The Carle Place School District commemorated and honored Sept. 11, 2001, through a variety of lessons and activities across the district. Students observed a moment of silence during morning announcements and wore red, white and blue in remembrance.

At Cherry Lane School, students learned about community helpers across the country who help and protect others, colored American flags and discussed what it means to be a hero. They also created a schoolwide “Remember the Sky” bulletin board by coloring pictures of the sky above Cherry Lane on Sept. 11, 2026. The display was inspired by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s “Remember the Sky” commemoration.

Cherry Lane students lined the front of the building for a special clap-out as members of the Nassau County Police Department and Carle Place Fire Department drove by, with students cheering and waving flags to show their appreciation. Students then lined the front of the building with the flags to close the clap-out.

At Rushmore Avenue School, students participated in the morning police and fire department clap-out with Cherry Lane. They also learned about community helpers, planted flags on the front lawn on Sept. 10 and participated in crafts and read-alouds commemorating the day. Third graders honored the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 by reading “The Man in the Red Bandana” and wearing red bandanas to remember Welles Crowther and his legacy of courage and compassion.

In August, members of the Carle Place High School Key Club assembled a Field of Honor, featuring flags throughout the school’s courtyard in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. The project was coordinated with the Carle Place Civic Association. Key Club members sold flags last year, with proceeds donated to support the Civic Association’s upcoming 9/11 memorial in the community.

At Carle Place Middle/High School, photos commemorating Sept. 11 were displayed on a loop on the lobby TV. The social studies department, led by Christina Ragusa and Andy Thiem, also created a “Survivors’ Tree.” Inspired by the tree that was found beneath the rubble at Ground Zero, the display features a tree on a bulletin board, with students adding leaves bearing messages of remembrance.

Through these lessons, activities and displays, the Carle Place community came together to remember Sept. 11, honor those affected and reflect on the importance of courage, compassion and community.