Nov. 13 is National Community Education Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many instructors who work so hard to provide the excellent academic and enrichment programs offered by the Community Education Office.

Without their vast talents and desire to expand the learning experiences for community children, the programs would not have experienced the tremendous growth that we have seen in the Community Education classes, the After School Program, and the annual summer camp programs.

These instructors are the heart of the program that was initially begun in 1981 with the intent to provide educational, recreational, and enrichment activities and services for children and their families in the setting of their own hometown schools.

The Bryan County program continues to be one of only approximately 35-40 school systems in the state to support and provide a full-scale Community Education Program that keeps the schools open as extended-learning centers for county residents.

With support from the Board of Education members, the superintendent, school administrators, and the students and their families, the program has developed a comprehensive agenda that provides a diverse number of services to the residents of Bryan County.

The Community Education specialty children’s program has grown substantially over the years and now provides a variety of creative and imaginative activities for students and adults of all ages.

The popular "Just for Kids" programs are taught by professionals who offer such classes as gymnastics, drama, piano, karate, dance, art, pottery, etiquette and manners, and crafts.

These classes are offered throughout the school year and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

We are proud of our team of extremely qualified instructors who can give the students such a valuable opportunity to enrich their lives. Thanks to instructors Deborah Hager, Cheryl Brett, Myong Namais, Chris Clark, Lamonica Jenkins, Varina Moser, Kim Diebold, Debbie Hallman, Melodie Lane, Shelly Henry, Carol Hartley, Jean Grant, Sheri Hundley, Jo Hart, Erica Childress, Nancy Page, Carrie Ondriezek, Jimmy Hires, and Levi Sybert who have developed a wonderful curriculum of classes for this Fall quarter.

Over 1,000 students have participated in these classes during the first few months of school.

Approximately 600 Bryan County students are enrolled in the After School Program. This program provides after-school academic and enrichment activities that emphasize homework and study time. The program is staffed with approximately 50 Board of Education employees who bring their expertise and experience from the regular school day to help with homework, reinforce good behavior, deal with health and safety issues, and provide an adult-supervised environment. These supervisors and instructors provide a safe and friendly environment during the after school hours so that parents can feel confident about the after school care of their children. This program continues to grow each school year largely due to the dedication of such employees as Ellen Parker, Dee Ward, Heather Stroebele, Melodie Lane, Terry Harper, Connie Blakeney, Tracy Thompson, Susannah Fawcett, Jacki Frost, Virginia Travis, Catie Blocker, Jean Mikrut, Jackie Saltus, Amanda Madera, Amy Eubanks, Linda Sun, Joye Shuman, Donna Miller, Lisa Heavner, Nancy Bride, Carla Drummond, Kelly Wynne, Paige Nobles, Judy Lindsay, Carla Jackson, Michelle Auger, Pam Martin, Julie Huggins, Debbie Shuler, Andie Screen, Stephanie Scofield, Gay Wilson, Debbie Reynolds, Chris McDermott, Benitez Walker, Michelle Hancock, Jodi Yaeger, Daphne Hamilton, Benita Wells, Libby Hires, Joetta Jenkins, Kaarina Bueno, Kathy Cooper, Elsa Saltares, Connie Murphy, Becky Lewis, Sandra Boutwell, Joannie Kohler, Helen Ann Keppel, Beverly Morris, Doreatha Moore, Mary Edwards, James Clark, James Michaels, Harvey Stevens, Roula Farley, Lisa Harrell, McCall Jones, Susan Knauff, Melanie McManaway, Susan Mulligan, Cindy Pinion, Ann Tillman, and Michelle Petty.

In addition many of these same employees work during the annual summer camp program where campers participate in a "hands on, feet in" program that provides many fun and educational field trips and on-campus activities. Approximately 200 children attended each week of Summer Camp ‘07.

As we approach National Community Education Day, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to thank the staff members listed above for all of the wonderful experiences they provide to the children of Bryan County!