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Russell Ranch students learn value of service in Patriot Day project
Students at Russell Ranch Elementary last month had the opportunity not only to commemorate Sept. 11 – they also made a lasting impact in their community.
On Sept. 11 and during the week, Patriot Day was introduced to students as a day of remembrance and to honor those who risk their lives to protect and serve the community.
Teachers led book studies, for instance, to help students learn in a non-threatening and age appropriate ways the dangers facing today’s firefighters. Classrooms discussed the importance of local service people and why they are often considered heroes.
Afterward, students wrote more than 300 letters of appreciation to local firefighters, law enforcement officers and military personnel.
Days later, the school received a touching thank you note from Citrus Heights Police Chief Chris Body (pictured above):
“In law enforcement, the moments that overwhelm us with pride can be few and far between; reading these letters reminds us all over again why we do what we do,” he wrote. “You’ll never know how much it meant to so many.”