From the Superintendent’s Seat

New Roles And Possibilities For Our Schools
By Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs

On September 11, when our nation was devastated by the sudden attack by terrorists, our schools were in session. It has been over 50 years since we experienced such an assault on our country and the safety of our children was paramount in the minds of every teacher and administrator in our schools. We locked our buildings, cancelled outdoors and after school activities, and set up an alternative care situation for elementary school students whose parents might not be able to come home. PTA volunteers called homes to ensure that parent or authorized adults would meet their children at their buses. Many teachers, administrators, and staff in Syosset volunteered to stay and help with any children who needed supervision. Their concern was genuine and I want to thank them here for their unselfish response. Parents were permitted to take their children out of school if they came for them personally, and children were given the use of telephones to call home. Our school psychologists and guidance counselors were immediately available for counseling both students and staff, and even now they continue to provide counsel.

Now, a month later, we are feeling increased responsibility for our students. We’ve gone over all that we’ve done and decided to add to our stock of emergency situation supplies. Our district has purchased additional flashlights, batteries, radios, a satellite telephone, sleeping bags, bottled water, and snacks.

Our students have seen and heard of countless acts of bravery and heroism. In school, students were encouraged to talk about their feelings and their apprehensions and fears. They’ve written letters of praise and thanks to firefighters, police, and emergency workers. They’ve created drawings that express more than words can say about the effect that the September 11 attack has had upon them. And they’ve participated in fund raising and collection efforts to help the victims and the rescue workers at Ground Zero. They’ve shown true compassion for those who were directly harmed.

Today, more than a month since the terrorist attack, schools have become even more important for our students. They are a safe haven where we can discuss what is happening, talk about our feelings, and find comfort and help when we need it. Equally as important, as students continue to learn and study their academic subjects, their music, and art, they are being taught to prepare for a brighter future.#

Dr. Hankin is the Superintendent of the Syosset Schools in Long Island, NY.

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