Hillsborough schools observe 9/11

Posted Sep 9, 2011 by Sherri Ackerman

Updated Sep 9, 2011 at 02:01 PM

Special 9/11 tributes are taking place at many Hillsborough County schools on Friday, Sept. 9, and throughout next week.

Today, Sept. 9, students at Caminiti Exceptional Center are wearing red, white and blue and will observe a moment of silence, recite the Pledge of Allegiance then hold hands as they sing “God Bless America.’’

At Carver Exceptional Center, students will participate in an essay contest on How 9/11 Changed America in addition to daily poetry readings.

Teacher Ryne LoJacono’s class at Chamberlain High School will write down their memories from that fateful day and talk about how 9/11 is similar to the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated or the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor.

Many schools, including Coleman Middle, Deer Park Elementary, Hillsborough High and Nelson Elementary will remember those who lost their lives with a moment of silence.

Others, like Marshall Middle School, Lowry Elementary School and Yates Elementary School will incorporate the 10-year anniversary into lesson plans.

At Marshall, students are interviewing people about their memories of 9/11. research what happened that day and since, and presenting a discussion using video clips from the last decade.

Dowdell Middle Magnet School is collecting toiletries for Operation Patriot to benefit U.S. veterans of armed forces.

Students are wearing red, white and blue and hosting patriotic celebrations Friday at Kingswood Elementary, Lake Magdalene Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Philip Shore Elementary Magnet School, Sheehy Elementary, Seffner Elementary, Sulphur Springs Elementary and Village of Excellence Academy.

Van Buren Middle School will feature a presentation honoring the memory of the 9/11 victims. Randall Middle school will create red, white and blue markers that will be placed on the lawn to form an American flag.

Sunday:

East Bay High’s senior color guard members of the JROTC program will dress in full uniform for a 9/11 memorial service Sunday in Sun City Center, while JROTC students and those who participate in student government at Hillsborough High will conduct a similar observance at their school.

Wharton High School will present a wind ensemble, theatre production and the JROTC for the presentation of “9/11: A Night of Remembrance and Reflection,’’ a special dinner and concert at the school on Sunday, starting at 5 p.m.

The event will honor the families and victims of that tragic day. Dinner is catered by Texas Roadhouse and costs $5 to $10. The concert is $5.

Next week:

Freedom High School will host a memorial service at the school on Monday, Sept. 12, at 8:46 a.m. with the JROTC in the courtyard and a student assembly. Freedom High band members will play TAPS.

Also on Monday, Apollo Beach Elementary will have a guidance counselor read “September 12th We knew Everything Would be All Right’’ on the morning show.

Knights Elementary School will have students wearing red, white and blue on Monday, while reading their stories about what a hero means on the school’s morning show. Older students will interview adults about 9/11.

All month:

Lincoln Elementary will hold a Doing Caring Deeds month, focusing on honoring first responders and sending them letters, cards and baked goods to show appreciation.