District 212 Celebrates American Education Week

Leyden Celebrates American Education Week November 16 - 20, 2015

Maryann Mills

One aspect of Leyden's mission as a school district is to raise awareness regarding the role public education plays in the lives of students, families, educators and communities throughout America. And as we have done in the past, we celebrated the National Education Association's 94nd Annual American Education Week in mid-November.

This year's theme is "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility". Leyden echoes that theme in its mission statement that in essence says our district supports "a community of lifelong learners, who prepare for global change, respect diversity, accept personal responsibility, and pursue a sense of fulfillment."

Mikkel Storaasli, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, says that the district's rich and diverse curriculum meets the needs of each of our students. "It is our goal to prepare our students to excel in a constantly changing society. Our students hone skills in problem solving, creativity, collaboration and deciphering information from varied media sources," he says.

In addition to core academics, Leyden offers students the chance to enrich their lives with co-curricular activities including a selection of clubs and organizations, visual and performing arts, athletics, and community service opportunities.

Leyden is assigned with the responsibility of educating students for life after high school. It is both a privilege and a duty says Superintendent Nick Polyak.

"We have 3400 students at Leyden, and each one has different interests, strengths, areas for growth and plans for the future. It is our responsibility to meet our students where they are, to help them maximize their educational experience, and prepare them for whatever path they choose after high school," Polyak notes. "Through a combination of outstanding students, supportive families, dedicated teachers and staff members, we continue to make Leyden a place where amazing things happen every day."

A district focused on academic success, leadership development and community service lives its mission, Storaasli notes.

"Part of our mission is to groom students for their post-high school lives. We encourage them to discover and explore their passion and use that to advance their goals and ultimately success in life," he says.

Polyak says he is proud of the Leyden family and that celebrating American Education Week is an appropriate way to pay tribute to all individuals who ensure that each student in the district receives a quality education.