Superintendent of Perry Township Schools
This week Perry Township Schools will join the rest of the country in honoring the men and women who have proudly served our nation.
At each of our Veterans Day events we will teach our students about the bravery of our servicemen and women who enable us to enjoy so many freedoms. According to the State Department of Veteran Affairs, Indiana is home to nearly 550,000 veterans. I believe it is our responsibility to educate our children beyond the information found in textbooks. We should also teach them about the heroes at our local churches, businesses and in our schools.
Perry Township Schools is proud to call dozens of veterans our colleagues. Perry Meridian High School math teacher Phil Glasser served in the Army Reserves and later in the Indiana National Guard for 20 years. His time in the service helped him pay off hefty college loans and taught him organizational skills and discipline. Even though he teaches math, history is never far from his mind. He often tells students how important America is.
Students and staff at many of our schools will host patriotic programs that include songs, videos and special readings to recognize our veterans.
Students and staff at Perry Meridian High have invited veterans to attend a convocation on Friday as the choir, band and orchestra will perform. Also, student government leaders will voice their appreciation for those who have served. Following the assembly, the veterans will enjoy a breakfast prepared by family and consumer science students.
Veterans have also been invited to participate in a program on Friday at Mary Bryan Elementary. One student from each class will hold an American flag to form a “tunnel” through which veterans will walk as they enter the gym. The student body will give the veterans a standing ovation as they walk to their VIP seating. The program will consist of videos showing the history of Veterans Day and students reading notes of appreciation. At the conclusion of the program, music teacher John Stebbe will play songs of each branch of the military.
Southport Sixth Grade Academy will combine Veterans Day celebrations with Grandparents Day festivities. On Friday morning grandparents will be served coffee and donuts followed by a program honoring veterans. In the afternoon students will attend a Veterans Day assembly that will include tributes by student ambassadors and the choir.
Teaching our students about service to our country is important every day – not just on Veterans Day. The district is proud to offer the Initial Military Experience program to students interested in military service. They learn about map reading, military history and geography.
We are grateful to everyone who has served our country. We stand in awe of their immeasurable sacrifice.