Remembering September 11 Across Monroe

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (12:31 PM)

An American flag crafted from red and blue handprints on a white sheet.

Twenty-five years later, September 11 is a day our youngest students know through the stories, lessons and traditions shared with them. Today at Holly Glen and Oak Knoll, students and staff found their own ways to remember, reflect and learn together.

At Holly Glen, every third grader helped create an American flag from student and staff handprints. The idea carries a special connection across generations. Monroe's own, Mrs. Moore remembers completing the same activity as a student following the September 11 attacks, and now, as a teacher, she was able to bring that tradition back for her own students

A large group of elementary school students and teachers pose together in a gymnasium, with a handmade American flag made of painted handprints on the wall behind them.

What began as a childhood memory became something new for Holly Glen’s third graders — a chance to place their own handprint on the flag, learn more about the significance of the day and become part of a tradition that has now come full circle.

Thank you to Mrs. Moore, the entire third-grade team, Principal David Babich, Vice Principal Mr. Bowers and everyone who helped make the experience both meaningful and engaging for students.

A wall display features an American flag made of blue and red handprints, accompanied by signs that read "From Many We Will."
Over at Oak Knoll, the building was filled with red, white and blue as students and staff marked the day together. Principal Donna Sanfilippo and Assistant Principal James Collins visited a preschool classroom for story time, where they were joined by Superintendent Dr. Brian J. McBride — one of those simple school-day moments that made the morning feel especially personal.

A group of adults and children pose for a photo in a classroom with a large screen behind them.

The day continued with Oak Knoll’s youngest students coming together for “How to Be a Brave,” an assembly for grades K–2 focused on school expectations, making good choices and what it means to be part of the Oak Knoll community. With Mrs. Sanfilippo and Mr. Collins helping welcome and guide the next generation of Braves, it was also a fitting reminder that school traditions are built not only through what students learn, but through the sense of belonging they develop along the way.

A group of diverse children sit attentively in an auditorium, watching a presentation.

A teacher stands at the front of an auditorium while many students raise their hands to answer questions.

An audience of students sits in an auditorium facing a stage with a projection screen that reads, I am the master of my choices!
Thank you to the students and staff at both schools who wore their red, white and blue, participated in today’s activities and made space for remembrance. A quarter century may now separate our elementary students from September 11, 2001, but the stories, memories and lessons surrounding that day continue to be carried forward — from one generation of Monroe students to the next.