – leadership in Faith and morals from their priests.
April 14, 2013 at 1:05 am
This is a huge concern for all people, whether public or privatily schooled. Common core, C-Scope and other trasformative education ciriculums are being pushed. Everyone please do your homework on these things and get them out of your parochial schools at least to begin with!
April 14, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Why do we want 12- and thirteen-year-olds reading about extramarital affairs at all? Not appropriate school material.
April 14, 2013 at 10:52 pm
I would say you are right to be concerned. Of course a junior-high teacher might find it appropriate to discuss Jefferson's alleged slave children, especially since many may know of it already — unfortunately there's not much kids don't take in from the culture. But to give so much time to it to the detriment of discussing Jefferson's real accomplishments is a problem.
If I were you, I'd assign that teacher to write an essay for me: "In a choice between having students read 'Jefferson's Children' and the Declaration of Independence, which one would you choose and why?" Then grade the essay — and show it to the principal. It might get results.
April 15, 2013 at 12:45 am
And this is one more article that makes me so thankful that we pulled our kids out of a "Catholic school" to homeschool.
April 16, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Denise Hunnell, if you're looking for an authentic Catholic education in No. Va., try Holy Family Academy in Manassas. I promise you won't be disappointed. holyfamilyacademy.net
It is wonderful.