Leading the NFS Assembly Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of September 11th

This Friday afternoon NFS students in grades K-8 will gather in the Auditorium for a special assembly to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11th. 

As the leaders of the school, we're putting you in charge. 

"With great power comes great responsibility."

Because we only have two days to get ready, we've set up some parameters.

Group 1 - Write and deliver an introduction (2 minutes max) to the assembly.  Explain that we are gathered together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11th.  Include the themes community, peace and comfort.  You may use quotes if you find that helpful.  This is the most challenging writing assignment.  We expect this introduction to be beautifully written in a warm, sophisticated tone.   Every group member must speak.  4 students


Group 2 - Prepare a reading of the book 14 Cows for America.  Write a brief (1-2 paragraphs) introduction to the story and prepare a creative reading of the book.  As you read, the illustrations will be projected on the big screen.  You should read it in an interesting, clear way.  You can and should add dramatic effect by changing the level of your voice, the intonation of your voice, and the voices heard (alternate readers, read a line or phrase all together, etc.)  Use the pronunciation guide from the publisher to help you pronounce Maasai words and names correctly.  Every group member must speak.  6 students

Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 - Choose a poem from the book This Place I Know.  No two groups can read the same poem.  First come, first serve.  You should read it in an interesting, clear way. You can and should add dramatic effect by changing the level of your voice, the intonation of your voice, and the voices heard (alternate readers, read a line or phrase all together, etc.).  Choose an image or create a collage of images to be project as you read the poem.  The images should be appropriate for 5 year olds to view.  Please do not pick anything that is violent or overly upsetting.  Every group member must speak.  4 students per group

Group 7 - Organize the peace pinwheel craft activity for entire school.  Distribute pencils, pins and cardstock pinwheel templates to each homeroom.  Divide 8th grade into 4 groups and make sure everyone knows where to go; one group will help K-HT, one group will help K-KC, one group will help 1-KP, one group will help 1-ES.  Write an explanation to read at the assembly that is clear for all students.  Create some samples to show at the assembly.  You should use the Pinwheels for Peace web site to get ideas!  3 students

Mr. Kelly and I have the final say on every aspect of this assembly.  While we trust you to choose wisely and to act maturely, ultimately we are responsible for ensuring that this event is appropriate and meaningful.  We will have a full practice on Thursday during our 90 minute block.

While you, the oldest NFS students, were just toddlers on September 11th, this event has forever changed your lives in ways we can only begin to contemplate.  I hope that in the future, you will look back on this experience proudly. 

~ Kristen

Opening day

A Worker Reads History by Bertold Brecht

Who built the seven gates of Thebes?
The books are filled with names of kings.
Was it the kings who hauled the craggy blocks of stone?
And Babylon, so many times destroyed.
Who built the city up each time? In which of Lima's houses,
That city glittering with gold, lived those who built it?
In the evening when the Chinese wall was finished
Where did the masons go? Imperial Rome
Is full of arcs of triumph. Who reared them up? Over whom
Did the Caesars triumph? Byzantium lives in song.
Were all her dwellings palaces? And even in Atlantis of the legend
The night the seas rushed in,
The drowning men still bellowed for their slaves.

Young Alexander conquered India.
He alone?
Caesar beat the Gauls.
Was there not even a cook in his army?
Phillip of Spain wept as his fleet
was sunk and destroyed. Were there no other tears?
Frederick the Greek triumphed in the Seven Years War.
Who triumphed with him?

Each page a victory
At whose expense the victory ball?
Every ten years a great man,
Who paid the piper?

So many particulars.
So many questions.


FOCUS QUESTION:

How does Bertold Brecht's poem relate to this New York Times story about ironworkers rebuilding Ground Zero?
Raising High Steel Atop 1 World Trade Center