story827.xml

story827.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-06-25

On Sept. 11th the Shanksville school opened as usual at 8:00
a m under clear and beautiful skies. Shortly after second
period started I was called to Mrs. Hummel's (our high
school principal) office. She had a news special on her tv
of the first attack at New York City. I could hardly
believe what I saw on the screen. Then came the second
attack and then the pentagon. By this time several staff
members were in the office watching in disbelief. Teachers
were permitted to turn the news coverage on in their class
rooms. Some did and others did not. As the school's guidance
counselor I thought that I should get out and see how our
students and staff were handling the situation. As I walked
down the halls I saw faces that were sad, angery and
confused. I was standing outside of the library when I saw
several elementary teachers coming into the hallway with
concerned looks. Our building was just shocked by the impact
of flight 93 about two miles from the school. I quickly went
to the elementary and followed the group of teachers and Mrs
Tipton, principal, outside. We all looked around and saw a
black cloud above the trees beyond the school. No one was
sure what it was, but all were very concerned that it was
related to the other attacks. I said that I thought it was
near Frankie Reed's place where he works on cars and maybe
a gas can exploded. We all returned to the building and
waited for about twenty minutes to hear that infact it was
a plane that crashed near our school.
Almost immediately parents started to come to the
school to pick their children and take them home. We weren't
sure if roads were closed or what. Our two principals, Mrs.
Tipton and Mrs. Hummel did a great job keeping everyone
updated and calm. By this time, local and state law officers
were involved and encouraged the school to stay in session.
We did go on with classes even though parents continued to
come and pick up their children. I had a fourth period
guidance class with seventh grade that I went to see many
sad and concerned faces. Each time a student's name was
called several girls started to cry. It was obvious that we
could not have class today. We watched the news coverage
and to calm those who were very upset. So many questions
were being asked it a real time of soul searching. I asked
the students if they wanted me to pray and the said yes. As
I prayed I asked God for guidance, safety and direction in
this time of dire need for our country. The bell rang for
fifth period and I slowly walked down the stairs talking to
students and staff as I went. I stopped at Mrs. Ware's class
of sixth graders and they were very upset like the rest of
us. We answered questions, tried to calm fears and once
again I prayed for the situation and God's intervention.
By the time lunch period came, over half of our
students were gone. The entire staff was talking to students
and trying to calm them and ourselves as well. By the time
3:00 pm came there were only about twenty five students left
in school. It was the most moving day in my twenty three
years at Shanksville.
The next day and many more to follow were filled with
long talks with students and staff about some of life's most
important issues. I prayed with more students and staff
during this tragic time than in all the years that preceeded
it. I thank God for the opportunties to share his love and
direction to those in need.This was a very humbling and soul
searching time and it continues on......
school.