American Education Week, Celebrated, Appreciated in Niagara Falls

Cynthia Bianco Superintendent of Schools

Cynthia Bianco
Superintendent of Schools

It is hard to believe that 25 percent of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate. But historians tells us that is true. That reality was what prompted the American Legion and educators long ago to found a week-long observance to celebrate American Education; it was their effort to shine a light on the importance of public schools.

This week we celebrate American Education Week in the District with special events for students like our annual Breakfast of Champions and the free Literacy, Math, and Technology Fair. But, as nice as it is to have the events, we mustn’t forget the real importance of what we are observing in this week before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The fact that every child has a right to a free, quality education, simply by virtue of being born, is a fundamentally American idea. It bespeaks our commitment to meritocracy, upward mobility, and the deeply held belief that this country is the Land of Opportunity.

It would be inconceivable to people in countries where education is not free, or universally available, that any parent would allow a child to approach school casually or with less than full resolve to learn all he or she could. And yet, we must ask ourselves: do we impart to our children just how fortunate they are? Do we realize it ourselves?

We are most fortunate in the Niagara Falls City School District to have many involved parents and many Adopt-A-School Partners who are truly involved in our schools’ efforts to provide the best education to every child, though each has different needs, different strengths and different challenges.

During American Education Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who support and celebrate the potential of every child, because recognizing and developing that potential is the essential mission of our public schools and it matters a very great deal to children, to families, and to our nation.

To all who teach or support teaching, volunteer, advocate, and partner with our schools, thank you. Your efforts are meaningful, patriotic, and appreciated.