By Mike Schnitzel, Arlene Hinkemeyer and Nicole Falco
"A Strong America Starts With Great Public Schools" is the national theme for the 84th annual celebration of American Education Week. The theme, according to the National Education Association, is meant to highlight the importance of public schools in providing young people with the practical and intellectual tools they need to access a productive future and to maintain the nation's democratic values of freedom, civility and equality.
American Education Week was created in 1921 after World War I by the American Legion, National Education Association, and U.S. Office of Education. It is still always held during the week after Veterans Day (originally called Armistice Day), but is now co-sponsored by nine additional groups including the National PTA, the National School Boards Association, and national associations of principals, teachers, administrators, counselors, school public information directors and other educators.
"Public education is our last best hope," said Dr. Frank Chiachiere, president of the High School District Board of Education, speaking at Memorial Junior High School on Nov. 16. "Stay involved in your schools, we need as much help as we can get. Let's stand behind this beautiful 'Valley Dream,' a place we all love."
Presentations were given at each of the schools to show the community the district happenings, and principals and administrators invited the community to make appointments to visit the schools, and stay as involved as possible to make the educational experience in Valley Stream schools the best it can be.
Featured at the North High School American Education Week program, Nov. 15, was the Education 101 elective, which covers educational theory and also provides hands-on internships in elementary and secondary school classrooms and the chance to organize and run a pre-school for a month.
At Memorial Junior High School, a video presentation showcased the school. The video featured students talking about what they want to be when they grow up and telling what they've learned at the school. Faculty and staff spoke about the different facets of Memorial, and snapshots of everyday activities at the school were showcased.
Central High School's culinary arts students treated guests to a gourmet breakfast they prepared. Following breakfast, Principal Joseph Pompilio and Bill Heidenreich, assistant superintendent for personnel and administration, welcomed visitors. Student Council president Sarah Weiss spoke of politics place in schools, and a participation in government class offered at the school. Zoe Freckleton, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America explained how the club teaches members skills that help prepare them for a future beyond the classroom. Next, Antonio Santana, science department chairman, and Pompilio congratulated Ran Li, who was named a finalist in the Siemens Westinghouse Science Competition and will be competing against students from across the country for six scholarship awards in early December. Guests were then invited to interact with students and teachers who were stationed a various academic displays in the school library. Displays showcased the various programs offered at the school, from social studies and English to career and technical education and foreign languages. The morning concluded with a scene from Central's production of "Once On This Island" in the Keller Auditorium.
At South High on Nov. 18, the audience was treated to "The Falcon Report," a video news presentation giving students and teachers an update on the goings-on at the school. "The Falcon Report" airs every Friday in rooms throughout the school at 9:15 a.m. To end the morning's festivities, students performed selected scenes from "The King and I," a recent school production.
"The world of tomorrow is in ideas and creativity and innovation," said Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein, speaking at South. "We have [strong public education] in Valley Stream as a result of the foresight of our predecessors, and we must remain at the forefront."
