Charleston schools observe Patriot Day

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Left: Elizabeth Moser's first grade class poses by their flag mural; Charleston Middle School's American flag flies at half-staff. Top right: Mrs. Laws' class read "Fireboat." Bottom right: Mrs. Wells' class records a message for a soldier. (Submitted Photos)

CHARLESTON -- Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School and Charleston Middle School observed Patriot Day on Sept. 11.

"While the memory of 9/11 is still vivid in the minds of faculty and staff members, nearly all of the students in K-8 were born after the event," said parent liaison B.J. Babb.

Schools spent the day honoring, learning about and reflecting on our military, servicemen and women and the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Principals encouraged students and faculty to wear red, white and blue, and teachers were encouraged to do patriotic activities and lessons in their classes, Babb said.

At Hearnes, Kimberly Wells' kindergarten class recorded an encouraging message to be sent to a soldier overseas. Elizabeth Moser's first grade class created a giant flag depicting famous U.S. landmarks to be displayed in the hall. Mrs. Laws' first grade students read "Fireboat" by Maira Kalman, which tells the true story of a tugboat that helped extinguish fires on 9/11.

At CMS, the American flag was presented at half-staff. English and social studies classes took the opportunity to teach students about the events of 9/11 and the heroic acts of rescue workers involved. Babb said.That evening, CMS held a ceremony before the home football game against Caruthersville.