Veterans’ Day a hit at South Kitsap schools

Students across South Kitsap are busy today, gathering in their respective music rooms and gyms, practicing for the much-anticipated Veterans’ Day Assembly — an event both staff, students and local veterans relish every year.

While many elementaries and junior high schools in the South Kitsap School District have some sort of celebration planned, few are as elaborate or carefully constructed as the assembly set to commence tomorrow at South Colby Elementary.

Music teacher Lisa Mills and her fourth-grade students spent their last class period on Monday rehearsing the patriotic songs of yesteryear, including and learning how to apply a poppy — the all-important veteran symbol — to their lapels when they’re passed out by local veterans on Thursday.

“I’m looking for kids who can stand up straight, proud and quiet,” Mills said as students prepared to sing.

According to Mills, Thursday’s assembly will include the essentials and a few special treats as well. Choirs will sing. Bands will play. VFW Post 2669 of Port Orchard will attend and present.

Principal Brian Pickard will give a special presentation of a very special American Flag. A former professional opera singer, now mother to a South Colby student, will sing “America the Beautiful.”

Soliciting comments from students on the subject is an easy task.

“I think that America is a very great land to be at,” said Dafyyd Hanna, 9, whose mother is a veteran of the Gulf War.

“I think that all Americans that fought are incredible,” echoed Kaitlyn Deubr, also 9.

From there, the students were off, each commenting on veterans deserving respect, company on Veterans’ Day and even how more days of the year should be dedicated to veterans.

For now, they are just looking forward to their assembly — a forum in which they can express themselves and thank the veterans in their lives face-to-face.

For more information on upcoming Veterans’ Day assemblies, which are open to the public, call the SOuth Kitsap School District at (360) 874-7000.

Veterans’ Day Assemblies:

Burley Glen Elementary

Thursday, Nov. 10

2 p.m.

Mullenix Ridge Elementary

Thursday, Nov. 10

8:50 a.m.

Orchard Heights Elementary

Thursday, Nov. 10

1:30 p.m.

South Colby Elementary

Thursday, Nov. 10

9:30 a.m.

Sunnyslope Elementary

Thursday, Nov. 10

2:30 p.m.

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