To start off American Education Week locally, Mayor Frank Hash will proclaim the city’s observance of the nationally recognized week of honor public education at the El Dorado School Board meeting tonight at 6:30.
The week started in 1921 with the National Education Association, after it found out that 25 percent of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate and 9 percent were physically unfit. It is designed to celebrate public education and the benefits that come with it.
“With the unique El Dorado Promise Scholarship available to all EHS graduates, higher education is something that is talked about on a daily basis in our schools,” said Jim Tucker, El Dorado Superintendent.
The event will start today with Hugh Goodwin’s annual Veterans Day parade at 9:30 a.m. and Hash’s statement at the school board meeting.
Tuesday evening Retta Brown will host its annual Thanksgiving Dinner for students and their families at El Dorado High School at 5:30. On Wednesday, Yocum will present their Arkansas Travelers program discussing the state’s history at 9:30 a.m. at the municipal auditorium.
Within the schools students will have conversations with teachers about higher education. Per usual, Wednesday will be college T-shirt day and teachers will share their experiences in college with students.
Elementary school students will have time to research college and careers, and will write about what career paths interest them. Washington Middle School Students will do special units on study skills and preparation for college.
Yocum and Hugh Goodwill will invite community members to talk to students about their college experiences and their chosen careers while Sylvia Thompson, director of the El Dorado Promise, will visit Retta Brown to talk about The Promise. Northwest will write "thank you notes" to Murphy Oil for The Promise.
Throughout the week, all El Dorado Schools will recognize teachers and support staff for their dedication to public education. Barton Junior High and El Dorado High School will encourage staff and students through educational quotes and videos that will be shared schoolwide. Teachers at these schools will be appreciated throughout the week with schoolwide recognition and luncheons. Northwest will choose students to serve as Educators and Substitute Educators for the day and encourage students to write "thank you notes" to their teachers.
To focus on the importance of reading and writing in education, students at Yocum will have a Book Character Parade and Hugh Goodwin students will enjoy a Book Fair throughout the week. Washington Middle School will recognize students for outstanding performance in reading and math.
Michael Shine may be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook @MichaelAZShine for updates on Union County school news.