CENTRAL FLORIDA -- President Barack Obama is planning to deliver a speech next week to the nation's school children. The White House says the president will only urge kids to work hard and stay in school.

But some parents are already criticizing it, saying the president will try to push politics on school kids. School districts across Central Florida have told students they can refuse to watch it.

Parents have the option of pulling the plug on the speech.

President Barack Obama is arguably the most powerful person in the world, but some parents say they don't care. Many say they don't want their kids to listen to his speech at school.

"We have had some calls from parents. Again, it's been a mixed reception. Some for, some don't," Christine Davis of the Brevard County School District said.

Obama will deliver a speech on C-span and the White House website next Tuesday. It will be directed at the county's students and focus on the importance of taking responsibility for their success in school.

In Brevard County, parents can pull their students from hearing the Commander in Chief.

"Principals have been instructed if parents send in a note, they do not wish to participate, we can honor that request," Davis said.

Lake County is doing the same, but in Orange County it's up to the principal to decide if students will watch it.

Shelia Moatts says she will allow her eighth grader to listen to Obama.

"The president is an important man," Moatts said.

However, she agrees people's political opinions are important too and public schools should never be used as political arenas.

Some fear the speech will eat up precious class time with a message about policy instead of success in school.

"If that's their opinion that's fine. If they don't want to listen to it, you can't force them too," Moatts said.

According to a press released from Osceola County Schools issued September 6: "In Osceola County, teachers and administrators will assess the best use of the Presidential Address to support the curriculum and student learning. Teachers have the option of showing the message live via the television on Tuesday or using a taped copy to show for a future lesson as it ties to the curriculum. Our goal is to provide a meaningful extension of our lessons so that it enhances student learning. If parents have concerns or questions regarding the viewing of the Address by their child, they should contact their school principal."

The last time a sitting president addressed the nation's school children was back in 1991, when George Bush talked to them.