Eighth-graders in the ConVal School District took part in week-long historical trips that reached Washington, D.C., on the week before the spring break.

On the way, students from Great Brook School stopped in New York to see the Statue of Liberty. GBS Principal Adam Caragher noted that the itinerary of monuments and museums made for a “packed excursion” for the students and their chaperones, whose duties with meals and hotel stays made for school days that ran well into the evenings. 

South Meadow School’s eighth-graders stopped in Philadelphia en route, visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and in D.C. went to the Capitol, the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, among other sites. 

Social studies teacher Nate Townsend said that one highlight was taking students into the actual chamber of the Supreme Court, adding that the road they typically walk along to the White House was closed this time. 

“This was my seventh trip as a chaperone,” said Townsend. “It's hard work, but the students get so much from the trip that I think they come away with a better appreciation of our history and a sense of belonging. Travel is the best teacher.”