School Spotlight: Greenwood Elementary
The simple activity of putting together a puzzle is something that can get an entire class involved.
But for the second graders at Greenwood Elementary School in Plymouth, the American flag puzzle they worked on last week had a special significance.
“I didn’t really tell them what we were doing, I just kind of gave them hints on what to color,” said Sarah Reynolds, a second grade teacher. “And then we puzzled it together and they’re like, ‘oh, it’s for the veterans,’ and they really enjoyed that.”
The puzzle said, ‘Thank You Veterans,’ and it’s just one way the students at Greenwood Elementary are honoring those who served.
“I know some of my kids parents’ actually are in the armed forces and are serving right now, so it’s just something that’s important for them to learn,” Reynolds said.
Even at this young age, many of the students have grasped the importance of the role that veterans play in our society.
“We celebrate veterans day because veterans are very important,” said Oliver Crawley, a Greenwood Elementary second grader. “They serve for our country and help us have freedom.”
Showing Gratitude
To show their gratitude, each of these students wrote letters as a sign of respect for those who served.
“Dear brave American, thank you for serving our country and protecting our community and people. Thank you for working hard,” Crawley said, reading from the letter he wrote.
The flag puzzle and letter writing activities were in preparation for a Veterans Day assembly the kids are hosting this week.
But written letters are only a small part of what they’re doing.
The students also learned the hymns of each military branch.
“I get reports from bus drivers, they’re singing on the bus,” said Brad Gustafson, Greenwood’s principal. “I mean this is a thing that transcends a moment in time. It really is a spirit of gratitude for our veterans.”
Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11, but teachers hope these activities teach students that they can always find time to thank a veteran.
“Just to have that awareness in second grade, it’s such a huge deal,” Reynolds said.
