REAL-LIFE SUPERHEROES VISIT SECOND GRADE
It is hard to deny that superheroes are ingrained in our culture. Every Marvel movie release has fans flocking to the movie theater to see their favorite heroes in action. Though these characters may have cool superpowers, they're just that: fictional characters. However, there are real-world heroes who risk their safety and lives to protect us every day. St. Peter's second-grade teacher, Mrs. Schutz, thought of the perfect way to exemplify her school year's theme of "Second Grade Superheroes" by introducing her class to two of these real-life heroes: Colonel Matthew Weinrich, who served in the United States Military as a member of the Army, and John Bielik, who is a fireman with the Wheeling Fire Department.
On Wednesday, September 30, Colonel Weinrich stopped by the class after helping the second graders prepare for their Veteran's Day chapel service on November 11. Colonel Weinrich is currently stationed in the area. The kids realized how brave he is as he answered lots of their questions about what it is like to be in the Army. He showed them his heavy body armor vest, taught them to stand at attention, and how to salute. He even showed them his special berets and explained what the various colors mean.
On Friday, October 2, John Bielik visited the second graders. Mr. Bielik is a former St. Peter parent, a Wheeling firefighter, and a paramedic. His visit aligned with Fire Safety Month and correlated with a story the kids read that week in their reading unit about fire safety. He did a great job teaching the kids what to do if they see a fire. He put on all of his gear so the kids could see and hear what a firefighter looks and sounds like in all of the equipment so they wouldn't have to be scared if it ever happened in real life. He even explained the purpose of all the different pieces of gear. The kids loved the hats, stickers, and coloring books he brought!
These two men exemplify what makes our nation great and what makes a hero. They consistently put their lives on the line to ensure that we are safe. What a blessing that our second graders were able to meet them both!
