One of the greatest gifts that can be bestowed on a person is a good education. And the concept of a good, free education is one of this nation’s proudest accomplishments. It is the great equalizer in our society.

Access to a free, quality education at least gives even the poorest child from the direst of circumstances a fighting chance to succeed in life and rise above the station to which they were born.

It’s something to celebrate and that’s just what’s going on this week in Suffolk Public Schools as American Education Week is observed from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22.

Most schools have open houses planned so that the public can come in to see their tax dollars at work, how dedicated teachers are working hard to prepare our children for becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

This year’s theme is &uot;Making Public Schools Great for Every Child.&uot; You owe it to yourself to visit your neighborhood school and see how your money is being spent. You’re likely to be pleasantly surprised.

Listed below are schools hosting American Education Week events this week and contact information.

Booker T. Washington Elementary School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call teacher Tonya Pitt at 925-5535 for more information.

Driver Elementary School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call assistant principal Katrina Bowers at 538-5405 for more information.

Elephant’s Fork Elementary School … Community Open House from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 19Call teacher Carolyn Williams at 925-5555 for more information.

Kilby Shores Elementary School … A variety of activities. Call Principal Carolyn Dixon at 925-5575 for more information.

Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School … The community is invited to share in students’ success at an Awards Day ceremony for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders on Tuesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Call principal Ron Leigh at 925-5645 for more information.

Mount Zion Elementary School … Community Open House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call teacher Bonnie Maki at 925-5585 for more information.

Northern Shores Elementary School … Community Open House from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. Call assistant principal Cheryl Riddick or Principal Terry Napier at 925-5566 for more information.

Oakland Elementary School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call assistant principal Seazante Oliver at 925-5505 for more information.

Robertson Elementary School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call teacher Florence Harrell at 925-5515 for more information.

Southwestern Elementary School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call Principal Lorita Mayo or guidance counselor Sara Caton at 925-5595 for more information.

Forest Glen Middle School … A variety of activities. Call assistant principal Bettie Swain at 925-5550 for more information.

John Yeates Middle School …

Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 9 a.m.

Those interested in touring the school should call Principal Doug Dohey at 538-5400.

King’s Fork Middle School … Community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call library media specialist Sandra White or teacher Roma Riddick at 925-5750 for more information.

John F. Kennedy Middle School… Community Open House from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. Call principal Vivian Covington at 925-5560 for more information.

Turlington Woods School…A variety of activities. Call teachers Jackie Eberly or Carrie Browning at 925-5525 for more information.