In honor of Veterans Day, every ACPS school is holding special activities to recognize U.S. military men and women. The day is not designated a day off or a holiday as there are so many other days in November when students are required not to be in school, including elections, Thanksgiving and early release for parent-teacher conferences.
Instead, Alexandria City Public Schools is helping students recognize the importance of the day through reflective activities. By having students in classrooms on Veterans Day, teachers have the opportunity to reinforce its importance and honor veterans through teaching and learning.
Elementary schools are hosting veterans as guest speakers, holding class discussions around what it means to be a veteran and creating posters for display in their hallways. They will be discussing what it means to be a hero as well as the origins of Veterans Day. Many schools are also writing letters to veterans expressing their thanks for their contribution to the United States.
- John Adams students are making cards for veterans and delivering them to Walter Reed Hospital.
- Lyles-Crouch is holding an early morning coffee and donuts celebration of Veterans Day with local veterans.
- Cora Kelly students are writing letters to veterans and learning about what it means to be a hero.
- George Mason is hosting veterans as guest speakers and creating posters to display in hallways.
- Charles Barrett band and orchestra classes are listening to military band music and discussing the instruments used and the purposes of military music.
- Jefferson-Houston has created a Veterans Day video of staff and veteran relatives of students.
- Douglas MacArthur is leading discussions about General Douglas MacArthur and his role in the military.
- Matthew Maury students will be singing patriotic songs over the address system.
- James K. Polk is collecting cards for the Wounded Warriors and students are wearing red, white and blue.
- Patrick Henry students are making and posting patriotic symbols around the school.
- Mount Vernon students are reading passages about veterans in class all day.
- William Ramsay students are writing thank you cards to veterans.
- Samuel Tucker is featuring military veteran parents on their Tucker Today TV show.
Thank you veterans for your contribution to our country and for being a part of educating our students on Veterans Day.