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Home > Blogs > Springfield Schools News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > October > 29
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How do children learn about the military?
Earlier today I posted a blog about Greenon High School’s upcoming Veteran’s Day observation. I’ve also heard about a couple other Veteran’s Day tributes planned in local schools.
I cannot recall any official Veteran’s Day observances while I was in school. It’s possible it happened and I’m just forgetting but I don’t think that is it; some of my co-workers around my age couldn’t remember tributes like the ones local schools are planning either, even from high school.
And now that I see so many schools planning events, particularly ones where they are asking the community for names and photos of veteran or active duty soldiers, it strikes me as odd that that didn’t happen in my district. I went to school in a district with strong military ties because of its proximity to Wright-Patt Air Force Base. Many of my friends had enlisted parents and we always had students moving in and out of the district because of transfers.
But I graduated in 2002 and Sept. 11 happened shortly into my senior year of high school. The Persian Gulf War ended about half way through first grade, so for much of my schooling, the country was in a time of peace, for the most part.
After more than five years in the Second Gulf War, children today probably are much more familiar with the concepts of war and deployment than my classmates and I were, even with the military connections in my hometown. The Iraq War in the news all the time and most kids probably know someone in their own family or a friend’s family who is deployed overseas.
In three years covering education, I’ve heard educators talk from time to time about how to teach about war and the military. It’s a much more sensitive and prevalent topic now when so many children have parents or cousins or siblings or aunts or uncles in active duty in war zones.
Veteran’s Day presents an opportunity for teachers and students to recognize the veteran’s in their community; it’s also a time for students to recognize the contribution their own loved ones are making right now. I’ve seen some very touching presentations, cards, posters and other tributes celebrating a loved one overseas.
Will your child’s school be celebrating Veteran’s Day this year? Military.com, the largest online membership organization for military personnel and their families, offers some ideas you can utilize at home — or suggest to a classroom teacher — to commemorate Veteran’s Day and teach your children about the military. The activities range from researching historic wars to making a card for a veteran so they can be adapted for most age groups.
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Do you know an Enon veteran or soldier?
Greenon students are looking for veterans and alumni currently in the armed forces to honor during a Veteran’s Day tribute.
Greenon High School will host a Veteran’s Day observation Tuesday, Nov. 11 for all alumni and district residents currently serving in the Armed Forces, according to a release from the district.
High school students will conduct the tribute which will include a video presentation of veterans and active military personnel. The tribute will began at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in the high school gym with a reception immediately following and lunch will be served.
Valet parking and assistance for those who are handicapped will begin at 9 a.m. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Greenon High School at (937) 325-7343 on or before Nov. 7, 2008.
Any veteran or person currently serving in the military can be included in the video presentation. Please submit a picture (preferably in uniform, but any is okay), the name of the solder, their branch, years served, and current station (if applicable). The information should be sent to the main office of Greenon High School. It can be emailed to: jholland@greenon.k12.oh.us. The mailing address is 3950 South Tecumseh Road, Springfield, Ohio 45502.
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Snowhill Elementary mourns teacher
Long-time Snowhill Elementary teacher Nicia Esterline died Monday afternoon after a long illness.
Esterline, 50, taught first grade at Snowhill for 15 years. A Springfield native, she held a bachelor’s degree in education from Urbana University and a master’s degree from Marygrove College.
An avid animal lover described as “devoted” to her students, Esterline was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and is survived by her mother, Gertrude “Trudy” Esterline; sister. Deanne Taylor; niece Kylie; nephew Brendan; grandmother Wilma Taylor; aunt and uncle Betty and Bob Cawley and many cousins, friends and four dogs.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 29 at Conroy Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Bernard Catholic Church. Esterline will be laid to rest in the St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League or your favorite charity.
You can share memories and condolences here on the blog or legacy.
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