I sent this letter to my school district member to voice my concerns over some silly homework assignments my kids brought home.

December 8, 1999

Diane Pettitt
Cloverhill District
P.O. Box 10
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Dear Ms. Pettitt,

I trust this letter finds you well. I write to express my concerns about our school’s elementary curriculum.

I find that I can no longer remain silent or tolerant regarding the obvious politicizing of our elementary curriculum. I have two children at Swift Creek Elementary School. My daughter is in fifth grade while my son is in first. My breaking point was reached recently when my son brought home, for the third time this school year, a homework assignment that is so blatantly political in nature as to raise my ire.

He was assigned the task of deciding how best to CONSERVE water when bathing. This after other similar assignments about recycling and conservation. My question to you, as my school board representative, is why is this included in first grade curriculum or at any other level in a public school!? If I wish for MY CHILD to know of such things I can and will instruct him in such methods. However, it is my opinion that my taxes and the teacher’s time would be better spent in the simple matter of instructing my child how to read, write, and do arithmetic. Or has that become passé?

I am all too aware of the proliferation of Political Correctness that has taken over school systems throughout the country. I had hoped that here in Chesterfield we could stand against this pernicious political indoctrination. Instead I would have hoped that a traditional liberal arts education would be the standard. IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!

It is the responsibility of the school system and its teachers to prepare my child academically for the trials of the real world (with my involvement and help of course). Not the political indoctrination of another generation of feel good, know nothing American citizens. Fortunately for my children they have a mother and father who strive daily to counteract the P.C. dogma that is heaped upon them. It is a never ending fight I can assure you.

I would like to know of your stance on this matter and what, if anything, you will try to do about it. I can assure you that I will no longer remain silent about my children’s future and the lack of preparation they seem to be receiving from our current public school system. I hope that you agree with my assessment of the situation and will strive to correct this matter.

I will close now asking that you know me to be,

Yours for real education,