Here at Maine West and across the nation, American Education Week will be observed during the week of November 6‑12.

The overall theme for this year is "Education Adds Up." Themes for each day illustrate to what education adds up Sunday's theme adds up to lifelong opportunity; Monday's, human dignity; Tuesday's, rational thinking; Wednesday's, creative spirit; Thursday's, self‑reliance; Friday's, economic competence; and Saturday's, informed citizenship.

Throughout the 45‑year history of the AEW, its basic purpose has always been to focus public attention on the needs and achievements of the nation's schools. AEW serves to remind every American citizen of the importance of education in a democracy and that good schools are, to a great extent, his personal responsibility. It also acts as a vital stimulant to moral and financial support for American schools and colleges.

Maine West takes an active part in AEW. It holds two open houses to give parents an opportunity to visit the school. The library distributes brochures, and the Path is open on the nights of the open houses. The Student Council sponsors Teacher Appreciation Day.

Last year the Home Economics Department presented to the school a flag to be used during AEW. It will be flown from the flagstaff beneath the American flag during the week of November 6‑12.

It is a known fact that education adds up financially. Dramatic proof of this are the statistics concerning the earnings of elementary, high school, and college graduates. The average elementary school graduate earns $3,544 a year; the average high school graduate earns $5,946 a year; the average college graduate earns $9,817 per year. This is a strong, material recommendation for education.

Education adds up in other ways. President Lyndon Johnson has said that education is a "prime investment" and further called education the "guiding genius of democracy."

AEW was first observed in 1921. Although illiteracy has steadily decreased since that time, the program is still continued. The sponsors feel that education not only enlarges earning ability but also enhances the personality and promotes good use of the student's mental resources.