Ponus salutes veterans
Middle school event the first of several to honor those who served
NORWALK — A group of veterans came to Ponus Ridge Middle School on Friday morning to speak with students about their experiences in the U.S. military.
The panel included Mayor Harry Rilling, who served in the U.S. Navy; Howard Dixon, who was in the Air Force; Raul Aldarondo; Kimberly A. Prada; Joseph Moquin; Juliet Taylor; and Joseph Giandurco Sr., who served in the Vietnam War and is the father of Ponus teacher Joseph Giandurco, who organized the event.
“It’s an opportunity for students to meet veterans and understand what it is to serve,” Giandurco said.
Students were given the opportunity to ask the panel a series of questions like: How was the food? How dangerous was their assignment? Were they able to see their families while enlisted? How old were they when they joined?
The event is the first in a series of Veterans Day celebrations in Norwalk Public Schools, most of which will take place Monday, on the actual holiday.
At West Rocks Middle School, the orchestra and band will perform and students will present historical readings during a brief morning ceremony. At Marvin Elementary School, veteran family members of student and staff will join the school for a series of presentations and slideshow.
At Tracey Elementary School, teachers and students will integrate English and language arts and social studies activities throughout the day with symbols, songs and pledges that represent the country and have special significance to veterans. And at Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School, students will make cards for veterans who have been invited to eat lunch at the school.
In addition to the assembly at Ponus, four trees — each symbolizing a branch of the U.S. military — are being donated by the construction company overseeing the expansion of the school. Students from the school are also working on a project to help disabled veterans.