Published on Tue., November 1, 2011

In its ninetieth year, American Education Week continues to celebrate the dedication of our teachers, staff, and the community. This year, American Education Week will be celebrated throughout the country the week of November 13th. We have a lot of fun activities planned around the division and we encourage you to join in this celebration!

The History

During World War I, it was revealed that 25 percent of the country’s draftees were illiterate.  Nine percent of them were physically unfit.  So, in 1919, the American Legion and the National Education Association met to come up with a solution. They knew then, what we still know to be the truth today–public support for education is powerful. In 1921, during the NEA Representative Assembly, a resolution was created that called for "An educational week…observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs."

A Few of our Latest Accomplishments

  • Meg Smith, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation, is Virginia’s Teacher of the Year
  • Students from the LCS class of 2011 are attending more than 85 colleges around the country and are earning more than $8 million in scholarships and grants.
  • 21st Century Community Learning Centers exist in 9 of our elementary and middle schools, extending the learning opportunities beyond the regular school day. 
  • 15 of our schools are fully accredited.
  • Maggie Davis, Academic Coach for athletic teams, was recently awarded the Vice Mayor’s Award for Excellence.
  • Both high schools rank in the top 5% of schools in the nation according to Newsweek magazine.
  • Our teachers have an average of 16 years of experience.
  • 51% of our teachers hold a master’s degree or higher. Nine of our educators hold doctorates.

Click here to view the American Education Week Calendar of Events pdf

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