joined public schools nationwide in celebrating

In 1921, the National Education Association Representative Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for the designation of one week each year to spotlight public education. In its resolution, the National Education Association (NEA) called for “An educational week… observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs."

American Education Week’s origins date back to World War I. Distressed that 25% of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate and 9% were physically unfit, representatives of the NEA and the American Legion met in 1919 to seek ways to generate public support for education.

The first observance of American Education Week occurred December 4-10, 1921, with the NEA and American Legion as the co-sponsors. American Education Week is now always celebrated the week prior to the week of Thanksgiving and there is a celebration day for each day of the week.

On Kickoff Day, from national commemorations to local school events, millions of Americans announce the week-long celebration of providing great public schools for our children. People are recognized throughout the week for their role in ensuring our nation’s 50 million PK-12 students are receiving a quality public education. 

Parents Day is celebrated to spotlight the importance of parent/guardian involvement. Ongoing research shows that involvement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores confidence among parents in their children's education.

 

Parental involvement includes checking homework every night, communicating with your children's teachers, asking your children about their school day, and attending and participating in parent-teacher conferences.  Parents (and grandparents) can also get involved by being guest readers, being PTO or Booster Club members, and attending fine arts and athletic events and other school functions that are hosted by our various clubs and organizations.

Becoming a substitute is a great way for community members to get involved with our schools. Substitutes play an important role in helping us provide educational continuity for our students. They provide a critical link in the education of our students by serving as a bridge to provide continued quality services in the temporary absence of District employees.

Substitute Educators Day is a recognized day to express appreciation for the contributions of our many substitutes. Our substitutes include teachers, nurses, secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, food service workers, and bus drivers.

American Education Week also provides us with an opportunity to remind everyone that the members of our Board of Education play a key role in ensuring all of our students are receiving the best possible education.

 

Our Board of Education consists of five community members elected to four-year terms.

 

Thank you Board Members for all you do for our students.

 

In celebration of American Education Week, Western Dubuque Schools administration thanks all District employees, Board of Education members, parents, substitutes, volunteers, business partners, and community members for all you do for our students. We appreciate all you do to help ensure our students are receiving a quality public education.

  

Western Dubuque Community School District is committed to upholding the District's guiding philosophy, "Better Every Day". We have a five-year strategic plan to help ensure continuous improvement in all areas. By following this plan, we are able to make our school district better every day for our students.

We are proud to say that one of our District goals is to improve student growth and achievement in literacy, math, science, social studies, and 21st century skills. Another District goal is to provide a safe environment that supports student social, emotional, and behavioral development. 

Our teachers are instrumental in providing our students with a quality education. Our education support professionals are essential partners in this education process. They provide invaluable services that help ensure our students are provided with positive, supportive learning environments.

Our employees do a great job of working together as a team to make our schools the best they can be for all of our students. Education Support Professionals Day is a time to honor the contributions of our food service workers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodians, grounds and maintenance staff, bus drivers, and mechanics.

Educator for a Day is a special day to recognize community support and involvement in our schools. The use of volunteers promotes community-school relationships while enhancing the educational process. We appreciate the many hours of assistance our volunteers give us each year.
 
As for business partnerships, we have representatives from many businesses who share their expertise with our students when they visit our classrooms or when they invite us to visit their business. These partnerships are a valuable resource and greatly appreciated.

  

We provide a challenging curriculum based on our students' needs, including course work for the student choosing a four-year college, a community college, a vocational or technical school, the military, or the workforce. 

In addition to celebrating our academic success, American Education Week is a great time to celebrate and showcase the variety of activities that are available for our students to participate in. We are proud of our successful tradition in athletics, fine arts, clubs, and organizations.

American Education Week highlights the importance of bringing educators, parents, students, and communities together to provide great public schools for our children.

Western Dubuque Community School District is proud to be a leader in public education. We are committed to inspiring and challenging our students, while providing them with knowledge, skills and attitudes for success.

We value our community and parent support and involvement. Together, we are developing positive role models, responsible citizens, and future leaders.