Over the last 24-hours I was made aware and tagged on a Facebook post related to an assignment in our 8th Grade English class related to the tragedies of 9/11 and a particular article entitled, “Growing Up Muslim in a post 9/11 America” (Article and other materials below) . I finally had a chance to read through the entire post, at the time over 175 comments. After reading through the many comments, I felt it would be important to put context to the post as we did not receive any inquiries other than one email from one family.
In reading the posts one theme that is clear is related to “timing”. I cannot think of a time in my education experience that hit as hard as 9/11; especially in our region. I was a school principal in Mercer County starting my second year and watched on a small TV in the library as the towers came down. I remember both teachers and families scurrying to learn about their loved ones. As I know was the case for way too many, the news was not good for all. To date, it was one of the most, if not the most trying time in my 20 years of administration. And that has not changed for the last 15 years, each year remembering the horror of that day and the loss and sadness associated with this terrorist act. When posters say that it is the “timing” that did not feel right, I am not going to argue that point, because there is no argument to how someone feels and perceives. After you have a chance to read all that was accomplished on this day in these 8th grade classrooms, and how the one article in question relates, you will have more context that may alter original thoughts on the matter, or may not. Again, I have no goal to change minds or compel anyone to a certain opinion. Rather, I believe after reading these posts that providing you with information is important for our great community.
“Tolerance,” “Empathy,” and “Understanding” are words that I have found transcend politics as I do not see them as Republican or Democrat and tied to any one party.
This next section provides background for this 8th grade lesson, and shows the extensive thought that went into this very difficult lesson to teach on such an important and challenging day.
We began with an introduction by me telling the students about how solemn and difficult this day was and still is for all Americans 15 years later. I tearfully recounted the events and shared some personal loss as well. A good friend of mine died in the South Tower and another who had a brand new baby perished in the North tower. This subject is near and dear to my heart.
We then saw a brief video about the events of this day and the impact on the victims. Next we read a lengthy article about an American girl who attended school near the towers and her experience. It chronicled her journey from 911 to PTSD to coming out in a better place and sharing her story. It spoke about all of the loss of lives and the victims and their families. This was the crux of the lesson. As educators, it is our job to expose our children to various perspectives. The final piece of the lesson was about an American who was also Muslim. He spoke of how he was patriotic and supported the firemen who lost their lives and how he loved this country. “I bought a pen with a photo of the firefighters raising the American flag over the rubble of the Twin Towers. ‘I’m an American, I thought. I’m on the same page as everyone else.’ He expressed how it was difficult to feel that people viewed him as the same as the evil terrorists who perpetrated these horrible actions.
Part of what we have been teaching through our REACH curriculum, as well as through our life lessons in the classroom, is understanding, empathy and tolerance.
Mrs. Nuzzi, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher also taught by Ms. Plunkett, 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Below is a link to the materials. Again, our goals were to create opportunities for students to consider perspective, while honoring our heroes and our fallen. As always, should you have any questions or wish to discuss this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Scott Feder
Superintendent of Schools
sfeder@millstone.k12.nj.us
732-786-0950 ext 51010
