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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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V.I. Celebrates American Education Week With Activities in Public Schools

The V.I. Department of Education and all public schools throughout the territory will join the 89th national observance of American Education Week from Nov. 14-20, in a continuing effort to raise awareness about public education and its benefits as well as to provide an opportunity to recognize and thank those professionals who work with students each day, according to a press release from Commissioner Dr. La Verne Terry.
The commissioner said, “The leadership of the V.I. Department of Education is pleased to join districts across the nation in celebration of American Education Week and in continuation of its theme, Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.’ Our focus this year continues to be improving student achievement and parental/community involvement toward the process of fulfilling the mandates of our vision and mission, which are: ‘Empowering students for success’ and ‘A commitment to the superior preparation and performance of every student for continuing education, rewarding employment, and responsible citizenship.’
“As a product of the public education system myself, I wholeheartedly support public schools and a public school education for a number of reasons. With 90 percent of all American children in public school, public education is a uniting element and can be seen as an important factor in our democratic way of life. Public schools expose students to a variety of teachers. Even in situations with one main classroom teacher, students may have additional instructors for foreign language, home economics, shop, physical education, drama, music, art, etc., offering an opportunity to learn with diverse pedagogies,” Dr. Terry said. “Public schools also offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities, ranging from intramural sports to a range of clubs and other opportunities clearly focusing on the development of the whole child.”
She also said, “Throughout the week-long observance, schools will host a series of activities for students, parents and community members. These activities provide us with additional opportunities to bring to the forefront and the recognize individuals, in that of teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff persons, who daily make a difference in the lives of our students and public education. I encourage all parents to visit their children’s school and see what great things are happening.”
Scheduled activities are as follows:
  • Monday, November 15: Kick-off Day
    From national commemorations to local community events, millions of Americans celebrate public education.
  • Tuesday, November 16: Parents’ Day
    Schools invite parents into the classroom for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their child.
  • Wednesday, November 17: Education Support Professionals Day
    Individuals who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.
  • Thursday, November 18: Educator for a Day
    Community leaders are invited to serve as educators to get a glimpse at a day in the life of a school employee.
  • Friday, November 19: Substitute Educators Day
    This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.
For information on detailed schedules, contact the respective district office or the child’s school.

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