While many schools districts, including Fairfield and Ridgefield, were closed on Nov. 11 due to Veterans Day, the Westport School system was up and running.
At around 8:20 a.m, Principal John Dodig started off the morning with his usual announcement over the loudspeaker. The Pledge of Allegiance was said, followed by a moment of silence to honor those who have served for our country.
Many students believed lesson plans were going to be altered in regards to this national holiday. While some teachers could not fit it into their schedule, a few made sure they would.
“Too often we forget about the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and our rights. I make sure to take the time to thank them for everything they do, and I encourage my students to do the same. It only takes a minute to thank a veteran,” English teacher Kristin Schulz said.
While Schulz’s class had a specific Veterans Day moment, many students did not have this same opportunity to reflect or learn about the holiday.
“Throughout all of my seven class periods, I did not once talk about Veterans Day. Since I do not have any connections to veterans or soldiers, it didn’t bother me as much as others,” Maddy Sampath ’16 said.
Sampath was not alone; many other Staples students did not have the opportunity to talk about Veterans Day in school.
“I feel it is important to recognize those who have fought for us. I definitely feel lesson plans should have been changed in order to contribute to this special day,” Caroline McKechnie ’15 said.
Veterans Day is a day of recognition and remembrance. Since Staples students are already in school, should lesson plans be altered in order to embrace this holiday?
