Ocean City Schools To Focus On Lessons Learned in 9/11 Curriculum

Ocean City, NJ -- With the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on the horizon this weekend, the Ocean City School District’s message is not to focus on the tragic loss of life that day.

Ocean City residents and people across the country should instead focus on the lessons that can be taken away from the tragedy.

“Immediately after these events 15 years ago, good people around the world showed their kindness and love for each other by reaching out and helping save lives and support families who were hurt by this event,” the district plans to say in a morning announcement at the Primary School on Friday, Sept. 9. “Firefighters and police officers in particular showed great courage in risking their own lives to save others. Americans put aside their differences by coming together and showing the power of patriotism by reaching deep into their souls and finding the strength to love and help their neighbor no matter the color of their skin, their religious background, or how much money they had. It didn't matter. All that mattered was that we were all Americans and we would stick together. Soldiers sacrificed their time and lives to fight against those who might harm us and a whole country started taking our own safety more seriously.”

The school district will go on to say that the lessons that need to be learned are to show each other kindness and love.

“We must have the courage to do the right thing and protect and defend each other,” the school district says. “We have to put aside differences and care for each other equally which sometimes means sacrifice. Remember to always be a good friend.”

This school year marks the first time that incoming freshman to high schools across America were born after the tragedy occurred. In Ocean City, freshman will learn about 9/11 in their world history classes because younger students tend to perceive events that occurred prior to their birth as "ancient" history or a "longtime" ago, the school district says.

“Some junior/senior classes and history elective classes will be examining the issue more in depth in terms of al-Qaeda with documentary materials and newer reference books that include topic content in depth,” said Mrs. Scotty Keiluhn, the Secretary to Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Taylor.

High school history classes will discuss the way 9/11 is discussed in general on PBS, History Channel and/or Discovery Channel.

Throughout the district, teachers will explore the topic in Social Studies classes. Teachers will read age appropriate stories and complete age appropriate activities that promote love and kindness.

In fourth grade, after reviewing what 9/11 is, students will learn about four heroes from that day. They will draw pictures for each story to make individual brown paper bag books.

They will also read “14 Cows for America” which focuses on the emotions associated with 9/11, as well as the unity that results from the tragedy.

In fifth grade, students will watch “Boatlift: An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience,” and then write a journal entry about everyday heroes.

Students in sixth and eighth grades will discuss the impact the day has had on the United States and our relationship with other countries. This will also be noted and discussed during morning announcements.
Seventh grade students will watch “9/11: The Filmmakers' Commemorative Edition,” and do a follow-up writing assignment.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the city will hold its annual 9/11 anniversary ceremony in front of the Ocean City Fire Department at 550 Asbury Avenue, 6 p.m.

For more on that ceremony, click here.