MOUNT VERNON — Thursday marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans.
September 11, 2001 was the day hijackers crashed planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The day ordinary Americans cried “Let’s roll!” and stormed the cockpit of Flight 93, forcing it to crash in a field in Pennsylvania instead of in the heart of the nation’s capital.
On that day, Mount Vernon High School seniors weren’t even born. Their parents and some Mount Vernon teachers were in elementary school.
As time passes, it’s easy to forget.
“As educators, we are entrusted with teaching our students about the sacrifices made on 9/11 and throughout history by those who have worked to keep us safe and free,” Superintendent Bill Seder said.
On Patriot Day (a commemoration, not a holiday), students and teachers in the Mount Vernon School District took time to remember.
The following are some of the activities that took place throughout the district.
High school. At 8:46 a.m., an announcement and a moment of silence honored the victims of 9/11. It was a message reflected on tragedy, heroes, and national resilience. It also encouraged kindness, unity, and understanding.
Mount Vernon Middle School. A special morning announcement emphasized the importance of the day. Many social studies teachers provided lessons about Patriot Day.
Elementary Schools
Columbia Elementary. Columbia News Crew acknowledged Patriot Day during morning announcements. In the classroom, grade levels incorporated age-appropriate stories and discussions about 9/11. Read-alouds included “The Man in the Red Bandanna” and “Seven and a Half Tons of Steel.”
East Elementary. At East Elementary, teachers read picture books about 9/11. Fourth-graders learned about raising and lowering the flag and half-staff traditions. Fifth-graders gave a special announcement and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
As a tie-in to Constitution Day, students wore red, white, and blue, with a K-5 assembly titled “Uncle Sam’s Comedy Jam.”
Timeline of 9/11
- 8:46 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 11 hits the north tower.
- 9:03 a.m — United Airlines Flight 175 hits the south tower.
- 9:37 a.m. — American Airlines Flight 77 hits the Pentagon.
- 9:59 a.m. — South tower collapses.
- 10:03 a.m. — United Airlines Flight 93, crashes near Shanksville, PA.
- 10:28 a.m. — North tower collapses.
Source: 911memorial.org
Dan Emmett Elementary. Morning activities included reading passages and watching videos about 9/11. Intermediate students read articles and engaged in discussion. Younger grades participated in patriotic readings and conversations.
Wiggin Street Elementary. A morning announcement acknowledged the 24th anniversary of 9/11, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The announcement emphasized the importance of the day.
Social studies teachers provided Patriot Day lessons. Students focused on historical fiction with “I Survived 9/11,” and followed up with a BrainPOP activity and discussions.
Pleasant Street Elementary. At Pleasant Street, grade levels utilized Patriot Day activities to commemorate 9/11. Librarian Dawn McNeal led activities, and students viewed the videos “What is Patriot Day” and “Heroes of Patriot Day: remembering 9/11 with Kids.”
A read-aloud included “September 11th Then and Now.”
“These lessons remind us that what too often divides us should, in fact, bring us together. By honoring the courage and selflessness of those who gave so much, we help our students see that unity, service, and patriotism remain the foundation of a stronger future,” Seder said.
Jackets athletics: Varsity football recognition
The district will continue its recognition of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and all first responders at Friday night’s varsity football game.
Designated Military & First Responders Night, all active and retired members will be admitted free. They will also be recognized during halftime of the marching band performance.
