Post COVID-19: Celebrating Education In Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE, PA – As the nation recovers from the pandemic, Phoenixville Area School District joins thousands of public-school districts across the country this week in observing American Education Week.

Phoenixville school officials said the week is extra special as educators and support professionals work tirelessly to keep student learning on track.

“We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the entire Phoenixville Area School District staff, including our teachers, support staff, and many others working on behalf of our students every day,” Susan Turner, school board president, said.

“They are the heart of the district, and their efforts have profound and lasting positive impacts on our students and our community. Thank you all!”

The COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Pennsylvania in early 2020 when states began to shutdown schools and businesses to prevent the spread. Masks were mandated, businesses and schools went virtual.

Since then, vaccines have been developed and school and business have reopened.

As of Tuesday, Chester County reported 54 new cases, 15 hospitalizations with 83% of the population fully vaccinated.

2022-23 school year is special

The week before Thanksgiving is traditionally set aside to celebrate public education and show our appreciation for the people who make a difference in students’ lives every day.

This year, the schools took on an additional role and significance in the communities, often providing the stability, routine and focus for families affected by current global events, deployments, and separations.

Dr. Alan Fegley, superintendent, thanked the Phoenixville community for unwavering support of the schools.

“You have lifted us up and cheered us on, and it has made a difference for everyone who works in the Phoenixville Area School District, and more importantly for our kids,” Fegley said.

“I have spent my lifetime working in public education, and I can confidently say Phoenixville has some of the most talented, dedicated and hardest-working faculty and staff I’ve seen anywhere.

“Our families entrust us to educate and enrich their children’s lives, and that is what we attempt to do each and every day. And, we thank you.”

History of American Education Week

American Education week was founded by the National Education Association in 1921 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The original purpose of public education was to provide a basic academic education to all young people regardless of social class.

Public schools welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities, and incomes.

These are additional goals of public education:

• Help citizens to develop their full potential, which enables our democracy to flourish.
• Help individuals learn and grow and creating a successful and prosperous society
• Develop a population that is better educated, has less unemployment, reduced dependence on public assistance programs, and greater tax revenue.
• Reduce of crime, improved public health, and greater political and civic engagement.