Michigan City Area Schools will be in session on Veterans Day this year - which is a departure from what they have done in the past. Instead, educational lessons, commemorations, and assemblies are planned. Here's a look at the events planned at the various schools.
Michigan City High School will conduct a ceremony to honor veterans at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. The guest speaker will be State Senator Jim Arnold. The public is invited, especially veterans, who will be honored during the ceremony. Parking is available in the rear of the school. For more information, contact JROTC instructor Major Tom McGrath, 219-873-2044 x4526.
At Joy Elementary, the entire school (K-6) has learned the Star Spangled Banner and will be singing it on the morning radio show/announcements. Third graders will have a World War II veteran speaking at 1:00 p.m. Fourth grade is reading a book on veterans. At 2:00 p.m. there is an all-school assembly featuring 5th and 6th graders - it is a musical tribute to veterans.
At Pine Elementary, they will have an all-school assembly for Veterans Day at 1 p.m. Two guest speakers (veterans) will share their experiences, and each grade level will lead the group in song. Words will be projected so that everyone can sing along!
At Lake Hills Elementary, there's lots going on:
- They are working with recruiters to have military uniformed enlistees on hand to great students as they enter school on Veterans' Day.
- At 8:50 a.m., students and staff will circle the flag pole as the flag is raised, say the pledge, and sing "You're a Grand Ole Flag" (which they have been learning in music class).
- Students are collecting "Pennies for Patriots" - the collection will be presented to the VFW #2536 at their Veterans' Day dinner on Nov. 11. The funding will be used to support Veterans who need transportation to medical services or food supplies. The students have also made placemats that will be used at this dinner and at lunch at Lake Hills on Tuesday.
- Lake Hills has a school-wide Veterans Day door decorating contest (Dr. Eason Watkins and Dr. Radford are judging this on Nov. 10).
- Art classes have made patriotic ribbons for all students and staff to wear on Veterans Day, and all students are part of a paper patchwork quilt project honoring veterans.
- On Veterans' Day, students will dress in school attire, but wear red, white and blue. Students can accessorize their polos and pants with patriotic colored scarves, socks, shoes, ties.
- At 11 a.m. on Veterans' Day Lake Hills will have a moment of silence to honor our Veterans and to signify the signing of the Armistice Peace Treaty which ended World War I.
At all schools, teachers will be leading class discussions and providing information regarding the significance and purpose of Veterans' Day. (Our web sites have links to lots of educational resources that teachers are using...follow the Veterans Day link on any school home page.)