(The following is an article from Dr. Winchester, CPS Superintendent)
“Public Schools: A Basic Right and
Responsibility”
Public Education
is Great. Why is that? Because ALL
children from ages 5 to 21 can attend school for free in a school that offers a
broad curriculum and provides the tools for learning. Somewhere this week a child will learn to
read for the first time or understand an algebraic equation or fall in love
with history or discover a hidden talent.
In any case their lives will never be the same. What a wonderful privilege and opportunity.
Public Education
is a cornerstone of our democracy. Last
week Chadron Public Schools was visited by our Governor, Commissioner of
Education, and Chairman of the Legislature’s Education committee who are
members of Nebraska’s P-16 initiative to strengthen education. Nebraska recognizes that a well-educated
public includes more productive workers with higher incomes and less dependence
on public assistance programs.
Communities that have vibrant school systems tend to be more flourishing
and linked to lower crime rates, improved public health, and more stable
families.
American
Education Week was created in 1919 as a joint venture between the American
Legion and the National Education Association (NEA) to seek ways to generate
public support for education. Both
groups were distressed that 25% of the country’s World War I draftees were
illiterate.
Take a minute
this week to reflect on the educators in your life that made this precious
opportunity of an education possible. If
you can thank them personally or take a minute to thank the many educators in
our community for choosing to dedicate their professional life to the education
or our most precious resource, our children.
