Colonial School District observes Sept. 11th

“A hero is a person who works every day to help us.”

“America is great because we have people that keep us safe.”

“I’m proud because when I grow up I can vote and change the world.”

These were just a few of the sentiments shared by Whitemarsh Elementary School students, who reflected on what it means to be a hero, what makes the U.S. special, and why they are proud to be American as part of a ceremony held on the anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks.

Students came to school dressed in red, white, and blue and gathered on the school lawn in the morning, waving small American flags. They were joined by area police, firefighters, and emergency responders. Through song and students’ own words, children who never experienced Sept. 11th were able to learn about the solemn significance of the day.

Music teacher Kristy Langis, who organizes the annual event, explained to the students that Sept. 11th has become known as Patriot Day, and that it is also a national Day of Service. She encouraged students to do something nice as a way to mark the occasion. 

“For our students, being a hero doesn’t always mean doing something big. A hero can be someone who helps a friend, stands up for someone who is being left out, says something kind, or helps when someone is in need,” she told the students. “As we remember September 11th, let us remember the people who helped others and carry that kindness forward.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students did just that by handing out thank you notes to the first responders in attendance. As an extra treat this year, soft pretzels were handed out in brown paper bags that had been decorated by students from the life skills support classes. The Whitemarsh Parent Teacher Organization provided the extra pretzels.

All Colonial School District schools participated in a moment of silence to reflect on the meaning of the day, and age-appropriate information was shared through morning announcements at each building in honor of the many people who died or were affected by the terrorist attacks that occurred in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.