Every November, public-school communities are celebrated for a whole week. American Education Week (AEW) 2023 will be held from Nov. 13-17, with the theme “Together for Safe, Just and Equitable Schools.” In addition to the theme of AEW, the Virgin Islands Board of Education (VJBE) has adopted U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s 2023 vision of “Raise the Bar” in order “to promote academic excellence, improve learning conditions and prepare our students for a world where global engagement is critical to our nation’s standing.”
This year, the Virgin Islands Board of Education will join the nation in celebrating, energizing and inspiring students, parents, teachers, substitutes,
paraprofessionals, school nurses, monitors, cafeteria workers, crossing guards, bus drivers, maintenance staff, janitors, coaches, administrators, support staff, union representatives and our stakeholder community as we “Raise the Bar Together for Safe, Just, and Equitable Schools” during National Education Week. American Education Week coincides with Virgin Islands Liberty Day and Thanksgiving Day.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the Board of Education to remind Virgin Islanders that we must not take the right to free education for granted, and that we must constantly strive for quality education as we express gratitude and pay homage to those who fought for such liberties.”
“To ensure the increasing prosperity of future generations, we must always advocate for educational advancement,” said Kyza A. Callwood, Ph.D., chairperson of the Virgin Islands Board of Education.
To commemorate this year’s topic, the VIBE has collaborated with the Office of Sen. Marise C. James, chairperson of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development and other organizations to offer a week of activities.
Furthermore, board members from both districts will visit schools and provide presentations to various Parent-Teacher Associations.
VIBE encourages people to honor their school district by taking part in the following activities:
- Express gratitude to a teacher or education support professional who has had a good impact on your life.
- Volunteer time or contribute other resources to educational programs and initiatives such as school improvement projects, literacy programs and athletic programs.
- Show support for a child and school by attending parent-teacher conferences and engaging in parent-teacher association activities.
- Advocate for education by participating in discussions, campaigning for policy, and donating to promote quality education.
The board further requests that people attend the Legislative Committee on Education Hearing at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix and the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The proceedings can also be viewed on Viya Channels 26 and 27, WTJX Channel 12 or on the radio at 91.9 FM, 93.1 FM, 107.9 FM and 970 AM, and via social media sites such as the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature Facebook.
Callwood, chairman, reminds the public that ‘education is a shared responsibility.’ The moment has come to ‘Raise the Bar Together for Safe, Just and Equitable Schools.’
“Let us all do our share to provide leadership, monitoring and advocacy for the continued improvement of the United States Public Education System in the Virgin Islands,” said Callwood.
