Woodland Students to Honor Military Veterans
Gurnee-Students at Woodland District 50 schools will be honoring veterans during the school day on November 10, the day before the official Veterans Day observance on Saturday, November 11.
Students at all Woodland schools will have the opportunity to reflect and understand the significance of this day.
"Recognizing individuals, both past and present, who served in the U.S. military during war and peace provides us with opportunities to teach our children about how the commitment of those veterans helps to shape our country," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joy A. Swoboda.
There will be displays at each school featuring photos and information about employees or family members who have served or are serving in any branch of the military in an active duty, reserve or in a National Guard unit.
A sampling of activities taking place at each school includes:
Woodland Primary School:
Students and staff will be assisted by members of the Gurnee American Legion in dedicating the new flag pole at 10:30 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited as the flag is raised. The school's new air quality flag program also will be introduced.
Woodland Elementary West
With assistance from members of the Gurnee American Legion, family members of students who are former or current military service members will be participating in a Veterans Day celebration assembly featuring a video tribute and singing of "America" starting at 9:10 a.m.
Woodland Elementary East
A military color guard will raise the flag outside of the school and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with students and staff. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., more than 40 military personnel from the U.S. Navy will be dressed in uniform and visiting classrooms throughout the day to speak to children about the importance of various jobs in the military, plus take questions from children.
Woodland Intermediate
Student leaders and staff will be celebrating military veteran family members from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Students will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and read thank you notes aloud.
Woodland Middle
Students will interview family members and learn about their service to create a display of stars that contains information and possibly photos of the family members. Also, teacher Brandon Moens is showing students a History Channel video about the origins of the holiday related to World War II, followed by a short discussion if students wish to share information about veterans in their families.