Many parents got a wakeup call over the weekend of August 8, 2020. Matthew Kay, a 34-year-old English teacher at Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia let the world see what many parents fear. Children ARE being indoctrinated behind closed doors out of sight of their parents.
What did parents see that concerned them?
It started with this post from Kay, “So, this fall, virtual class discussions will have many potential spectators – parents, siblings, etc. – in the same room. We’ll never be quite sure who is overhearing the discourse. What does this do for our equity/inclusion work?”
He continues “How much have students depended on the (somewhat) secure barriers of our physical classrooms to encourage vulnerability? How many of us have installed some version of “what happens here stays here” to help this?”
What subject is Kay teaching that needs to “stay” in his classroom? What is he encouraging students to divulge that he will keep secret?
This teacher is purposefully undermining parental authority and creating conflict in the home; while installing himself as the student’s personal confidant.
Mr. Kay goes on to say “While conversations about race are in my wheelhouse, and remain a concern in this no-walls environment – I am most intrigued by the damage that “helicopter/snowplow” parents can do in honest conversations about gender/sexuality… And while “conservative” parents are my chief concern- I know that the damage can come from the left too. If we are engaged in the messy work of destabilizing a kid’s racism or homophobia or transphobia – how much do we want their classmates’ parents piling on?” [Emphasis added.]
Kay is worried about the damage “parents” might do? Is he worried he won’t be able to change the cultural beliefs of a child if their parent is watching? He believes his job is to undermine parents, usurp trust, destabilize their beliefs and install his beliefs and the beliefs of the curriculum writers.
Teacher Margery Bloom joined in, “It’s important that they still have the opportunity to share that information in a parentless way, and in a space that parents can’t see.”
Teacher “Stephanie” added to the conversation “My answer is: I will not have these discussions. I need my job. Parents are dangerous. ALSO, virtual Ed will not create the interpersonal relationships to allow the “safe space”.”
See a theme? They don’t respect parents and how they are raising their children. They are terrified parents might see what they are doing – to the point they locked down their accounts after this on-line conversation got more attention.
Teachers are abusing their positions and coming between parents and their children. Public education classrooms are being used to change how your child sees and interacts with the world. They view parents as a danger, roadblock or nuisance to what they are trying to accomplish – cultural change.
Is your child defying you because of the conflicts created by an activist teacher? Perhaps now you have some insight on why you “feel” like an outsider in your child’s education? When you ask your child what they did today and they say “nothing”, could it be due in part because of “what you say here, stays here” instructions?
Many teachers and school systems are worried that under this in-home education, parents might find out what is happening in the classrooms.
Whose children are these?
We ran into this issue with Policy 443 here in Frederick County. Frederick County Public Schools is and does keep personal information they know about your children from you.
How many of you know about the lesson with the wooden penis walked around the classroom and the teaching of anal sex to 8th graders? How many parents would opt out if they knew?
What else don’t you know about? How many times were you discouraged from “popping in” to the classroom?
This was in Philadelphia, but it could be Fredrick. Do you know your child’s teacher’s social media handles? Do you follow them? Shouldn’t you?
What are they teaching that they are afraid parents might see? Let your child’s teacher know you are paying attention to what they are learning. Don’t be afraid to be “that” parent.
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What can you do?
Request reading lists. What will your child be reading for class? Check out the book reviews on Commonsense.org and Amazon. Request copies of books so you can read them. If you need more time, check the book out from the library.
Review ALL the resources your child will be using. Don’t rely on the syllabus, they don’t always contain the details you may find alarming. (Life size penis props were not mentioned in the syllabus.)
When they go back to school, volunteer. While they are participating in virtual learning, stay in the room and watch what is happening.
Connect with other parents and parent groups outside of PTA/PTO/PAB.
Send an opt-out letter explaining your child is not to participate in classes on human sexuality, transgender issues, anti-racism or what ever your family finds inappropriate.
KNOW your child’s teacher. Google their name (including maiden name), search for them on Facebook and other social media. Ask for their social media handles. Don’t go in guns a blazing. Not all teachers support everything FCPS requires them to teach. Don’t blindly trust anyone because they are a teacher. Trust but verify. FCPS has had it’s share of teacher scandals. Look here, here and here.
Talk with your children about these sensitive subjects. Let them know your family’s beliefs and why.
Make sure your child is comfortable in confiding in YOU. How you react to sensitive subjects determines what they will tell you. Let your child know it is not OK for a teacher to suggest that what they are learning “stays” in the classroom.
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Anal Sex in the FCPS Classroom Part I and Part II.
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