The El Dorado School District will observe American Education Week November 14-18. American Education Week celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer attended the November meeting of the El Dorado School Board to read a proclamation regarding the outstanding work of public education in El Dorado and declare the celebration of American Education Week in the city.
American Education Week allows teachers and students to specifically focus on the importance of public education and on furthering their education after high school. “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 Superintendent Jim Tucker.
As part of American Education Week, conversation about higher education will continue at all El Dorado schools with teachers and students wearing college t-shirts and having teachers share about their college experiences on Wednesday, November 16. Elementary schools have invited guests to speak with their classes to talk about college and careers and read to students. Students at the elementary schools will also have opportunities to express their appreciation to school staff through special writing assignments. Hugh Goodwin will host a Literacy Night for families where they can receive free books for students on Tuesday from 5:30-6:30pm. Fourth graders at Northwest can be the “teacher” in their classroom on Thursday, as they share their knowledge on a specific subject they have researched with their classmates. Students at Yocum Elementary will have the opportunity to dress up as they want to be when they grow up on Friday and discuss their chosen professions in individual classes. Also on Friday, Yocum Primary first graders will have a book character parade, sharing about their favorite characters and authors.
At Washington Middle School, students will dress up daily to show their spirit for public education. The 5th and 6th-grade students will learn about the El Dorado Promise, have a chance to write about what they love about their school, hear from their homeroom teachers about their college experiences, and dress like their own future career choices.
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 student-produced artwork, educational testimonies, and quotes that will be shared school-wide. Students will also have the opportunity to express their beliefs on the importance of education through writing. Additionally, El Dorado High School will host a College and Career Fair on Tuesday night from 6-7:30pm. The fair is open to all students in grades 9-12 and their families.
Superintendent Tucker noted, “American Education Week is a great time to express your appreciation for educators and the staff of our public schools.”