Sept. 11, 2023, marked 22 years since the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Students across the District did various activities in honor and remembrance of Patriot Day.

WE REMEMBER

North Elementary third graders talked about 9/11 events and then wrote letters to local first responders. On Sept. 11, students read and presented those letters to our School Resource Officers, deputies with the Christian County Sheriff's Office, officers with the Ozark Police Department and firefighters with Ozark Fire Protection District in honor and remembrance of Patriot Day.

BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, KIND

“They will never forget the man who saved their lives. They will never forget the man in the red bandanna.”

East fourth graders read “The Man in the Red Bandanna” by Honor Crowther Fagan. The book tells the story of Welles Crowther and how he became a hero on Sept. 11, 2001, when he helped others exit the World Trade Center South Tower. Students then talked about character traits of a hero — brave, generous and kind were a few mentioned — before being given this writing prompt: I think a hero is…

WE REMEMBER 9/11 CEREMONY

The Ozark JROTC Battalion participated in the annual We Remember 9/11 Ceremony at Big Cedar Lodge. The event commemorates those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and the first responders who responded that day.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

South third graders took a moment to go outside and say the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the flag pole with the flag at half-mast for Patriot Day. Students then held a moment of silence for first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

FLAG HUNT

West kindergarten is doing our patriotism unit, learning about the flag and our nation. On Sept. 11, students went on a flag hunt around the school.

9/11 HEROES

North second graders learned about New York City, first responders and heroes as they read books about Sept. 11, 2001, including "The Man in the Red Bandanna" and "Fireboat." Students discussed the characteristics of heroes, wrote letters to first responders and even made a NYC skyline. 

After reading “The Man in the Red Bandanna,” students received a red bandanna of their own and were encouraged to do  "good without expecting reward."The book tells the story of Welles Crowther and how he became a hero on Sept. 11, 2001, when he helped others exit the World Trade Center South Tower.

NEVER FORGET

In honor of Patriot Day, School Resource Officer Steve Hoerning talked to East third graders about first responders and all they do for our community. He talked about his experience working as a school resource officer, firefighter and EMT. He also read “Hooray for Helpers” to students.

Officer Steve then answered questions students had about Sept. 11, 2001, and said more than 340 New York City firefighters died that day in their efforts to save others.