This week Bartlesville Public Schools joins thousands of schools across the nation in observance of American Education Week, a celebration that has occurred for nearly 85 years. The National Education Association and the American Legion joined efforts to establish American Education Week in 1921 after it was discovered that 25 percent of the country's World War I draftees were illiterate and 29 percent were physically unfit. Both organizations subsequently adopted resolutions for a national effort to raise public awareness of the importance of education. The 2004 theme for American Education Week is “Celebrating the American Dream.” As Americans, we claim many rights and freedoms, one of those is providing a solid public education for every child in America.

At Bartlesville Public Schools, we take this responsibility very seriously. Throughout the district, teachers and staff members strive to help all students reach their potential and to enable these students to lead successful adult lives.

Education is vitally important to our previous, current and future students. Today's students are tomorrow's employees. Today's students are tomorrow's citizens, voters, and taxpayers. Today's students will play a major role in shaping the quality of our future lives. To make our schools the best they can be requires a commitment from every member of our community, from retired citizens to parents, from business leaders to school board members. Everyone must take a role in this important mission.

Beyond the excellent teaching and support staff employed at Bartlesville Public Schools, our students are extremely fortunate to have the support of our community members. Many people volunteer in the schools or at school events, many businesses donate funds or supplies in support of our students and BPS has the continuous support from the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation enriching the educational opportunities of students at each grade level. These efforts improve public education as we build partnerships with our community on a daily basis.

American Education Week is an important time to reflect on the positive things happening in our schools. In addition, it is a time to thank those dedicated professionals in education who teach our students every day. Together we continue “Striving for Excellence!”