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Community Corner

Red, White and Blue Day Inspires Appreciation for Heroes of 9/11 and Beyond

Sept. 11, 2013 (TAMPA, FL) – Krissy Lloyd was just a year old when the Twin Towers fell. Tyler Hostler-Mathis had yet to be born.

The two middle school students have heard family members share where they were on Sept. 11, 2001, and they have studied the events in school. Corbett Preparatory School of IDS marks the anniversary to recognize past and present heroes who work to keep the country safe and to honor the freedom we enjoy in the United States, regardless of our gender, country of origin, race or religion.

Corbett Prep began its third annual Red, White and Blue Day on Sept. 11 with a moment of silence at precisely 9:11 a.m. Then Krissy and Tyler raised their trumpets to play Taps over the loudspeaker for the east and west campuses.

They felt a responsibility to do their best out of respect for the commemoration. “I wanted to get it right,” said Tyler, a seventh grader.

This important day provided many opportunities for students to challenge their assumptions, reflect and learn. Several primary classes used Fireboat by Maira Kalman as a springboard to discuss the characteristics of heroes. Kindergartners described and drew heroes important to their lives to make a giant “Wall of Heroes” display outside their classroom.

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Often children think of superheroes when first asked whom they consider a hero. The book expands students’ understanding to include helpers, teachers, parents and rescue workers. In the multiage first and second grade “Brilliant Bug” class, students drew a picture of a hero before reading Fireboat and a second picture afterward.

One little girl drew a picture of a superhero who “saves the day” the first time and after reflection, added a second picture of a female firefighter with long blonde hair like hers.

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Teacher Jennifer Jones said several students thought of role models such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and even their parents during the first assignment. The book inspired other reflections.

First and second grade “Mighty Monkeys” expressed gratitude for heroes who keep the United States safe and generated ideas of other reasons they are thankful. The class listed friends, family, their country, clean water, safe homes and the opportunity to go to school.

Pre-kindergarten students also had a chance to show their patriotism.

PreK-4 children posed with a flag for pictures in their red, white and blue outfits. Teachers hung the snapshots on a large banner decorated with flags, hearts and stars and the John Lennon quote: “You may say we are dreamers, but we’re not the only ones. I hope someday you will join us, and the world will be a better place.”

PreK-3 helped beautify the campus by setting flags they decorated into the ground. The “Flower Patch” children also shared ideas for how they could be of service and perform good deeds. Sept. 11 is recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage charitable service. The Middle School is planning ahead for a community service day on Nov. 6.

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