Pulaski Students Ensure 9/11 Is Never Forgotten
Author/Illustrator Sean Rubin Speaks About His Book and Writing Process
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2023) — On September 11th, Pulaski Street Intermediate School students in Jaimie MacDonald’s class learned about the significance of the date from a special guest. Students spoke with famous author/illustrator Sean Rubin, known for his book This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth.
Students read the book as a class beforehand and became eager for the lesson ahead. Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Elementary Education Dr. Lori Koerner, Pulaski Street Intermediate School Principal Patrick Burke, Pulaski Street Intermediate School Assistant Principal Callan Lonergan and Pulaski Street Intermediate School Assistant Principal Laura Arcuri joined the impactful lesson as well. The students asked Rubin their questions, and he shared his journey of creating this work. He dove into the reasons he was inspired to write this book and shared the process of being a published author and translating an idea into a masterpiece.
“It is our nationwide mission to ensure we never forget the tragedy of 9/11,” said Dr. Tornatore. “However, these students were not even born when it occurred. Therefore, it is paramount that we continue to teach our children in a manner that conveys the gravity and meaning of this historical event in a way they understand.”
This interactive experience with Sean Rubin enabled the students to obtain a greater understanding of 9/11 and its impact as they asked focused questions and made connections to the history and world surrounding them. With a deeper knowledge and respect for the tragedy of 9/11, the students enhanced their ability to honor those who were lost and risked their lives and ensure that our nation never forgets.
The District thanks Sean Rubin for teaching the next generation about this significant event and his process as an author/illustrator, as well as Ms. MacDonald for making this event possible.
Author/Illustrator Sean Rubin virtually visits Jaimie MacDonald’s Pulaski Street Intermediate School class
Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Dr. Augustine E. Tornatore pointing out an area near the World Trade Center to Pulaski Street Intermediate School students that he would visit when he was their age