Old Glory in all her glory.
I had a minor win this week. The best part is that I didn’t even have to complain to anyone. You see, I’m a pretty proud member of this old U.S.A. Military vet, yadda, yadda, yadda. So when I found out that my daughter’s pre-school class was planning to recite the pledge of allegiance in Spanish during her Spring assembly, I got a little perturbed. Not angry. Not upset. Just a little put out over the whole thing.
I’ve got no qualms with her learning Spanish. In fact, I teach her all kinds of Spanish at home. Growing up in South Texas, I attended bi-lingual classes until I was about 10 years old. I can do my multiplication tables in Spanish, recite the Spanish alphabet and all that jazz. Also, I want her to learn another language and Spanish is extremely useful to know.
The problem with this whole thing is that it is the pledge. Of allegiance. To America. When I was sworn in to the US Air Force back in ’94, I didn’t pledge in any other language but English. Even the dude next to me from Puerto Rico said it in English. It also bothered me that her teacher didn’t even realize that there may be a fundamental problem with this. She thought it was cute. And yes, it’s very cute to hear 4 year olds learning a new language. However, treading on our pledge probably isn’t the best avenue.
Turns out, said teacher mentioned my concern to the director. As I was dropping Ava off this morning, the director called me into her office. She immediately said she wanted me to know that the kids would not be reciting the pledge in any other language at the assembly. I was shocked because I didn’t elevate it. I was hesitant to stir the pot. She said she discussed the issue with her husband, who happens to be a retired Lt. Colonel from the Air Force, and he, too, saw the fundamental problem with this seemingly innocuous little recitation. Needless to say, she pulled the plug on it and they are learning a new poem/song in Spanish now.
I hate causing a stir and didn’t want to flag myself as a trouble-maker so I never did elevate this. But, damn, I’m pretty pleased at my little win.
I would say that I think you made the right move by not making a huge deal out of it at the preschool. It’s good to hear they reconsidered and decided to have the kids learn something else in Spanish. It is a good skill to speak another language and there are plenty of other poems/songs they can practice with.
Thanks Jessica. I didn’t want to cause a big mess and have Ava get caught in the middle. I’m very mindful of her relationships at school and like to keep her high on everyone’s list as much as possible. I don’t know what song they are doing now, but I’m excited to hear it!!
Awesome Sean! Kudos to you for showing such restraint. Patriotism is usually one area that can get me fired up in a hurry…
The old me would have stormed in to the director’s office with both guns blazing! I’m pretty pleased that my subtle, adult approach actually made a difference.
Way to go Sean! I think this is a HUGE victory for Ava and her class.
Thanks Nancy!!