As the tenth anniversary of 9/11approaches, many people will reflect on where they were on that tragic morning.
"The Class of 9/11," a documentary by independent filmmaker Jacques Menasche, looks at the powerful memories of a special group of eyewitnesses: the students, teachers and parents at New York's P.S. 150, a school just blocks away from ground zero. Menasche's son Emanuel was in the first grade at P.S. 150.
The film was produced for the Dart Society, a nonprofit organization that supports journalists who cover wars, conflict and other traumatic events.
You can find a link to the entire documentary at NewsHour.PBS.org.
Quotes
"I remember looking back up at the building, and there were pieces falling off. And it was kind of -- it wasn't exactly exciting. But like, when you're 6 years old, you don't really understand what's going on..." Ella, student.
"I remember like being over my dad's shoulder and like looking back and seeing like these two burning buildings and just thinking, oh, my goodness, what's going on." -Quinn, student.
"And I had my three or four kids that I'm trying to keep close and keep walking. There are thousands of people coming. And the building is falling and this tremendous cloud of smoke that you see." -Alyssa, principal.
Warm Up Questions
1. Where were you on September 11, 2001?
2. What do you remember from that tragic morning?
3. How has September 11 impacted your life and your community?
Discussion Questions
1. What is anxiety disorder?
2. Have you ever experienced a scary situation? How did you deal with it?
Additional Resources
What Does 9/11 Mean to People in Afghanistan?
Ten Years After 9/11, How Safe Is the U.S. Against Terror Attacks?
