Students wrote letters to various leaders to learn more about what it takes to be a leader while they also learn more about September 11th, 2001.
- In 2016, students worked with the 9-11 Tribute Center in New York. Students received letters back from a survivor, a recovery (firefighter) worker, and from a mother that lost her loved one on 9-11. Great first hand information from those that are so connected to this event. Thank you!
Thanks Governor Branstad for skyping with LS 8th graders! What a great experience! (2014)
8th graders skype with Mrs. Crowther, mother of Welles Crowther. Welles saved up to 12 people during September 11th and is featured on an ESPN Documentary. She is showing the kids 2 items she has received from around the world as more people hear about heroic actions! Thanks Mrs. Crowther! (2014)
RED BANDANA PROJECT - check out the link if you would like know more about Welles!
8th graders Skype with Mr. Peter Lamb (retired fire chief) on September 11th (2014)
On September 11th, the LS 8th graders were able to Skype with Mr. Peter Lamb, a retired fire chief from Massachusetts. Mr. Lamb talked to the students about leadership, the role of firefighters, and the events of September 11th. It was a great experience as our students got a chance to listen to him and ask questions. Thanks to Mr. Lamb and all firefighters!
In the above picture, Mr. Lamb had student recite The Pledge. (2014)
In the above picture, Mr. Lamb had student recite The Pledge. (2014)
Students Skype with Senator Grassley as they learn more about September 11th and leadership. (2013)
8th graders learn leadership and remember September 11th!
-In a recent unit the 8th graders study September 11th. They sent letters to various people to gather information about this event and get information about leadership. What a great experience for kids to contact and talk with a wide variety of people about these topics!
Here is what has happened so far:
-Mr. Johnson contacted Senator Grassley. The students were able to skype with the Senator on September 10th, 2013!
-2 students contacted the 9-11 memorial and received an e-mail and this link that shows a lot of great primary sources!
http://911memorial.org/registry
-2 students contacted Rep. Greg Heartsill - he sent an awesome letter and will be speaking with the kids later this year! (2014)
-2 students contacted a Florida Fire Department - we were able to have great phone interview with several of the firemen!
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/media/tribute/tribute.html
NYFD (2013)
Geoff Rodkey - author from New York (2015)
KCCI - Steve Karlin (2015)
Kirk Ferentz (2013)
WHO-TV - Keith Murphy (2015)
Responses from sports leaders: (all 2015)
John Elway - NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback for the Denver Broncos
Fred Hoiberg - Chicago Bulls Head Coach
Bill Fennelley - ISU Women's basketball Coach
Boston College AD - Boston College is where Welles Crowther went to college and played Lacrosse.
Drew Gallagher and Tom Rinaldi - ESPN (2015)
Kyle Korver - NBA basketball player (2014)
Jan and Aaron Thomas (2014) - The class discussed Coach Ed Thomas as an amazing example of a leader and they were able to reach out this his family through letters.
Paul Rhodes - football coach (2014)
Fran McCaffery (2014) - Iowa Basketball
Political leaders:
Senator Grassley (2013)
Governor Branstad (2014)
Thanks Senator Ernst for the letter you wrote! 2015
Thanks President Bush for the letter you wrote for two students! 2013
Thanks President Obama for the letter you wrote to a student! (2015)
Other contacts:
-We have also received letters from a missionary in Australia as he gave students a perspective from over seas (2015)
-A teacher from the Netherlands (2015)
-Shelley Hartz, Director of Community Service, The Pingry School, New Jersey
-2016
-Author Eric Walters - http://www.ericwalters.net/novels/we-all-fall-down/ - Wrote 2 historical fiction books that some students read that discussed what happened prior to 9-11 and how the country moved forward. Thanks!
-David Lyons - http://www.msfitnesschallenge.com/team/david-lyons.html - David has a form of MS and talks to people from all over about as a motivational speaker.
-Tom Rinaldi - ESPN - recorded his answers for students on site during a College Game Day weekend.
-Retired Firefighter from New York responds to a student letter.
2017
-Brooke Rabon - Fox 17 producer - Brooke talked to kids about how to interview and discussed good video editing tips.
-We have also received letters from a missionary in Australia as he gave students a perspective from over seas (2015)
-A teacher from the Netherlands (2015)
-Shelley Hartz, Director of Community Service, The Pingry School, New Jersey
-2016
-Author Eric Walters - http://www.ericwalters.net/novels/we-all-fall-down/ - Wrote 2 historical fiction books that some students read that discussed what happened prior to 9-11 and how the country moved forward. Thanks!
-David Lyons - http://www.msfitnesschallenge.com/team/david-lyons.html - David has a form of MS and talks to people from all over about as a motivational speaker.
-Tom Rinaldi - ESPN - recorded his answers for students on site during a College Game Day weekend.
-Retired Firefighter from New York responds to a student letter.
2017
-Brooke Rabon - Fox 17 producer - Brooke talked to kids about how to interview and discussed good video editing tips.