IN MY OPINION: It’s education week—give a salute to the teachers who inspire our students

Since 1921, the United States has celebrated American Education Week during the week before Thanksgiving. This tradition began after World War I in response to the troubling fact that 25% of Americans drafted into military service were found to be illiterate. While we’ve made significant strides in education, literacy challenges still persist across the country. The bottom line is clear: communities and nations are stronger when students are literate.

The Port Washington-Saukville School District recognizes the crucial role we play in providing quality education that prepares our students to be “life ready, career ready and learning ready.” Achieving this goal requires the collective effort of all of us. As we celebrate this American Education Week, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our district and community.

If I had to sum up my time thus far as superintendent in one word, it would be “thankful.”  I’m grateful for the supportive community, dedicated staff and inspiring students that make our district thrive. Great communities build great schools, and we are fortunate to have both. Many graduates return to work here, alongside their former teachers, and choose to raise their families in Port Washington and Saukville. We are a district that honors its past while building for the future.

To everyone who plays a role in our district’s success, thank you. Thank you to the families who entrust us with their children each day, to the community members who helped shape our future by participating in our fall survey, to our dedicated staff members who work tirelessly every day for our students and to our School Board for their leadership. Thanks also to our local officials for prioritizing public education. Most importantly, thank you to our students, who continue to make us proud. They are truly the heart of all we do.

During Education Week, I encourage community members to take a moment to reach out to a teacher who helped shape your lives. Whether it’s sending a quick email or making a phone call, let them know how much their impact meant to you. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without Mr. Lyga, my fifth-grade teacher. Thanks, Mr. Lyga!

The author is superintendent of the Port Washington-Saukville School District.