This has been a celebratory week for the Haralson County Public Schools district as schools conclude National American Education Week, which spotlights the importance of quality education for students and the need for everyone to contribute in the public service effort.

Each day was designated to incorporate special educational programs and activities at each school, which began at Buchanan Elementary. Monday, board members and central office personnel visited classrooms to read books to the students. Meanwhile, just around the corner, the staff at Buchanan Primary kicked off the week with “School Spirit Day” to spark enthusiasm among students for the festive line-up of activities that have carried on over the past few days.

“Our school system is excited to be celebrating American Education Week with activities organized at each of our schools. This week marks a time for each of us to reflect on the importance education truly plays in our society as a whole,” said Haralson County Schools Superintendent Brett Stanton.

Though the week recognizes the vital role that education plays in the community, Haralson County Schools Public Information Officer Kersha Cartwright shared a list of scheduled programs that also encouraged parental involvement and supported school personnel efforts to prepare students in their journey to become productive citizens.

A mathematics workshop was held for students at Tallapoosa Primary on Tuesday, followed by Parent’s Day at all of the primary and elementary schools and Haralson County Middle School. Parent’s Day offered parents and guardians an opportunity to come by their child’s school and get a first-hand view of their school day. Cartwright said the opportunity also provides students a chance to present crafts and tokens of appreciation to their parents for continual support.

Mid-week activities ranged from a Teacher and School Personnel Appreciation Breakfast to Support Professionals’ Day at designated schools. Holiday luncheons were also held for students at some of the schools; however, as the week comes to an end, school officials have called on the community to top off their success.

All day today, local professionals will share their blueprint to success with West Haralson Elementary students during Career Day. Guest readers from the community will also visit schools to read to students, while district office employees aim to give back to the community by coordinating holiday outreach projects for needy families. School officials noted that the community’s role in the programs this week contribute greatly by ensuring the system’s message of educational empowerment resonates with students on a long-term basis. West Haralson fifth-grade student Savannah Wright assured that the message had sunk in.

“To me, getting an education is of the utmost importance. Doing well in school and getting an education means that I can get somewhere in life and be smart,” she said.

Friday will conclude the week of celebrations with several closing events, including a poetry reading at Haralson County High School. In addition to participants showcasing their creative talents, the exercise is also intended to hone their writing and public-speaking skills, which are deemed pertinent for any respective profession students will have to seek out in the near future.

Students at Tallapoosa Primary will display their commitments to education by releasing balloons that are filled with their special messages.

School officials expressed thanks to students and parents, as well staff members and the community for taking time to make 2009 American Education Week a major success this year. Officials also encourage everyone to help make a difference by supporting academic enrichment efforts throughout the year.