Schools Host 9/11 Tributes

Several of the District’s schools will host programs commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Barden Elementary School, Vineville Academy of the Arts, and Rutland High School will hold programs on Friday, September 9. Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School will hold a program on Monday, September 12.

Members of the media are invited to cover these events. For more information about the programs honoring Sept. 11, contact each school.

•	Rutland High School will host a tribute beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, September 9, with a breakfast for special guests. Activities during the tribute include an assembly at the flagpole for guests, escorting students, social studies classes and teachers, and select band and ROTC members; the playing of Taps and a flag lowering ceremony; presentations to special guests; a video presentation; and recognitions of key times on Sept. 11, 2001, with the ringing of the school bell along with a moment of silence each time. Rutland High School is located at 6250 Skipper Road. For more information, contact the school at (478) 779-3100.
•	Vineville Academy of the Arts will participate in a school-wide assembly at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, September 9. The program will begin with the Central High School JROTC Color Guard’s presentation of the flag and will feature musical selections by Vineville Voices, the school’s faculty, and the entire student body. Members of the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department will attend and be recognized for their service to the community, and select fifth-graders will read their essays on patriotism. The Vineville family will wear red, white, and blue for the occasion. “Vineville Academy’s yearlong theme of study is ‘Pride in America’s Heritage.’ Our desire is for Vineville’s students to develop and increase their knowledge of – and more importantly, respect for – America’s great heritage,” says Vineville Academy Music Specialist Lisa Elliott. “Through this assembly, our students will demonstrate this respect, properly honoring those who gave their lives on that fateful day.” Vineville Academy of the Arts is located at 2260 Vineville Avenue. For more information, contact the school at (478) 779-3250.
•	Barden Elementary School will host a program at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 9. Guest speaker Herbert Dennard will address the students and the Barden Chorus will perform several selections. The school also will honor the Macon Police Department’s Bloomfield Precinct and Macon-Bibb County Fire Department Station 12 with special presentations. “The program is designed to help students understand that one of the reasons our nation is great is because of the efforts of heroes like those who gave their lives helping others on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the United States,” says Barden Elementary School Principal Dr. Jacqueline Jackson. “The school sponsors the program to let the heroes of public safety know that we appreciate all they do to keep us safe and secure.” Barden Elementary is located at 2521 Anderson Drive. For more information, contact the school at (478) 779-3300.
•	Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School will host an assembly called “Hometown Heroes” involving the entire student body at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12. Guests will include local police, fire, EMT, emergency dispatch, and sheriff’s officials. In preparation for the program, students completed various activities in conjunction with the book “September 12th : We Knew Everything Would Be Alright.” At the program, the children/grandchildren of local heroes will speak on why their parent/grandparent is a hero and other students will share a reading of the book. The program also will feature musical selections and an awards ceremony. “September 11, 2001, was a tragic day that affected all Americans,” says Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School Principal Cynthia Canova. “To mark the 10th anniversary of this historic event, the students and staff of Alexander II will be celebrating the strength of the American spirit by honoring our ‘hometown heroes’ – those who touch our lives every day. Our students are inviting their ‘heroes’ to join our celebration assembly, which will include a focus on overcoming tragedy.” Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School is located at 1156 College Street. Fore more information, contact the school at (478) 779-2700.