America Education Week - November 11-17

     Public Education is Great.  Why is that?  Because ALL children from ages 5 to 21 can attend school for free in a school that offers a broad curriculum and provides the tools for learning.  Somewhere this week a child will learn to read for the first time or understand an algebraic equation or fall in love with history or discover a hidden talent.  In any case their lives will never be the same.  What a wonderful privilege and opportunity. 

     Public Education is a cornerstone of our democracy.  Last week Chadron Public Schools was visited by our Governor, Commissioner of Education, and Chairman of the Legislature’s Education committee who are members of Nebraska’s P-16 initiative to strengthen education.  Nebraska recognizes that a well-educated public includes more productive workers with higher incomes and less dependence on public assistance programs.  Communities that have vibrant school systems tend to be more flourishing and linked to lower crime rates, improved public health, and more stable families. 

     American Education Week was created in 1919 as a joint venture between the American Legion and the National Education Association (NEA) to seek ways to generate public support for education.  Both groups were distressed that 25% of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate.

     Take a minute this week to reflect on the educators in your life that made this precious opportunity of an education possible.  If you can thank them personally or take a minute to thank the many educators in our community for choosing to dedicate their professional life to the education or our most precious resource, our children.

Dr. Caroline Winchester