In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, students at Tooker Avenue Elementary School participated in age-appropriate lessons and activities centered on remembrance, heroes, kindness, courage and community.

Across grade levels, students explored what it means to be a hero and reflected on the many people who demonstrated courage and compassion on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the days that followed. Kindergartners focused on the theme of heroes and created crafts describing the qualities of a hero, while first graders wrote about what makes someone a hero and created remembrance ribbons to display in the hallway.

Second graders participated in a “Who Is a Hero?” writing activity and created American flag and first responder artwork. Third graders read “Fireboat” and discussed the actions of community members on Sept. 11 before creating red, white and blue hearts for a hero wall display. Fourth graders read “Everyday Heroes to the Rescue” and created quilt squares celebrating their own everyday heroes, along with patriotic star necklaces.

Fifth graders engaged in a variety of activities exploring the theme of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Students wrote reflections on what it means to be a hero, read “The Survivor Tree” and “The Man with the Red Bandana,” and viewed age-appropriate excerpts highlighting acts of courage and selflessness. Students also created paper cranes, American flag hearts and other artwork and writing to display throughout their classrooms and hallways.

Through these meaningful activities, students had the opportunity to learn, reflect and honor the heroes who have made a difference, while carrying forward important lessons of kindness, compassion and unity.