September, 2002
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301

“Last year at this time, we—as a nation—experienced a great loss. Most of us lost our sense of safety and security. Saddest of all, some of us lost family and friends, people we cared deeply about,” she announced. Students and staff further recognized the anniversary by participating in a variety of learning activities to commemorate all those who demonstrated bravery and courage on September 11.

In Virginia Hickey’s class, students busily created posters. Some drew the American flag, while others drew sketches of the Twin Towers. One student, Robert of New Paltz Central School District, was putting the finishing touches on his poster of the United States flag as he said, “I appreciate the United States. Today is a day to remember the tragedy.”

The theme in Cassandra Thomas’ classroom was character education. “First, we talked about a list of people we respected,” explained Thomas. The students then suggested professions relating to 9/11, such as police personnel and fire fighters and designed posters depicting their respect. One of Thomas’ students, Lauren of Wallkill Central School District, added teachers to the list because they helped their students during the crisis. “We respect all the teachers who have struggled through this sad time,” Lauren stated on her poster.

Down the hall in Karen Sullivan’s class, students read and wrote poetry that covered the many emotions associated with the terrorist attacks—fear, sadness, depression, and uncertainty. “Poetry is a way of expression these students haven’t been exposed to before,” stated Sullivan. “The classroom was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop when the poems were read.”

One of Sullivan’s students, Tony of Rondout Valley Central School District, wrote his feelings about 9/11 in a poem. “People’s lives have been turned upside-down...United we stand. Let everybody know this—this is our land! We were all in a moment of tragedy. Now, it’s time to show the U.S. Army strategy! I am proud to be an American...The moment of September 11, 2001 will always be in all our minds.”

Later in the morning, the entire student body, faculty, and staff joined together in front of the school for a flag raising ceremony and unveiling of a peace garden, which consisted of red, white, and indigo flowers set in the design of a peace sign. Students participated in the ceremony in a variety of ways, from wearing posters depicting pictures and news clippings of the September 11 tragedy, to joining hands and singing, “America the Beautiful.” One student, Bob of Rondout Valley Central School District, demonstrated the United States Naval Code of Semaphore for peace using flags he made, while fellow student Alicia of Highland Central School District read an essay she wrote about the infamous day in history.

“Today, the anniversary of September 11, 2001, helps people to share memories and appreciate positive changes that have occurred. It helps all of us to look ahead to the future. Everyone remembers September 11, 2001 differently and we all have different ways to grieve,” stated Alicia, who closed by saying, “To me, peace means love, caring, and strength, not just between two or three people, but throughout the whole world."

Among the guests visiting the school for the commemoration ceremony was Commander Diane Weeks of the Ulster County American Legion Rosendale/Tillson Post 1219. “This program showed that not only the teachers, but also the students know what is going on in their country,” stated Commander Weeks.

Kelly closed the touching ceremony by saying, “Make it the best day you can by remembering that we are fortunate to live in America where we can freely talk about these important issues of life and where we reach out to one another during challenging times.”