(Editor’s note: The writer asserts there are 57 books scheduled to be read to kindergartners, though the curriculum shows 55 planned “read alouds.” The full K-6 social studies curriculum can be read at this link.)

Dear editor,

The Marshfield schools are among the highest ranking. Why have we accepted the K-6 social studies program, which will be dependent upon a politically controlling group shaping our children’s minds according to the whims of whoever is in politics at the time?

We are locked into the program for five years. The details of what and how this program is presented to the students are not readily available to parents or the public. No public discernment is allowed. We know important topics relative to our American history will be presented. The facts may be accurately presented, but the true meaning may be altered or drowned out and in time changed via the computer class programs.

Fifty-seven books are to be read to kindergartners with an emphasis on “good” world citizens, and the redefined “family” as being members of the school, the community, and the world, with no mention of parents. And these books are not available through the local libraries, etc. Some of the authors, if checked out on the internet, are of questionable persuasions according to our Midwest values. We teach our children to love all people, but we do not have to agree with their life styles, or do we?

Already with the national — formerly called Common Core — math and English in our schools, the teachers have less time for their students with more required paperwork and tests. The new social studies program is part of an integrated English, math, and future science program with a same thread throughout. What is next? Traditional families, be aware.

In our society of “re-definers,” what will our children be taught? Most teachers here hold true to our value system, but when we give up our responsibilities in order to make things “easier,” we produce ticky-tacky/all-the-same automatons, having lost the ability to debate and be creative people, being taught what to think but not how to think.

If teachers were free to truly voice their opinions and not potentially lose their jobs, most probably agree.

A concerned grandparent,

Camille Mueller