American Education Week

This is the 87th annual American Education Week (AEW). AEW shines the spotlight on the importance of providing every child a quality public education all the way from kindergarten through college and the need for all stakeholders to contribute toward that goal. First started in 1921, it was an effort to raise America’s literacy rates after World War I.

Each day focuses on another area of importance:
Monday, November 17: Open House Day. From national commemorations to local community events, millions of Americans will celebrate public education nationwide.
Tuesday, November 18: Parents Day. Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a hands-on experience of what the day is like for their child.
Wednesday, November 19: Education Support Professionals Day. Individuals who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.
Thursday, November 20: Educator for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to serve as educators to get a glimpse at a day in the life of a school employee.
Friday, November 21: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed teachers.

More information and related resources are available. The National Education Association provides an online toolkit to help plan recognition events. Education World lists many potential activities that can be done in your school. Your local and state school leaders may have additional information and activities available now.

- Diane

Eat Smart for a Great Start

“Be sure to eat a good breakfast.” “Have a piece of fruit with your lunch.” "Finish your milk before you leave the table.” How often as kids did we hear our parents reminding us of the importance of good nutrition? How many of us find ourselves repeating those same reminders to our own children?

PBS KIDS and Produce for Kids® (PFK) have joined forces on an online initiative to promote healthy eating and smart food choices through the numerous benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Launched in 2007, Eat Smart for a Great Start encourages kids to take their own personal steps towards living healthier lifestyles. The website includes a healthy eating page that includes games, fitness challenges and activities for kids. PBS Parents features an extensive area that includes activities and information on how parents can help their children build healthy eating habits such as:

· Parent Helpers that provide parents with strategies, activities and creative ways to encourage kids to eat healthy foods and make eating healthy foods fun;
· An article on “Picky Eaters” that provides parents with advice on how they can encourage even the pickiest eaters to eat healthy foods;
· Recipes using fruits and vegetables from children’s favorite PBS KIDS programs;
· Engaging activities that kids can play at the grocery store to make them aware of the healthy options around them as well as help them build math and literacy skills.

While these resources are aimed primarily at parents, they also have many uses in the elementary classroom. Check out these free resources soon.

- Diane