For about nine years, the eighth graders have taken a field trip to Gettysburg and Hershey. This year, there have been many issues with the 8th-grade trip. None of the adults had started organizing it at the beginning, and no one had even signed up to attend it. Multiple parents stepped up to help, but the two main parents helping out are Cortney Bair and Amanda Borrelli. Every eighth grader who wishes to participate in the trip should sign up immediately. If you want to sign up, you can find the field trip papers in the office. This will ensure there will be a trip this year.
“[There was not going to be a field trip because] there was no chairperson for the trip. It offers you opportunities to make memories on an educational field trip that you’ll never forget. I am planning every single detail of this trip. I’m trying to include a new virtual reality option that hasn’t been offered in the past,” Amanda Borrelli, 8th grade field trip planner, said.
Having the overnight trip depended more on the students participating than the parents chaperoning.
“I don’t think there was never going to be one. I think ultimately it depended on participation. If we didn’t get enough students that wanted to attend, then we may have had to look at other options,” Cortney Bair, 8th grade field trip planner, said.
This year’s field trip differs from previous trips the eighth graders have taken; every year, the eighth graders can participate in a fundraiser to help cover the trip’s costs. A student can raise money by selling the item(s) the trip moms have selected to pay for the field trip. You can sell more, though, and get extra spending money.
“[What’s so important about the trip is] Making memories outside of a classroom that last a lifetime. [My favorite memory is] Going on the ghost tour as we hear about stories and meet spirits from the Civil War. [I think students should go because] You will learn about the Civil War while having a fun experience with friends. The reason why I go on the trip is because I used to go on it with Mr. Kappas, and it was a privilege to see him in his element. Most students would be sad that they couldn’t go on an overnight trip with friends [if the trip was cancelled]. I would be sad for the students, and I would be sad I don’t get to make those memories with this group of kids [if the trip got cancelled],” Mrs. Michelle McCanna, 8th grade teacher, said.
The eighth grade has been going on an overnight trip since the 1980s. They used to go to New York City, but recently it was changed to a Gettysburg trip to try and align more with the U.S. History curriculum.
“The 8th grade field trip is a long-established tradition that has been practiced even before I started teaching here. It is a wonderful custom that gives the 8th graders an opportunity to build memories with their friends and peers, as well as to experience meaningful learning outside the traditional classroom setting. The best part is getting to see the students have a wonderful time, and Mrs. McCanna and I going on rides with the students. Students have the possibility to build meaningful connections to the world they live in with what is being taught within the classroom. But more importantly, this is an opportunity for students to build new and/or stronger bonds with their peers. Outside the obvious of going to historical landmarks that I find interesting, is the opportunity to gain memories with my students and build bonds with them.” Mr. Dante Denome, 8th grade teacher, said.
Many students are looking forward to this trip.
“I think it’s a very cool opportunity for the kids, and the Gettysburg battle is a very cool thing to learn about, and all the kids get to go to Hershey Park, which is very kind and considerate. I would be so sad [if the trip got cancelled], it would be a big bummer because students and faculty look forward to this trip. It would be very interesting and cool to learn about, we get to go the the battlefield and go on the ghost tour. It is interesting to learn about because it happened in our state. Hershey Park is also very fun.” Camryn Dismuke (8) said.
“I haven’t been to Hershey or Gettysburg, so it will be interesting to see it. I am fairly happy to go on it because people have said so many great things about it. I would be upset. I have heard lots of great things, and I wouldn’t be able to experience it myself. I feel that a lot of people would be upset, including myself. I have not only heard it was fun, but I want it to be fun. If teachers aren’t complaining about watching someone else’s kids overnight, that shows that the trip is worth it.” Temperance Max (8) said.
“The field trip sounds very fun, and I’m very excited to go on it. I would be very angry because I wouldn’t get to ride roller coasters with my friends. [I want to go on the field trip] because it is very fun and educational, going to Gettysburg, and I want to be able to go to Hershey Park and ride rides with friends.” Hayden Steigerwald (8) said.
