Parents Invited to Ocean City Schools on Tuesday

In recognition of American Education Week from Nov. 18 to 22, Ocean City Public Schools will have a program of observances that includes Parents Day on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a first-hand look at what the school day is like for their children. 

The schedule is as follows:

Primary School 

9:40 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. 

Parents will have an opportunity to visit their child’s class during academic lessons with the classroom teacher. The Primary School is sending a letter home and asking parents to sign a form so they know whom to expect. 

Intermediate School 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (varying for each grade since it will be during the grades’ lunch times) 

Parents will have an opportunity to visit the Intermediate School while they are in session and will also provide them with the opportunity to share lunch with their child. The Intermediate School is sending a letter home and asking parents to sign a form so they know whom to expect. 

High School 

8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. 

Parents are invited to attend a walking tour of the High School. These are guided tours that will begin in the media center (library). The High School is sending a notice to the parents and the parents are required to pre-register for one of the tours. 

The weeklong celebration features a special observance each day of the week. They include: 

Monday, Nov. 18: Kickoff Day 

Nationwide Kickoff. Across the country, schools will celebrate excellence in education by hosting kickoff events and activities. 

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Parents Day 

Schools will invite parents into the classroom for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children. 

Wednesday, Nov. 20: Education Support Professionals Day 

Education Support Professionals keep schools running and students safe, healthy and ready to learn. 

Thursday, Nov. 21: Educator for a Day 

Community leaders are invited to experience a day in the life of an educator, along with experiencing the challenges of teaching and the needs of students. 

Friday, Nov. 22: Substitute Educators Day 

Substitute educators play a vital role in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. 

American Education Week History 

The National Education Association was one of the creators and original sponsors of American Education Week. 

Distressed that 25 percent of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate and 9 percent were physically unfit, representatives of the NEA and the American Legion met in 1919 to seek ways to generate public support for education. 

The conventions of both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. In 1921, the NEA Representative Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa, called for designation of one week each year to spotlight education. In its resolution, the 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." 

The first observance of American Education Week occurred December 4-10, 1921, with the NEA and American Legion as the cosponsors. A year later, the then U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as a cosponsor, and the PTA followed in 1938. 

Other co-sponsors are the U.S. Department of Education and national organizations including the National PTA, the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Association of School Administrators, the National School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the American School Counselor Association, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National School Public Relations Association, the National Association of State Boards of Education, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. 

American Education Week is always celebrated the week prior to the week of Thanksgiving. 

92nd Annual American Education Week 

November 18-22, 2013- presents all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. 

This year’s theme is “Raise Your Hand for Student Success” and we accomplish that theme by making sure: 

• That every child in America has access to quality public education, regardless of family income or where they live. 
• That all educators are respected and treated as professionals and participate in key education policy discussions. 
• That parents, families, communities, and educators come together and create partnerships to foster environments that are conducive for student learning. 
• That elected officials should do their part to ensure adequate tools and resources for all schools, include educators in key policy discussions, and make sure that students have access to a world class education—from pre-k and beyond. 
• That all of our students have a right to an education that prepares them for college and 21st century careers.