The week of Nov. 12 to 18 will mark the 85th annual observance of American Education Week. Our theme for this year’s celebration, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” highlights the importance of educators, parents, students and community members coming together in a unified effort to build, maintain and preserve public schools. Let’s take a moment to consider the two main ideas of “right” and “responsibility.” Valuable right We have been guaranteed the right to a public education. “Right” means that we are entitled to or have an expectation of receiving this education as a citizen. It is provided by members of the community. We cannot be denied it nor do we have to earn it. This is a tremendous opportunity that we give to our students and to our future as a country. However, right comes paired with responsibility. “Responsibility” means we have obligations to perform or provide. Those responsibilities are to accept and use the public education we are given, to take care of the schools that are provided, and to maintain within them a safe, nurturing environment. We also have a responsibility to see that public education continues to be a right for all children. We must fulfill our responsibility to provide that same opportunity to students who come after us, whether they are our own or someone else’s children. Paying for others’ children I have often heard people comment that they do not feel they should have to provide for the schools after they or their children are grown. There are others who say they don’t have any children and see no reason why they should have to pay for others’ children to be educated. This has always puzzled me. I cannot understand how anyone, whether or not they have had children, can fail to see that public education is the cornerstone of our democratic communities. The fabric of each community is woven with people from all backgrounds, talents, abilities and levels of education. It will only be as strong as those who comprise it. Without public education, many of the leaders and workers would be denied opportunities to become productive, responsible citizens. Who would lead us• Who would maintain this great country we live in• Who would provide for us in our senior years if we do not continue to train the leaders and workers of the future• One of the activities in our elementary schools this year is a treasure chest. We are asking children to “treasure their right to an education.” Please help us this year maintain our greatest treasures — our students and our schools. Come visit us and see what we offer them. Find ways to be involved. Once you do, you will discover the wonderful treasure that exists in all of our schools.

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