EDUCATION WEEK: STUDENTS RECORD GOOD DEEDS

Kopper Thatch helped her mom rake leaves, Kennedy Thomas assisted her sister with homework, and Matt Taylor "pushed a truck for a lady and let her call someone."

The Central Junior High School students were among more than 30 who took the time to record good deeds they had performed this week and post them on the "helping hands" bulletin board at the school Thursday.

The bulletin board postings were part of a week-long celebration of American Education Week, a national event that celebrates the educational process. The theme for the week was "Children-Teachers-Parents: Helping Students Achieve." Schools were encouraged to develop programs or activities that would exhibit dedication to education.

"I think American Education Week helps to spotlight the contributions and good things that go on," said Central Junior High School Principal Gerald Richards. "It specifically allows people to come into the classroom and see what's going on."

In addition to the bulletin board, junior high students also joined others in the district in hosting special open house events throughout the week. Parents, relatives and friends were invited to attend classes with students and have lunch in the cafeteria.

Richards said such events are important because they emphasize the importance of education and the need for students to feel supported by their families.

"Sometimes in junior high it's not cool' to have parents sitting in the class with you, but anytime a parent wants to come and visit a class, they're certainly welcome," he said.