A message to Renton staff from Superintendent Dolores Gibbon
September 11, 2002

Dear Renton School District Family,

Today, on the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, people across the nation are remembering those who lost their lives and honoring the heroes of that day.

That tragic September day—and the days since—have taught us a lot about ourselves. We have learned to appreciate the many every day heroes like firefighters, police officers, and emergency workers. We have also learned to no longer take for granted other every day heroes like parents, brothers, sisters, friends and our teachers and school staff.

Last year, at this very hour, Renton teachers and staff gathered our community’s children around and with caring, compassionate professionalism, let them know they are safe. As parents in this and other communities struggled with the to dilemma to continue their workday or leave to collect up their family for consultation and mourning, you, our teachers and school staff, acted heroically. You not only continued in your workday, you changed your daily lesson plans to help children make sense of the day’s horrific activities. You listened to the concerns of students, and guided them to conclusions void of anger and fear. You are also our community’s heroes.

We have been reminded of the true importance of our American ideals of liberty, equality and justice. We are also reminded that life is precious, and should not be taken for granted. America is a land of opportunity. A land of people free to learn and understand other cultures and religions. We must never lose sight of that.

Sept. 11, 2001, was a day of history—both horrible and heroic. Most Americans have yet to come to terms with the meaning of what happened that day. But what we have all come to realize is that we are stronger today, as a nation, as a community, and an individual, than we were last September 11.

Thank you for everything you do for Renton's children.