Dear Roosevelt Union Free School District Staff and Students,
As we come together to commemorate another anniversary of September 11, 2001, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the profound impact that this day has had on our nation, our communities, and each of us as individuals. Although many of our current students were not yet born when these tragic events unfolded, the ripple effects continue to shape our world in complex ways.
For those of us old enough to remember, September 11 was a moment that forever changed us. It altered our sense of security and shook our beliefs in the innate goodness of humanity. However, it also galvanized us as a nation and showcased the indomitable spirit of the American people—demonstrating resilience, unity, and an overwhelming capacity for compassion and heroism.
Here at Roosevelt Union Free School District, we take our educational responsibilities seriously, not just in academics but also in fostering citizenship and community engagement. This day serves as a critical teaching moment to discuss themes like democracy, human rights, and the importance of community service.
Our schools will hold special activities and discussions to commemorate this solemn day. Teachers have prepared age-appropriate lessons to inform, reflect, and remember. Our aim is not to just look back in sorrow, but to inspire a new generation of informed citizens who can engage with the world in meaningful and compassionate ways.
I encourage each of you to participate wholeheartedly in these activities and discussions. May they catalyze positive action and a tribute to those we lost.
Let us use this day to come closer together, to reach out with kindness, and to reaffirm our commitment to the values that define us as a community and a nation.
Warm regards,
Dr. Deborah L. Wortham
Superintendent