Today marks 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As we remember the lives lost and the many people whose lives were forever changed that day, Coxsackie-Athens Central School District took time to help our students understand the significance of September 11 and the lasting impact it has had on our country and our communities.
Because all of our current students were born after 9/11, we knew it was important to create an opportunity for them to learn about the events of that day and hear directly from people who experienced them.
The day began with a moment of silence at all of our schools. Local fire departments joined us by displaying the American flag as students, staff and community members bowed their heads in remembrance.
Following the moment of silence, our middle and high school students gathered in the auditorium for a special presentation focused on the facts and history of September 11. Students learned about what happened that day and why it remains such an important date in our nation's history. They also had the opportunity to hear where some of their teachers were and what they remember about that day.
Mr. Hughes then provided students with an overview of the events of September 11, helping put the day's history into perspective.
The highlight of the day was a community panel featuring people with personal connections to 9/11. Several members of our staff shared their own experiences, while local community members who served as first responders on that day as well as an air traffic controller who was working during the events also joined us.
Hearing these firsthand stories gave our students an opportunity to learn about September 11 from the people who experienced it. Their stories helped bring history to life while highlighting the courage, compassion and sense of service shown by so many people during one of the most difficult days in our nation's history.
At Coxsackie-Athens, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Teaching our students about important moments in history helps them understand the world around them and the experiences that shaped the communities we live in today.
We are incredibly grateful to all of our panelists for taking the time to speak with our students and share their personal stories. We would also like to thank our local fire departments for joining us and displaying the flag, as well as our teachers and staff who worked to organize this meaningful day of remembrance.
A special thank you to our social studies department, which spearheaded this initiative and led in its creation from the start. These experiences reflect the kind of learning and personal growth we hope to foster through our Portrait of a Graduate work.
