Schools commemorate 9/11
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ALPENA -- On the day of Sept. 11 local school districts remember the attack that occurred 25 years ago on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon with a moment of silence.
Alcona Community Schools Superintendent Dan O'Connor said that they make a blanket announcement recognizing the day and what happened at the time the plane hit the first building at 8:46 a.m.
Students and staff alike then participate in a moment of silence for all the lives lost that day.
"Obviously that does prompt discussion in each of the classes," O'Connor said. "We do make it a topic of conversation throughout the day."
He said it is important for students to learn about that day in history.
"It's really important to remember the horrific situation that happened that day and obviously do our best to educate and remind students of the past," O'Connor said.
Don MacMaster, president of Alpena Community College, said that 9/11 was an impactful day.
"It was a nation changing event and certainly impacted the staff and students at that time," he said.
In a Thursday press release, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a nationwide call to action, urging K-12 educators across the country to set aside time to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on its 25th anniversary.
In her message to teachers and education leaders, the Secretary highlighted the importance of ensuring younger generations understand the history, the profound loss, and the extraordinary courage that shaped the nation's response. As today's students were born long after the attacks, Secretary McMahon encouraged schools to help bridge this gap through thoughtful, age‑appropriate civic instruction.
State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, said that there are no statewide standards on what school districts teach about 9/11, although he is sure that most curriculums teach about it. Cavitt would support a benchmark standard for 9/11 education.
"We can't forget," he said.
Alpena Public Schools Superintendent Dave Rabbideau said that there is an announcement at every grade level commemorating the day. Students and teachers participate in a moment of silence. Part of the announcement reads, "let's remember to be kind and supportive to the people around us just as the heroes did."
Rabbideau said that what teachers talk to students about is age dependent. Teachers have discussions with students in their classrooms.
"We want to make sure that all principles do this in every building," Rabbideau said.
He said that 25 years really changes the experience and understanding that people within the school district have.
Rabbideau recalled being a teacher at the time 25 years ago and seeing the World Trade Center burning on TV.
"That's left an impact on me," he said. "We want to make sure that it doesn’t become ancient history."