Schools Celebrate American Education Week

This week, school districts across the nation are celebrating public education by observing American Education Week; a time for students, teachers, and members of the community to recognize the accomplishments made by all are involved in the education of students.

According to the National Education Association, American Education Week, which is always celebrated the week before Thanksgiving, began shortly after the First World War as a way to strengthen the public education system in a time where 25 percent of Americans were illiterate.

The first American Education Week was held in December of 1921 and was cosponsored by the American Legion and the NEA. A year later, the effort was supported by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of this week has always been to show the community what public schools can accomplish, and raise awareness regarding what our schools need in order to remain strong systems of education.

School officials note that in congruence with a Board of Education Resolution, this week Scotch Plains Fanwood Schools are embracing this theme: Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.

This week, members of the community can visit either the Scotch Plains or the Fanwood library to view examples of student work including essays, math assignments, science projects and art work. This effort was coordinated by the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology, Dr. Joan Mast, and the PTA Cultural Arts Committee.

Language Arts Supervisor, Jocelyn Dumaresq noted that special displays of student work are also present in the Media Center at Scotch Plains Fanwood High School.

“We asked every English teacher at the high school to contribute excellent examples of student writing. These include everything from essays to fiction. We wanted to take this time to celebrate the good work our students are doing,” Dumaresq stated.

Below is a list of additional efforts organized by the schools to celebrate American Education Week, courtesy of school officials.

• A coffee with the Superintendent was held on November 14 at Terrill Middle School to allow for an informal opportunity for parents and citizens to ask questions about our schools.
• A tour of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School will take place on Wednesday, November 16.
• Parent Conferences, beginning Nov. 17 for elementary K-4 and 5th grades
• Rotary Club Dictionary Day-members present dictionaries to all 3rd graders in the district
• Evergreen 60th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday, November 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evergreen School.
• McGinn Staff Trivia event all week
• McGinn Dragons-resurrecting the school mascot, students will create McGinn Dragons to be posted in the hallways!
• Internationally acclaimed Contemporary artist, Dominic Pangborn, sponsored by Park West CARES and the SP-F Education Enrichment Foundation gave presentations at both Park and Terrill Middle Schools on November 14, including stories of his childhood, his development as an artist and graphic designer, as well as explaining the inspiration for his various works of art. On November 17th the EEF will hold a silent art auction and wine reception at the Chelsea in Fanwood (with art from the prestigious Park West Gallery). All proceeds are dedicated to the enhancement of quality of education in the SPF public schools.