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Those two words - a reference to bombing raids begun Sunday against Taliban targets in Afghanistan - provided fuel for discussion among the Ringgold High School world cultures students.
The ongoing war on terrorism represents history in the making and those who teach the subject are making it a part of the curriculum.
'The bombing is a pretty dramatic thing,' said Dave Lonich, who teaches 11th and 12th grade history and law courses. 'It interrupted their Steelers game. It is very hard to ignore.'
Lonich said the war on terrorism provides a great teaching opportunity.
The discussions touched on everything from geography to world history to government.
Lonich's law students discussed how new security measures could impact civil liberties.
'We've always taught these things, but now it's more meaningful to them,' Lonich said.
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Charleroi Area High School teacher Bernie Medved has devoted the first few minutes of each ninth grade U.S. and Pennsylvania history class to discussion of latest developments.
Because of building renovations at the high school/middle school building, there were few televisions available on Sept. 11. Students and teachers listened to radio news reports of the terrorist attacks.
Medved recalled for his students the November 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
He said that like Nov. 22, 1963, Sept. 11, 2001, will become part of the nation's collective memory.
'All of you will remember Sept. 11,' Medved told his students. 'You will remember where you were and what grade you were in.'
Medved said he ties current events to his lesson plans.
Monday's lesson focused on the revival of faith that occurred in the 1830s in the the United States. He noted that Americans flocked to churches in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Lonich said students initiate conversations in his classroom.
'The kids wanted to know,' Lonich said. 'They asked ÔCan we talk about this⢠What does this term mean?'
'It's exciting when your kids talk about education, when they take the initiative.'
When students arrived in his afternoon classes, they were aware the second day of bombing raids had begun.
Carson said his students were both confused about America's goal in launching the missions and fearful of retribution.
'One student asked 'Do you think we can lose this war?'' Lonich said.
Interest had waned in the days and weeks that followed the events of Sept. 11, Carson said. That changed when the bombing raids began on Sunday.
Charleroi Area High School Principal George Lammay said he has encouraged classroom discussion that is appropriate to the curriculum.
'I've always believed that students come to rely on their teachers in some ways,' Lammay said.
'We don't want to force the issue. After Sept. 11, we wanted school to be as much normal as possible.'
