To the editor:
November 13-19 will mark the 90th annual observance of American Education Week. Our AEW tagline, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” highlights the importance of bringing together educators, parents, students, and communities in a unified effort to build great public schools.
Today’s teachers do more than teach basic skills. They nurture and inspire children. They help students learn essential skills not always measured in testing, such as critical thinking, conflict resolution, cooperation, and problem solving, which help students throughout life.
However, you and I know that no school is without problems. There is always something needing improvement. That’s why we have programs such as a mentoring program for first and second year teachers where experienced teachers help new teachers.
We participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters where High School students are paired up with elementary children to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on children’s lives. The list of programs such as these goes on but all with the goal of helping our students achieve success.
Parents, I invite you to visit your child’s school and learn for yourself how you can help. If you do not have children at home, please consider contacting one of our schools and asking how you can contribute to a child’s success today.
Thank you for taking time to read this letter. I’m proud to make a difference in the lives of the students I teach.
Barbara Hackworth
Thomas Jefferson
Special Education Teacher
Newton Community Education Association President