Please see the following statement that Superintendent Jeffrey T. White shared with the student body regarding the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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As a school superintendent, I believe it is important to reflect on the lessons of 9/11. The horrific events of that day shook our nation to its core and left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. It is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation understands the impact of that day and how it changed our world. Not only did it change the physical landscape of the New York City skyline and the Pentagon, but it created a juncture after which nothing in our country felt the same.
The events that occurred on September 11, 2001 left 2,977 people dead across NY, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. Although most of you in this room were not yet born when these tragic events occurred, members of your family were likely to have been touched by the events of that day. Much like previous generations who had impactful events that created “where were you when…” moments - “where were you when President Kennedy was shot” or “where were you when President Lincoln was shot”, in our lifetime, 9/11 is the pivotal period that will be burned in our collective memories.
Personally, my first cousin Michael who worked for Cantor-Fitzgerald in the Twin Towers, perished on that day. So, I know all too well the pain that so many families and loved ones had to endure.
One of the most important lessons we can learn from 9/11 is the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. In the days and weeks following the attacks, we saw people from all walks of life come together to support one another. We must continue to foster that spirit of community and support here in our school, and beyond.
We also should not underestimate the value of tolerance and understanding. The events of 9/11 were carried out in the name of hatred and intolerance, and we must work to ensure that our students recognize the dangers of such thinking. By promoting inclusivity and empathy, we can help create a better and more peaceful world for all. This is why we are incorporating the Yale-Ruler Model into our curriculum this year. It is designed to enhance social and emotional learning among students, and as the year goes on, our students and teachers will be taking part in exercises and activities that will help both students and teachers improve their emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and relationship skills. I believe that by working together, we can help build a better and more just world, both in our schools and in our communities.
So today, as we reflect on the tragic events of September 11, we must never forget the lives lost and the bravery displayed by so many. It is our duty to honor their memory by teaching future generations about the importance of unity, compassion, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. Never forget.
Jeffrey T. White
Superintendent of Schools