The theme of American Education Week, Nov. 14-20, is “Celebrating the American Dream … the Dream that Begins in Our Nation’s Classrooms.” Educators and school staff are committed to making schools safe, to delivering a curriculum that challenges all ability levels and to providing a nurturing environment that fosters respect and self-worth.

All school employees strive to inform our students that education is one of the essential elements necessary to achieve the American dream.

As America’s schools institute changes to meet unfunded or underfunded state and federal mandates, administrators and educators are investing countless hours beyond the school day, often at the expense of their families and personal health. More than ever, educators need to hear from parents, students, school committee members, legislators, business owners and senior citizens how vital their roles are in society.

During American Education Week, it would be nice if people took 15 minutes to write a note to an educator expressing appreciation for dedication to the profession that assists in making the American dream a reality.

Susan C. Grondin, Lewiston