The 2016 presidential election will be heating up, and Shawano seventh- and eighth-graders could be witnesses to history.
For the first time in many years, Shawano Community Middle School is planning a special field trip for students next March to Washington, D.C.
If the School Board approves and families can afford the cost, students will spend three days touring the nation’s capital during the final months of President Obama’s tenure as commander-in-chief.
The cost estimate is $1,250 per student, although officials hope to reduce the price with fundraisers.
School Board members have not yet authorized the trip, but they showed early enthusiasm when middle school officials presented the concept at Monday’s board meeting.
“I think it’s a great idea,” board member Marcia Yeager said. “Any time the kids can travel, I’m all for it.”
Officials said it has been about eight years since the middle school led students on a Washington trip.
Organizer Eric Harper of Explore America Inc., the company helping to plan the trip, said Shawano students could find an extra element of excitement being in Washington as the 2016 presidential campaign is under way.
“I’m sure there’s going to be some buzz,” Harper said.
Middle school officials next will present the idea to students and their families to determine how many are interested. The cost includes all transportation, accommodations and meals.
The trip is tentatively planned for March 21-24.
The district has about 320 students in seventh and eighth grades, although officials said they would be happy to see 30 or 40 participate.
Associate Principal Rod Watson said he believes that seeing such landmarks as Arlington National Cemetery would be educational and would get students talking about civics and history.
“That stuff is very powerful for young people to see,” he told board members.
Also on the itinerary is a visit to the front steps of the White House, the memorials on the National Mall, Congress and the Supreme Court, the National Museum of the Native American, Ford’s Theater and George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon.
Fundraising ideas under discussion to defray the costs include pancake breakfasts, spaghetti suppers and 50/50 raffles. Watson said he also hoped to approach some community groups for help.
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