Columbia Social Studies Teacher Jeff Tooker teaching students in U.S. History about 9/11 using primary source documents.
The East Greenbush Central School District commemorated Patriot Day, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, on Friday with a series of meaningful tributes and educational activities.
Flags at Half Staff
All flags on school grounds were flown at half-staff on Friday, as directed by Governor Kathy Hochul, in remembrance of those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001.
Moment of Silence
Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes led a district-wide moment of silence with a public address announcement to all schools on Friday morning. He spoke about the tragic events from 25 years ago, he recognized the heroes of that day, and he reminded all of us to honor them through service.
“Thank you all for remembering all those who lost their lives,” Dr. Kotes said after the moment of silence. “Thank you for everything that you do to make our country, our community, and our school community the best that it can possibly be.”
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Educating Students
Teachers discussed Patriot Day with students and incorporated lessons and educational activities into the school day based on grade level. Some of those activities included:
- Read the the children’s picture book “Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey,” which tells the story of an old fireboat that played a heroic role on September 11, 2001.
- Life Skills students at Goff watched the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s 25th anniversary video.
- 6th graders learned about what happened on 9/11, what security changes have been made since then, and how the country came together in the aftermath.
- 7th graders made feathers that will create a phoenix based on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum exhibit. They were asked to think about what acts of kindness, encouragement, or service they can do to make our community strong and represent them on a feather template.
- Health and Science classes learned about the health impacts of 9/11.
- English students wrote journal entries about coming together as a community to help after a tragedy occurs.
- Columbia Social Studies Teacher Jeff Tooker, a volunteer firefighter, dedicated his classes to the topic as he does every year. Using primary sources and videos, he taught students in each class (Participation in Government, U.S. History, Criminal Justice, and Criminology) focusing on a different aspect of the event.
More information about 9/11 can be found at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The website includes a Youth and Families section which has tips for talking to children about terrorism and activities you can do together at home.