News

Through assemblies at Park Terrace Elementary and Centerview Elementary, letter writing, wreath making and a variety of other activities, Spring Lake Park Schools students across the district learned what it means to be a Veteran and recognized those who have and are currently serving our country.

Check out photos of the district-wide activities, and catch up on a handful of activities highlighted here.

Park Terrace Elementary Veterans Day activities

Park Terrace Elementary Assembly

Park Terrace Elementary hosted 34 Veterans during an all-school assembly. During the event, Master Sergeant Bird made connections between the military and the SLP Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Control (CARES) values during a short presentation and students prepared a video and artwork to show their appreciation to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces.

At the beginning of the event, the Cub Scouts presented the U.S. flag and guest drummer, Ishmael Mensah, a local drummer in the Twin Cities, played the Infantry Cadence.

The Veterans then had an opportunity to share their name, branch and rank, after which their student presented them with a certificate of dedication and bravery. Students also learned the proper way to salute.

A class visit from Army National Guard Sergeant Sarrazin

Sergeant Sarrazin visited Sara Rimmereid’s first-grade class to teach students about being in the Army National Guard. The students loved hearing from him and getting to see and try on his helmet and vest.

Centerview Elementary Assembly

Centerview Elementary hosted 25 Veterans during their all-school assembly to pay tribute to the men and women who have and are currently serving our country.

From making homemade poppies and reading thank you letters to creating artwork and singing the song “This Land is Your Land,” students in all grades helped show their gratitude for the Veterans.

Northpoint Elementary Veterans Day activities

Wreath Making with Edgewood Senior Living Center Residents

After learning about Veterans Day in the classroom, Northpoint Elementary kindergarten students in Theresa Phillippo's class made a visit to the Edgewood Senior Living Center to make wreaths with the residents. The students learned that some of the seniors were veterans and others knew veterans.   

A class visit from U.S. Army Member Eric Haase

Theresa Phillippo's kindergarten class also had the unique chance to visit with a classmate’s dad, Eric Hasse, who is in the U.S. Army and just recently got back from Kuwait after having been deployed for nine months.

Hasse talked with the students about being in the service for 18 years, being a part of three wars and his most recent experience in the desert of Kuwait.

“For many students, this was the first time they actually talked about why we have Veterans Day or what a Veteran is,” said Theresa Phillippo. “Some students thought a Veteran is someone who is old, so it was eye-opening for them to see a classmate’s dad and learn he is a Veteran. From the wreath making to the visit with Mr. Haase, my hope for the students was for them to realize the sacrifices military men and women make to ensure our way of life and the freedom we enjoy because of that sacrifice.”

Hand-written letters to Veterans

Third-grade students in Maggie Lee’s class wrote letters to Veterans and to those who are currently serving in our military. These letters will be added to Care Packages students are sending to soldiers overseas. The Care Packages include candy, socks, Chapstick and the letters to show support and appreciate for what they do every day.

Thank you for your service, Veterans!