story4787.xml

story4787.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

Bill and I were up getting dressed for work and listening to the radio. At the first report of a plane hitting the towers in New York, we turned on the television. We both commented how tragic it was for a pilot to become that disoriented and actually hit a building. As the news events occured and the reality of the situation settled in it was unbelievable. We both watched the news as the pictures revealed what words failed to adequately express. We still could not believe it, even as the station repeated the broadcast, over and over. I was stunned. Like a robot, I continued to get ready for work. It then struck me. I teach special education classes at a local high school. What were we going to do about this event and its effects on the students? When I arrived in to my school, the new was on the television in the staff room. There was a hastily called staff meeting. We were asked to maintain as normal a schedule as possible. We were to answer questions as honestly as possible, discuss when it seemed to be a student need, but to try to continue with our planned lessons. The students were in shock. Some made jokes as teenagers often do when they do not know how to cope. Some sat silently; some went on as if nothing had happened. It was difficult for me to respect all of these different forms of reaction. I would go to the next room, watch snipits of the news and come back to the room and let the students know what was happening. I was really very proud of my kids. They maintained, they worked, they asked thoughtful questions, they came through. It was a learning and teachable moment that I hope I never need to live through again. Our principal's daughter was in her apartment only blocks from the site. She was safe. My girlfriends sister also lives close, she was safe. Although I do not know anyone personally affected by these events, I feel somehow connected. My heart is with them and their families.