School Officials Decide To Keep Student

Field Trips Closer To Home

By Tanjua Damon

With the aftermath of the September 11 terrorism attack on the United States, school administrators are facing difficult decisions whether or not students should take field trips to the two areas that were directly affected by the attacks – New York City and Washington, D.C.

Newtown Middle School eighth graders have taken a trip to Gettysburg for years. Last year the students were able to participate in a two-night overnight trip to Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., adding to what the students learn about in the social studies curriculum about the government and Civil War. This year however, school officials and teachers have decided that the spring trip will not go forward because of safety concerns.

There are 400 eighth graders at the middle school this year. District policy requires that at least 85 percent of the students have to go on the trip. Last year 90 percent of the eighth grade class went on the spring trip to Gettysburg and Washington D.C.

After letters critical of the decision appeared in September 28 edition of The Bee, Newtown Middle School Principal Diane Sherlock elaborated on the rationale for canceling the trip.

Since reservations have to be made now for the 400 students and almost 40 chaperones, Ms Sherlock met with teachers about the spring trip that usually takes place the end of April or early May. A majority of the teachers felt the safety of the students could be at issue and the trip should be canceled for this year. Ms Sherlock does not believe that the school made a premature decision.

“In fact it wasn’t. We have to give money to hotels, tour company, and buses now. It isn’t done in the spring,” Ms Sherlock said. “It’s now in the fall when the arrangements need to be made. The reason we did not have a parent meeting was because the majority of our teachers were not willing to chaperone the trip.

“They just don’t fell it is a prudent situation to take students this far from home,” Ms Sherlock continued. “It’s not contracted. It’s not paid. When teachers say ‘I don’t feel safe doing that,’ I have to pay attention.”

The principal noted that the nature of the response by the United States to the terrorist attacks is still unknown and the possibility for the escalation of violent retaliation may exist.

“I would like people to understand the middle school staff couldn’t be more pro student and care more about the students. That’s why we are doing this,” she said. “You have to understand we took our President’s phraseology very serious. We’re a nation at war. Things are very different than they were before.”

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed agrees with the decision made by the middle school.

“Field trips are normally arranged and originate at the school level. I support the decision made by the middle school. Give us time. Let’s not make this a litmus test to patriotism and who’s giving into terrorism.”

Dr Reed points out that the government just decided this week to reopen Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. He added the government has alerted the public that there could be more attacks against the United States.

“We don’t know what this new reality is,” Dr Reed said. “It’s going to take awhile for all of us to understand what normal is.”

Both Dr Reed and Ms Sherlock said the situation is much different than if a family is taking a trip. This is a school function and safety of the students must come first.

Ms Sherlock has received three letters and two phone calls against the school decision. She has received support from the Parent Teacher Association as well as two phone calls supporting the decision.

There are other activities being planned to continue providing students at the Newtown Middle School with culminating experiences, according to Ms Sherlock.

“Field trips are continuing at the middle school based on parent input, ‘yes it’s okay,’” Ms Sherlock said. “Location of the field trip is prime to things. Always every single time the prime consideration is safety. That’s the only consideration for changes.”