AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK IS UNDER WAY

Educators nationwide are celebrating 75 years of excellence Nov. 17-23 during American Education Week.

The event was first sponsored by the National Education Association and the American Legion Dec. 4-10, 1921, after more than a quarter of U.S. World War I draftees had been declared illiterate and 29 percent physically unfit.

The week is now co-sponsored with other national organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education, that are interested in emphasizing education's central role in the nation's future.

"Teachers, education support personnel and communities together make American education what it is," said Donna Collins, president of the Missouri NEA. "That's what we honor during this 75th anniversary of American Education Week."

The diamond anniversary theme is "The Future Begins In Today's Schools." Educators hope to garner public support for measures that improve public schools, including new programs and teaching techniques, better school activities, higher staff morale and enthusiasm, and improved parental involvement.

"We've got a lot planned," said Melanie McVay, Cape Girardeau chairperson for American Education Week. "Each school has its own activities scheduled."

Mayor Al Spradling III signed a proclamation declaring this week American Education Week in Cape Girardeau. Parents may visit classrooms and have lunch with their children during scheduled open house events in schools. They allow parents to see their children in the classroom setting.

Students in Cape Girardeau will have art on display all week at City Hall, Cape Girardeau Senior Center, Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center.

Other schools also are celebrating excellence in education this week. In Sikeston public schools teachers will receive motivational literature in recognition of their work.

Educators and support personnel at Woodland R-4 schools in Marble Hill will be treated to an after-school social hour Tuesday.

Students at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in Cape Girardeau will honor their principal with an appreciation assembly. While it will be held on a national day of appreciation for Catholic school principals, it also is included as a part of American Education Week.

Because eduation involves the entire community, Wednesday has been designated nationally as Education Support Personnel Day. The day is meant to honor cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers, teacher aides, paraprofessionals and other school support staff.

Collins said: "It's time for Missourians to be proud; proud of all our accomplishments, from the achievements of students and teachers to the significant improvement efforts under way to strengthen our public schools so we can better prepare students for the challenges they will face in the 21st century."