For adults, the memories of 9/11/01 are flash-bulb memories. We know where we were, who we were with, what we felt. In the world of education, the years after we're met with challenges and reflection. As a high school psychology teacher, I spoke with my students about how large events leave vivid memories, but remembering what you had for dinner last week isn't as strong. There as an academic and social connection, and always an acknowledgment of the day.
Now, being principal of a preK through 8th grade school, there is a new challenge: How do we teach and share recent, scary history for students who have no memories of the actual event. Our answer was clear last year, as we worked in the context of our year-long theme of "the power of our words." Last year, we delivered over 300 thank you notes to our local first reponders. We were also to share a few very important lessons with our students. This year, we did the same. Why? Because saying thank you is a powerful tool and an act of kindness we cannot teach enough!
We are part of a larger system
The war on terror isn't really an age-appropriate topic for our,younger students. As a former school counselor, the idea of striking terror in our smallest brains is something I am keenly aware of. The idea that we are part of a larger society, where we depend on each other is not only an moorland lesson learned post-9/11, but also for preparing students for a global society.
Careers are callings
When we hear the word vocation, the association is usually priests or nuns in our Catholic schools. A vocation is a career we are called to. For teachers to police to military, jobs that we are passionate about and feel is our God-given path, are vocations. Sometimes these vocations comes with danger, low pay, stress, and other problems. Sharing with students that we are all called to use our gifts and talents and to be kind, loving and an example to others captures the feelings of unity and solidarity many of us felt in the days after 9/11/01. Remember the flood of blood donations and military sign-ups? We are called.....
We are not powerless
Even our 4 year old students know and are learning the power of words like "please" and "thank you." There is a power in saying thank you to those who keep us safe.
So, on behalf of the students, teachers, and parents at The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle, thank you to our first responders who keep us safe everyday.
