Barack Obama was sworn in Jan. 20 as the 44th president of the United States, making history as the first African-American to lead our country from the White House. President Obama has much to do, but where should he start? We asked NYSUT members and students to share their thoughts. Here is just a sampling of the hundreds of letters we received. Follow the link for even more student letters.

More informaton about the president and the inauguration - including lesson plans developed by NYSUT's national affiliates - are available online at www.nysut.org/DearMrPrez .

Camillus

"Teaching skills such as creativity, imagination, problem solving, innovative thinking and responsible citizenship are the tools that will allow our students to become valuable and productive learners prepared to address today's problems and create tomorrow's solutions.

Let's not flounder in the small, narrow channels of test-taking with its time-stealing and mind-draining drudgeries when we could have our children navigating an ocean of inspiring learning opportunities."

Mary Humphrey, Split Rock Elementary, West Genesee School District

New York City

"I am concerned about my parents losing their jobs.

Also about the money people are losing every day. The gas prices are getting higher. Kids are dropping out of school and nobody cares. Lots of people are going to war and many have died. There's not enough money for people to take care of their families, especially the poor. Please solve this issue."

Cheyenne A. Paul, P.S. 97, Bronx

Roslyn Heights

"We need to improve our relations with other nations of the world. Instead of addressing the problems of the world alone, you should treat other countries with respect and cooperate with them. Do everything to promote peace in the world."

Christine Mathew, Grade 7

Massapequa Park

O pen to new ideas, organized and has a vision to strengthen public school education; orates change for the nation;
B right, believes in bringing our troops home quickly; Bach quartet is one of his favorite musical pieces;
A ttended Columbia University and graduated from Harvard Law School; admired by our youth;
M arried to Michelle, motivated to success, mannerly; music of Miles Davis is his speed;
A lert and working for the poor and needy, anxious to be the first black president, tolerant of others; affordable health care is an essential goal for the Illinois senator.

Roberta Salomon, Retired Reading Teacher, District 29, Queens

Monroe

"Congratulations! Please help our country by lowering the tax prices and to stop the war. Now please do this for your country. Tell people to follow the law. You rock!"

Robert Estevez, Pine Tree Elementary

Monticello

"I would like to have the school environment upgraded. The kids need bigger desks so they can fit their books. The teachers need bigger file cabinets to keep all their files in place. Recess needs to be safer so kids don't get hurt. The school needs more basketballs for gym."

Danielle Nolan, 5th grade, KLR Elementary School

"I would like to bring to your attention that our governor is making budget cuts, and for some reason, education seems to be one of the biggest targets.

This means that extracurricular activities such as musicals, art and sports wouldn't have a fighting chance to survive.

Without education, the foundation of our country will crumble, leading to no hope for our generation's future. I hope that you take this letter seriously and make our educational system a top priority."

Brad Belanger

Ticonderoga

"In these first days of your presidency, please consider your responsibility to the young generation of America. Although many other issues such as security and education are at hand, college is looming ever nearer for the nation's high school seniors.With the current state of the economy, it is even harder for students and their families to feasibly afford college.

Your plan for providing monetary aid to said students seems to be a good start; however, it must be enacted soon."

Brendan Carberry & Amber Holman, Ticonderoga High School