In recognition of American Education Week, the Tyrone Area School District opened its doors to the community on Friday and offered folks a chance to visit and view contemporary public education.
Parents, guardians and other community members who were interested in seeing what an average day is like at the Tyrone Area Schools were welcomed by the district to attend the event.
Elementary school principal, Michelle Dutrow said, “The purpose of the day is to offer something to the public during American Education Week. Also, it is a way to showcase the fabulous learning that is going on here at Tyrone.”
In a press release issued prior to the event, Dutrow said that some people may enjoy the visit just to see how much public education has changed in the last 10 years, especially in dealing with how to meet state standards and in test preparation. Teachers followed a regular teaching schedule and curriculum so visitors were able to observe a typical day in the school district.
Dutrow said the district had received “many positive comments about its staff, students, and facilities” regarding last year’s event.
“It’s one of the best ways for us to foster greater communication between the school and community,” said Dutrow.
She also acknowledged security concerns.
“In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to invite the public into the school building,” said Dutrow. “But, we certainly want to make the public feel welcome at the schools.”
Extra security was used for the event on Friday.
One of the day’s highlights was when Mrs. Ellen Hull’s first grade class at Tyrone Elementary performed a Native American Indian song for visitors. The song was performed in recognition of American Education Week and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The students made Indian headdresses complete with brightly colored feathers and made drums out of recycled coffee cans for the occasion.
“They beat their tom-toms as they sang “Land of the Silver Birch” and impressed their guests with their artistic and musical talents,” said Hull.
By the afternoon visitation, Dutrow said more than 200 visitors had stopped at the elementary school. Visitors were also welcomed at the Tyrone Area Middle School and High School. Dutrow said the attendance was up significantly compared to the past two years at the elementary school.
“We were really excited with the turnout,” said Dutrow. “It means so much to the children. The children get so excited when visitors come.”
