i'm not saying this to be rude, so please don't take it that
way. but why do you need a committee developed curriculum to tell you
what to say.

just tell them the truth. a band of well trained, well financed
islamic extremists successfully launched the largest terrorist attack on
the US on US soil in our entire history killing over 3,000 people.

tell them that these people are part of a religion that is intolerant
of anyone who is not one of them, and not intolerant to the point of
being mildy annoyed, but annoyed to the point of cutting your head off.

tell them that these are people who will stone women in their own
community if they happen to make accidental eye contact with the wrong
man, or will cut off the arm of a starving person who steals a loaf of
bread or will murder someone under the suspicion that they are gay.

tell them about sharia law and how it's nothing like they would even
understand in this country and that these people live in a place where
you can be killed for trying to have the same free speech that we all
take for granted.

and finally, tell them that this wasn't a one shot deal and that
there are attacks that have been prevented that we will never know about
and that they just can't go around feeling guilty for being an American
because the dear leader says so.

you don't need a committee to write a script for the truth.

With the 7th & 8th grade level, and the different
learning /understanding abilities it can be challenging and somewhat
awkward to broach this subject. Not to mention, some kids are unaware
that America isn't loved by all people in the world (believe it or not).
I'm not saying that the truth should be withheld, but handling irate
parents who are mad because their child has been exposed to something
they didn't want...just saying, approved curriculum is easier to follow
at least for guidance.

i'm sure it's a challenge and a tight rope you have to walk
on. my hats off to you for what you must have to endure from some
parents who expect teachers to propagate the bubble they choose to keep
their children in at home. the sad part is, the bubble can't last
forever and kids often have a hard time adjusting to reality when that
happens.

good luck and hang in there.

Hopefully they will educate the children properly and tell
them that Larry Silverstein, who admitted this in a PBS special on 9/11,
ordered it "Pulled" which means to demolish it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYdAJQV100, forgot to post this.