To the editor:

Last week was American Education Week, and a highlight for me was the Friends of Education event presented on Nov. 16 by the Lawrence Public Schools and Lawrence Education Assn. During this program, each school, and the school district at large, honored an outstanding volunteer.

Schools recognized individuals who serve on site councils, parent-teacher organizations and Lawrence Education Achievement Partners. They organize school carnivals, chili suppers, pie nights, spaghetti dinners, book fairs, fundraisers, student recognition ceremonies and other activities. They read to students, chaperone field trips and improve school grounds with landscaping and general cleanup. They even volunteer to recruit more volunteers.

The Lawrence school district is using the phrase, “Whatever it takes,” to signify the dedication and commitment necessary from our school board, district administration, principals, teachers and classified staff to ensure learning for all students. I know, without a doubt, that it is infinitely easier for public schools to fulfill this mission with the involvement of parents and the support of the community.

I would like to publicly thank this year’s Friends of Education, and the many other volunteers in the Lawrence public schools, who promote excellence in public education by getting in there, rolling up their sleeves and doing whatever it takes.

Randy Weseman,

superintendent,

Lawrence public schools