Seizing the opportunity for a teachable moment, the Essex Elementary School (EES) has for the past several years capitalized on school being in session on Veteran’s Day as a way to bring the community together to learn from one another to share time, experiences, and knowledge.

Each November, the school puts out an open call inviting area veterans (they don’t have to be from Essex) to the school for a meet and greet with the students.

“This has become a tradition for us and a way of bringing our community friends and heroes into our school to honor them,” said Marjorie Russell, school counselor at EES. “At the same time we are honoring our local heroes, we are helping our students appreciate and understand Veteran’s Day. It has become a wonderful day here at EES and truly has enriched the culture in our school by connecting with each other and our community at large, in a meaningful and authentic way.”

Veterans are asked to come to the school on Monday, Nov. 12, for an “honor walk” through the hallways. This begins at 9 a.m. Students from all seven grades pour out into the hallways to greet the visiting veterans and express their respect and gratitude. Each class prepares a special gift for the honorees including poems, cards, songs, and other gifts handed out to the veterans. Following the Honor Walk, veterans are invited to join the students for light refreshments.

“Some pre-arranged veteran visits to our classrooms will connect us and build our understanding of the role veterans have played in the freedoms we enjoy,” said Russell. “The Honor Walk allows our students to extend their utmost gratitude, respect and appreciation of our veterans’ service.”

Agreeing that the day is a powerful, firsthand learning experience for the students, EES Principal Jennifer Tousignant said, “We are so happy to welcome the veterans to our school. Our students learn the important role our great country’s servicemen and women play in keeping all of us safe and free, and it gives our students a personalized opportunity to show their appreciation for the sacrifices the veterans have made on our behalf.”

Area veterans who would like to participate should call EES at 860-767-8215, by Wednesday, Nov. 7.