ROCK SPRINGS – Although education week gets rolling next week, the event got its start on Friday as Rock Springs Mayor Carl Demshar, Sweetwater County School District #1 Superintendent Matthew Neil and Sweetwater Education Association President Kathy Sisemore signed a proclamation to start American Education Week off.
This is the 92nd year the National Education Week has been celebrated throughout the United States. The celebration begins on Nov. 18 and runs through the entire week. While teachers are part of the celebration, there is a separate appreciation day for teachers. This week is to celebrate the rest of the employees who help educated the children of the district.
“Our organization is only as good as our employees are,” Superintendent Neil said. “This weeks allows up to take the time to pause and celebrate them.”
Neil said the entire staff, from principals, to teachers, support staff, custodians and bus drivers are all a team and are all part of the team which educates children. One day is specifically set aside for parents to join their child for a day in the life of a child’s education. Neil again said parents are also a vital part of this team and this allows them to see how important it is for the entire team to work together for their child.
In an earlier interview, SEA President Sisemore said it gives parents a chance to see first hand about the education system instead of what they may hear in the media. She said it really does “take a village” to education students and this shows and supports all of those involved.
Mayor Demshar was there to sign the proclamation to give the school district the city’s support on this important week.
“Education provides the basis of a good quality of life,” Demshar said. “Children with a good education are less likely to have problems with the law and are more likely to be a contributing member of our community.”
On Monday schools will get the week started with Kickoff day. Several activities will be planned to get students, teachers and support staff excited for the week-long event. Tuesday will be parents day. This is a day for parents to come in and see first hand how their child’s school day really is.
Wednesday will be a day to celebrate support staff and professionals throughout the district, while Thursday will bring community leaders into schools where they will be educators for a day. Finally, on Friday, the party will wrap up with a celebration of substitute teachers in the district.
