I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001. I can still see the faces of my first-grade students looking up at me. The morning announcements ended abruptly. We were advised that students would probably be picked up by their parents throughout the morning.

Then, the tragic news of an airplane flying into the Twin Towers. Then, over time, another. A third plane crashing into the Pentagon, and finally, a fourth plane plowing into a Pennsylvania field. Within what seemed like minutes, parents were rushing to school to sign their children out early. There sat twenty curious children, wondering why everyone was leaving class so early in the day.  I decided to speak with the children about what was happening before they left. Knowing the time constraints on most working parents, I wanted to ease as many possible children’s fears as I could. I briefly explained the situation. I ended the discussion by telling them that their parents might be upset. I told them if they were calm and well-behaved it would help their parents and them. I reassured them they would be fine and we’d be back together in the morning. The next day began with further discussion. Most of the children had seen the news and needed to talk more. We did.

Compared to the fears and attacks that children experience at school today, the fears of 9/11 to children seem matchless.  Years later, this plays over in my mind. In twenty-four years, the world has become increasingly unsafe for all of us.

For many students in 2001, the classroom was their only safe place.  Sadly, that is no longer the case.

So, where were you on September 11, 2001?  How did you feel on that day?  How do you feel today?