Middle Schoolers Reflect on 9/11 and How to Stand Up and Help Others

Middle Schoolers honored the anniversary of September 11, 2001 through powerful conversations in their classrooms. First, each teacher provided a lesson on the events of that day, ensuring that students had a solid understanding of what occurred. Then, students watched an educational video that highlighted the response to 9/11 and the effect it had on NYC and the whole United States. A key takeaway from the video was how people came together to help one another; for example, it told the story of the boats that rushed to Lower Manhattan from far and wide, successfully evacuating 500,000 people in nine hours. Students applied these ideas to their own lives, asking themselves and each other how they, too, can step up and help others in need. Throughout the class, the students also discussed their own connection to 9/11, such as how they knew what happened and how they believed they would respond if it happened today. Furthermore, students shared personal stories, discussing family and friends who were there that day or who would have been there if not for twists of fate. The students came away feeling extremely moved, reflecting on the importance of learning about this important anniversary, honoring the lives of the victims, and combatting hatred wherever they encounter it.