As our school community prepares to observe the 25th anniversary of September 11, Ramsey School District is dedicated to honoring the lives lost, uplifted by stories of selflessness, unity, and courage.
Our age-appropriate educational programming and community events are designed to teach students the power of heroism and service while maintaining a respectful space for remembrance.
Why It Matters: Educating our students about 9/11 is not only about remembering a day of tragedy, but about instilling a lifelong commitment to empathy, community service, and civic responsibility.
Interactive Remembrance Gallery:
Opening Thursday, September 10, a memorial gallery at Ramsey High School will allow students to engage in quiet reflection and gain a deeper understanding of the day's historic significance.
The gallery (images below) will include Ramsey residents and alumni who died on 9/11 as well as those alumni who lost their lives during the War on Terror. The full gallery has more information about each person remembered.
Related Educational Programming
Reflecting on Heroes: Social Studies classes across Grades 6–12 will view The Man in the Red Bandana, alongside the short film Boat Lift, highlighting the extraordinary acts of everyday citizens who answered the call to help others.
Special Guest Speaker: On Monday, September 14, 9/11 survivor Brian Clark will address Ramsey High School students, followed by an exclusive interview led by members of the History Club.
Elementary: In developmentally appropriate ways, students will explore the role of community helpers and how people cared for and supported one another in response to September 11th, learning about empathy, service, and the strength of community during difficult times.
Community Performance: Student performers Olivia Vona and Reagan Vintaloro will participate in a commemorative performance at the Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City on Thursday.
Special thanks to Dr. Thumm, RHS Principal, and Mr. Heffernan, Supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages, for leading this important work.
“"Never Forget’ is a promise we want to keep. September 11th connects all of us, through the people we lost and the stories we carry. Our responsibility is to share the scale of the tragedy and the countless acts of courage and service that rose to meet it. That is the purpose of this remembrance.” - Mr. Brennan Heffernan, Supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages
"The attacks on September 11 reshaped individuals, families, our community, our nation, and the world, and their magnitude is still felt today. To honor this 25th anniversary, we will offer students diverse learning opportunities to reflect on resilience, coping with grief, collaboration, and community engagement." - Dr. Michael Thumm, Principal at RHS
Honoring Through Service: In partnership with Vitalant, the district is sponsoring a commemorative blood drive on September 18 in loving memory of Ramsey's own Greg Wachtler. Families are also encouraged to participate in civic engagement opportunities, including election worker sign-ups and Relay for Life initiatives.