By Laurel Droz
Staff Writer
Goodrich- History came to life this month for some middle school students with an eighth grade trip to Gettysburg, Penn., and Washington, D.C.
‘They loved it, we had a really good time,? said GMS teacher Dawn Robb.
The trip took place May 4-8 with about 150 students, staff and parents attending. Class sponsors and GMS teachers Robb and Tena Czap organized the trip.
‘The guides that we got have (students) getting involved in history,? said Robb. ‘It makes history come alive for them. Things like that make a big impact.?
Destinations included the Smithsonian National Museums of Natural History, and Air and Space, as well as the World War II, Korean War, Iwo Jima and Vietnam War memorials.
Additionally, students were able to visit such famous landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, the Capitol building and the National Cathedral and tour the Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg.
A lecture on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln was given at the historic Ford Theater, and students Rebecca Parker, Madison Laureto, Morgan Rouvelin, and Samantha Wyles were selected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.
Robb said each activity resonated with students differently, with each having their own favorite destination.
One highlight specific to this year’s trip was it coincided with the Queen of England’s visit to D.C.
‘We didn’t actually get to see the queen, but we got to see all the British flags,? said Robb.
For Robb, the ability to let students learn in a setting aside from the classroom is invaluable.
‘It makes the things we learn here in school really hit home and much more memorable, with them participating in it,? said Robb.
However, Robb said the cost of such an experience is always rising as gas and hotel prices skyrocket. This year the cost was $510 per student. Next year, Robb predicts that price will jump to $545.
While Robb said extensive efforts are made to ensure all students who want to participate in the trip may, students who opt to stay in Goodrich during that time aren’t excluded.
‘We do plan activities for the students that don’t go,? said Robb. ‘This year it was creating Washington, D.C. in Goodrich. They tried to build small-scale models (of Washington, D.C. landmarks).?
Additionally, Robb said students who did not take part in the trip watched travel videos and were treated to breakfast and lunch.
‘We do try to make it special for those kids so they don’t feel like it’s a punishment if they didn’t go,? said Robb.
When both sets of students are reunited following the trip, Robb surveys students that went as well as those who stayed behind to get feedback on what can be done to improve the experience for both groups.
‘We make adjustments to keep improving the trip,? said Robb.
For Robb, the quest to ensure the eighth grade trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. is rooted in her own experiences as a student.
‘I went (on a similar trip) when I was in eighth grade and that’s one of the reasons that (Czap) and I really pushed to get the trip going in Goodrich? because somebody did it for me.?
Having just completed their sixth year with the trip, Robb said she hopes the community continues to support the program, as she and Czap work to keep it affordable.
And though the eighth grade class of 2007 has only just completed their journey, Robb said she and Czap are already hard at work on the trip for next year.
‘As soon as we get back from our trip one year we start planning for the next year,? said Robb. ‘We try to make sure every detail is covered.?