Remembering 9/11

SOCSD remembers: Throughout the day, South Orangetown schools are marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Following are snapshots of activities happening across the District.

At William O. Schaefer Elementary School, classes read the book "30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag" by Amanda Davis, talked about heroes and made crafts inspired by the book. 

Cottage Lane Elementary School held its first character education assembly of the year – during which Carmen Agra Deedy's "14 Cows for America" was introduced as the book of the month and Hearts for Heroes as the building-wide project for September; grades 3-5 also learned the history behind the CLE Liberty Bell.

A group of South Orangetown Middle School orchestra students, under the direction of Music teachers Christine Lee and Nicolas Kent, performed “Three Patriotic Chorales” during morning announcements, following a school-wide moment of silence. Sixth graders then gathered for a special lesson led by Social Studies teachers Luke Freeley and Eric Goldstein. Students learned about 9/11 Day’s “UNITE For Good” movement and were challenged to pledge to perform a good deed in honor of the 25th anniversary. They also viewed newspapers from the days following 9/11, learned about local heroes who lost their lives including firefighter Dennis McHugh and wrote thank-you cards to first responders.

At Tappan Zee High School, retired Port Authority Police Department Lieutenant Henry Borawski, father of Social Studies teacher Matthew Borawski, spoke about his first-hand experience responding to the World Trade Center attack and working on the recovery effort in the months afterward. "One way to honor the people that passed away that day is to do the right thing and be kind to and support each other,” noted Henry. “From a social studies standpoint, this is an example of a primary source and an eyewitness account. If you have anyone in your family who lived through major events, I implore you to talk to them,” explained Matt. “Whether it was September 11, the world wars or Pearl Harbor, ultimately there will be a day when there is no one left to ask what it was like." In the afternoon, Henry also spoke with his grandchild’s fourth grade class at CLE.

Earlier this year, the District partnered with the TZHS Student Organization to honor TZHS graduates who were lost on 9/11, as well as former students who later passed away from illnesses related to their exposure at Ground Zero. Later this month, the District will unveil a 9/11 Memorial plaque at TZHS honoring both groups.

Across grades K-12, our faculty, students and staff also took part in a moment of silence. Now and always, we remember the innocent lives lost and keep their loved ones in our thoughts.