Aside from not sending out permission slips, I don't have a huge problem with it. That is, of course, as long as it's a "welcome back from summer, study hard, enjoy your classmates, open your mind, good luck" type of speech. Truth be told, I agree with the PTA rep who said that this sort of thing should have happened YEARS ago. As far as lesson plan integration is concerned, I also think that's a good idea. Aside from having students set measurable goals, it also serves as a good benchmark to see how their writing and vocabulary have progressed throughout the year. I can see (don't really understand) some parents being sore at the original wording of how the student can "help" the president, as opposed to the new verbiage. I wouldn't have a problem with it, but I'm not everybody. I remember watching the "State of the Union" address many times in school, and being given the same assignment... "How can I be a better citizen and help the President change the nation." Granted, it was recorded, so parents saw it the night before... I can also remember having local politicians, even Gov. Doug Wilder come speak to us, and NO ONE knew what they were going to discuss prior to them taking the stage. I honestly don't see a great deal of harm in this exercise... If there is some sort of malfeasance, I do believe that any caring parent can undo that damage when their child returns home.