It’s been an interesting week in Bellevue for news.

The Bellevue High School football team stubbed its toe in Texas, new upscale shops opened to the relief of many, and our school district looked foolish – or worse – when it couldn’t decide what to do when the President of the United States talks about education to our kids.

So, here we go.

What we’re they thinking? That’s the phrase that comes to mind after watching the Bellevue School District trying to come to grips with the president’s nationally televised talk about education.

The school district heard from a number of people before the talk that they were concerned President Obama would use his talk to indoctrinate kids. School officials decided not to show the talk in the classrooms.

Next, others heard the speech wasn’t being shown and bombarded the district with complaints about kids missing an inspiring talk about staying in school and achieving their dreams.

The second part of that controversy continues in this newspaper today in the form of a number of letters to the editor.

I know it’s hard to be an educator these days. Too many parents and social critics seem to feel that not only do they know what’s best to teach kids but also that those who disagree are plotting the demise of American education.

Still, the Bellevue School District always has been one that is looked to by others to show the way in education. It prides itself on high standards in academics – and other efforts.

It has some of the best teachers in the state, if not the country. Our kids are in good hands. The district’s teachers have the smarts to help their students work through any issues that might be raised by the President of the United States.

As it turned out, the president told the country pretty much what every parent tells their own children: stay in school, work hard and a wonderful future awaits you.

Too bad our kids didn’t hear that first hand from the president.

The week also marked the opening of Neiman Marcus and The Shops at The Bravern. Or, as they like to say around City Hall, the end of our long recessionary nightmare.

The high-end retailers clustered together at Northeast Eighth Street and 112th Avenue Northeast won’t by themselves refill the city’s sales tax coffers, but it’s obvious from early comments that there are plenty of people out there ready once again to shop.

It was particularly interesting to read comments form Seattle residents and others from outside Bellevue saying they came to The Bravern prepared to track down a $800 designer handbag or some high-end clothing.

All I can say is “welcome to Bellevue – and remember, parking is free here.”

Finally, our sports and photo staff are back from Katy, Texas after covering the Bellevue Wolverines football game against the Tigers.

Bellevue lost – 35-17 – but the event was all that was advertised.

Texas football is what everyone says it is – a force that unites the people and a town like nothing we see here. The fans are passionate about the team and know the game.

Equally impressive is how gracious they are. Both sports writer Joel Willits and photographer Chad Coleman returned with story after story of friendly people who welcomed to the area with open arms. The people there also were impressed that the Bellevue Reporter would send a news team to Texas for the game.

We did it for what should be obvious reasons. The game was a big deal in Bellevue. Since it was – and the Bellevue Reporter focuses on Bellevue – it was a big deal to us.

So is your news, even if we only travel cross-town to cover it. If you’re in Bellevue, you’re important to us.