BELLVILLE — Bellville Elementary School students have learned this week about the heroes and patriots who worked together in the wake of the 9/11 attack on American soil.
“One thing we talked with our students was not just the attack (of the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001), but how we came together after the attack,” said Ashley Twedt, an intervention specialist at the school. “I was always taught that we learn history so it doesn’t repeat itself, and that is one thing we teach here.”
Elementary school students were not alive when the terrorist attack ocurred.
“You know,” Twedt said, “a lot of the students had already heard about the attacks on 9/11, but there were some kids that weren’t aware of it.”
Students of all grade levels spent the week leading up to Sept. 11, now known as ‘Patriot Day,‘ reading books, watching documentaries and decorating the school’s hallways with patriotic art projects.
The effort was on display Tuesday when Paolo DeMaria, Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction visited the school.
DeMaria was given a short tour of the building, walking into classes to see how Bellville Elementary students learn. He was also led by two fifth grade students with connections to the military: Kylee Warmath and Evan Hamilton.
“My dad is in the Air Force,” said Kylee, one of the 22 students connected to the military who are enrolled at the school. “(Having DeMaria visit) is really cool because he gets to see the military decorations and stuff.”
DeMaria said he appreciated the community and its leaders supporting the school. He also said he was excited to see how the school was able to support the students who have military families.
“My appreciation also goes out to all the military and veterans here in the group. To all the kids and families joined with us, we know the realities you face from time to time, and the Purple Start program was started as a focus to say, ‘Look, we can support this particular group and meet their needs in school,’ ” DeMaria said. “We are so proud to recognize this school as meeting those standards, which mean they go out of their way.”
DeMaria said he was impressed by the students and teachers.
“Obviously here, you get the Purple Star Award because you’ve made the commitment and are actually doing things that are responsive to the needs of military families,” he said. “So, we spoke with Mrs. Twedt about the things she’s done to do that and nurture that.
“We’re really happy to celebrate that — and to see the community supports it as well.”
