Westminster School Salutes Military Veterans
November 11, or Veterans Day, was celebrated across the nation with gusto. Previously known as Armistice Day, this US federal holiday is observed by honoring military veterans who served or are currently serving in the US Armed Forces. Westminster School, a private school based in northern Virginia, discusses how its students celebrated this day and honored US veterans.
What Is a Veteran?
On this special day, Westminster students had the opportunity to learn what the US Armed Forces do, as well as what it means to be a veteran. Students discussed if they had any military members in their circle of friends or family. The kindergarteners discovered the history of the holiday and read a thank-you poem that expressed gratitude to veterans for their service.
In first grade, the students created a flip-book commemorating Veterans Day, while the second graders reviewed their knowledge about the holiday before expanding their understanding through a Brainpop video. Then they engaged in a writing exercise in their “Changemaker Journals,” discussing what qualities veterans and changemakers have in common. Students in third through eighth grade reviewed the meaning and history behind the holiday and its implementation after World War I.
A Letter to the Veterans
Students in third through eighth grade participated in a lesson Ms. Schuler, the head of school, created. During the lesson, they watched a presentation from CBS Sunday Morning. The episode highlighted a World War II veteran, 95-year-old Frank Grasberger of Ohio. The story revealed how meaningful it was to Mr. Grasberger when he received a thank-you letter from a third-grader.
All Westminster students from the third grade on will be writing letters and making illustrated cards to send to deployed US troops. By collaborating with the organization Support Our Troops, the school hopes to spread joy and love to members of the armed forces.
Interviewing a Veteran
Two brothers at Westminster School interviewed a family friend, Captain Rob Papallo, about his experiences serving in the US Army while deployed in Afghanistan. First-grader Ishaan Chandra and his preschool-age brother, Saajith Chandra, both sons of a Westminster graduate, created an inspirational video about Captain Papallo that was shared with all preschoolers, first graders, and sixth through eighth-graders.
In the video interview, Captain Papallo shared pictures of his sleeping quarters overseas, the Afghan people he met and with whom he worked, and the delicious Afghan food he ate. He showed his uniform and protective gear to the boys and talked about his emotions regarding his deployment and the reasons he chose to serve his country.
Credit and Gratitude
- The teachers of the history department—Ms. Palmer, Ms. North, Mr. Branum, Ms. Schuler, Ms. Shapter, and Ms. Jacobson—helped the students to understand and to respect the sacrifice military families have made in their service to this country. They then offered the children an opportunity to express their appreciation to the troops.
- The school wishes to express deep gratitude to the Chandra family for introducing everyone to Captain Papallo and his remarkable story.
- Thanks to Captain Papallo and all the brave and dedicated men and women of the US Armed Forces.
The school and its students are proud of and grateful to the heroes on the front lines and those who have sacrificed for the safety of the nation and its people. This celebration was intended to enlighten the children about the real meaning of Veterans Day and its importance.
Why Westminster School?
Westminster School stands out from both public and private schools. It holds itself to a high standard of excellence, offering a classical education for the twenty-first century. Since its inception in 1962, Westminster School has prepared its graduates for successful and fulfilling lives through a classical education delivered in an exceptionally nurturing environment. A classical education is a traditional, time-tested approach that has educated some of the greatest thinkers and innovators of the world.
Westminster teachers employ the Socratic method throughout all the subjects of the curriculum and age groups (kindergarten through eighth grade). They question students to help them uncover what they know, how they know it, and what they need to know to progress.
The school’s mission includes character development and preparation for the children to succeed and to become leaders in all areas of life. That includes high achievement in academics, arts, sports, community service, personal presentation, confidence, poise, and enthusiasm for life’s possibilities.
