On Wednesday, all of our schools took time to reflect on the
tragedy that occurred 18 years ago. For
many of us, we can tell you exactly where we were when we heard about the
attack on our country. The magnitude of
the events on 9/11/01 were, and remain, unparalleled.
It occurred to me that only a very few of our students
were even born when 9/11 happened. They
only know it as a historical event and don’t have the same connection to it
that their parents and teachers have. To keep past
events relevant to our current students, we have to show them the significance
of the events and explain the impact an event like 9/11 has on all Americans.
As part of Patriots’ Day, schools throughout the division organized age appropriate
activities to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and to honor our first responders
who work to keep us safe.
All schools received a Freedom Flag, the Commonwealth of
Virginia's official symbol of September 11, 2001. Smithfield High and Carrsville Elementary
conducted ceremonies as the flag was raised and lowered in front of the
school. Local first responders were on
hand and recognized by students and staff.
At Westside Elementary, Mrs. Pryor’s students created a
video that was shared with the school where they explained the symbolism of the
Freedom Flag. In other classes, students
journaled their feelings about 9/11 and why they love living in the U.S. They
discussed the event, why it’s important to remember, and had an opportunity to
ask questions.
Some schools delivered the message of the Freedom Flag in
solemn, school-wide announcements.
Windsor
High shared a summary of
events from 9/11 on the morning announcements prior to dedicating their moment
of silence to those who lost their life that day and those who responded to the
events. A second Freedom Flag will be
displayed at the WHS football field in September and the announcer will review
the meaning of the symbols before home games.
Smithfield Middle and Georgie Tyler
Middle students participated in activities through their English or Social
Studies classes that emphasized freedom and patriotism.
Hardy Elementary shared the importance of the Freedom Flag and the first
responders followed by a moment of silence. Second
graders read the story, September Roses and created American flags. Windsor
Elementary students made cards for local first responders that will be delivered to
law enforcement and fire officials.
Carrollton
Elementary students, faculty, and staff visited a “9/11 reflection spot” which
featured an artistic representation of the twin towers on which faculty and
staff members displayed remembrances of their experiences on that fateful day.
Teachers shared the children’s book September
12: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right with their classes to honor the
tragedy and sacrifice of September 11th while highlighting the bravery, hope,
and grit demonstrated by first responders and communities as their stories
continued.
Students and staff throughout IWCS wore red, white, and blue to celebrate patriotism
and demonstrate the resiliency of our country.
I am constantly reminded that we have loving, caring students
throughout our schools. Empathy is one
of the characteristics of GREAT students.
On Wednesday, our students demonstrated empathy through their words and
actions as they remembered the events of 9/11 and the devastation directly
inflicted on thousands of families. They
admire, respect, and appreciate our first responders who run towards danger as
others run away. I am incredibly proud
of our students and our staff for the thoughtful displays of patriotism on
9/11. Our community, and truly the
nation, will be better for the lessons we are teaching our children now.
Commemorating 9/11
