Students and faculty members throughout the district honored the 16th anniversary of Sept. 11 by wearing their best red, white and blue while participating in lessons and activities in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
Waverly Park Elementary School held their special Patriot Day tradition with a schoolwide morning ceremony. Students and faculty united to form a human chain around the building and together sang “God Bless the USA.” Throughout the day, students were encouraged to follow a pledge of service and brainstormed ways they could make the world a better place. They wrote ideas on a slip of paper and dropped it into one of two glass towers in the lobby of the school. Classes also visited the school’s 9/11 Memorial Garden to read poetry, draw and reflect.
In addition, students and faculty at West End Elementary School reflected on their own lives by visiting the school’s Peace Pole. Classes formed a circle around the structure and stated what they were thankful for.
“Today is a special day in our country,” said third-grade teacher Beth O’Keeffe. “It’s a day when we remember what a wonderful country we live in and all the people that are here who help us every day.”
Similar commemorative events took place throughout the district as moments of silence were held for the lives lost. Students were educated on the history of the significant day and lessons on kindness were presented. This included middle school students creating posters of what America means to them and speaking about heroism and selflessness in their classes.