Forrestdale School Prepares to Remember 9/11

With the start of the school year and the ten year anniversary of Sept. 11 fast approaching, Forrestdale Principal Jennifer Gibbons discussed what the school has planned at the Aug. 31 Rumson Board of Education meeting.

The honoring of Sept. 11 will be broken down into two days: Sept. 9 as a day of reflection and education and Sept. 12 as a day of service.

Many of the students were young at the time of the attacks and aren’t well educated on the event historically according to Gibbons. It’s a mix of confusion and uncertainty for them.

“The goals of both days are to make the students feel connected historically to Sept. 11 by gaining a level of sensitivity keeping in mind how our students here in Rumson were affected,” said Gibbons. “The second goal is to highlight the positive that came out of such a tragic event and talk to the students about the connection of volunteering, patriotism and service that overcame our nation.”

The main emphasis was placed on the middle school as the elementary school kids were too young according to Bert Ammerman, interim superintendent.

“9/11 is important to all of us,” said Bert Ammerman, interim superintendent. “For me it’s particularly important. My brother was killed on Pan Am Flight 103. I understand what the families in Rumson have gone through and across the different states. I think it’s important that we recognize good overcomes evil.”

Lessons have been created that allow students to write journals, poems, analyze songs, make quilts and other activities as a way to reflect according to Gibbons.

The day of service, Sept. 12, will involve students walking to various parks to clean up the area.

“This is just one event on the calendar, but my hope is that it will have long lasting effects as we embrace our new character education initiative and tie that into the new anti-bullying legislation that we are embracing as well,” said Gibbons.

Permission slips will be sent home for parents to sign if they would like their child to take part in some or all of the events planned. There will be alternate plans if parents choose that their child should not take part in the events so the student doesn’t feel secluded. The permission slips will come out the first week of school. There will also be adults on hand if the students need someone to speak with according to Gibbons.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was discussed for Sept. 24 for the new playground equipment that was installed.

The next board meeting is Sept. 21inside the Higgins Library at Forrestdale School.