American Education Week Nov 17-21

American Education Week Celebrates Public Schools

Public Invited to Visit Schools, or Become School Volunteer

Poudre School District joins other communities across the country in recognizing the importance of everyone working together to provide great public schools during American Education Week November 16 –22, 2008.

This year’s theme, Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility, highlights the importance of bringing together students, educators, parents and all segments of the communities to build great public schools. The theme also reflects the National Education Association’s vision of providing students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper, and achieve in the 21^st century.

“Each child deserves a high-quality public education, and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously,” says Dr. Jerry Wilson, PSD superintendent of schools. “We’re proud of the accomplishments of students based on effective teaching and the partnerships we have with the community. American Education Week is a time to celebrate PSD’s commitment to help students be successful and productive citizens.”

This year’s celebration marks the 87^th annual observance of American Education Week – a time for saluting public schools and the relationship between public education and the community.

“We hope parents and other community members will visit a school during American Education Week to see for themselves what schools, teachers and staff are doing,” says Wilson. “The more parents are involved and better informed about their child’s progress the better children learn.  In addition, we are always in need of parents and community members who want to volunteer their time at schools.”

To volunteer in a school, contact the PSD Partnership Center at 490-3208. For information on events and activities at area neighborhood schools, call the school nearest you, or log onto www.psdschools.org and look at the fine arts calendar, events listing and articles about schools in the area.

American Education Week was first observed in 1921. The NEA and the American Legion were distressed that 25 percent of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate and 29 percent were physically unfit. The organizations generated support for public education and designated one week each year to spotlight education.

For more information about American Education Week go to: www.nea.org