Would you let your 8th grader go on a school trip to Washington this Oct?

[pw2pp]

Absolutely. We let our daughter go last year with her 8th grade class. It is a great learning experience.

 

[judi]

We had to deal with this problem in May. The school said that if they thought there was any danger to the kids they would cancel the trip. We were worried of course but let our daughter go on this 8th grade trip. She had a ball and we were glad we had let her go. There is a lot of security in D.C.

 

[Lars624]

MY DS's 8th grade band field trip is usually to King's Island but this year the kids have decided they'd rather go to Toronto. If the school board approves it I will let him go. There are some ?s about it getting approved b/c it involves leaving the country but the board is allowing the high school band to go to London so they all have their fingers crossed. You'll make the right decision...follow your gut, t's always right

 

[snoopy]

I don't have a child that age, but I live here in D.C. and I can tell you that I see groups of children this age everyday here on tours.

And I can also tell you that my husband is a Secret Service agent, and security is at an all-time high here in D.C. and has been since 9/11/2001.

But only you can make the decision.

 

[Cindy B]

GO GO GO !!!!


We went in November 2001, two months after the attackss.

The security was top notch, no problems on the METRO as well.

Everyone, from the Smithsonian employees to the security guards, were very very friendly.

It was wonderful, and they see a lot, learn a lot, and have lots of fun.

We do day trips to DC, and we love it there...

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I went in fifth grade, in 1976. It was the bicentennial year. Many fond memories.
I would let my dd go. Yes I would worry, but if if 9/11 didn't happen I would still worry.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by DocRafiki
Is there some sort of tradition with DC trips in the 8th grade? I think my school also had an 8th-grade trip to DC. (I didn't go.) No 7th-grade trip. No other-grade trip at all, in fact, until Grad Nite. Am I out of the loop?

I know what you mean Doc. I knew my DD's school had this trip for 8th graders to DC, but didn't know it was a "thing".

I went to a Catholic School in 8th grade. Our big 8th grade events were a communion breakfast and being allowed to go to the last CYO dance of the school year.

 

[Lynn CC]

Yes, as long as one of us could chaperone.

 

[Jeafl]

I went with my 8th grade class a million years ago, and I can honestly say it was one of my most favorite trips ever! We went to so many places in that one week, and we learned so much.

We too only had faculty for chaperones, but I think they were even stricter than any parents! They had the girls on one wing of the hotel and the boys on the other with 2 faculty members in the middle ALL NIGHT LONG. I don't know how the teachers functioned the next day.

I can certainly understand your concerns, but security is at all all time high. I would let my child go though, because it's a wonderful opportunity. (That's not to say I wouldn't be worried though...)

 

[JimB.]

Our DD's 8th grade is going in January.

Our DD isn't. It's not because of attack/terrorist/safety concerns.

It's because of the $550 bill, the really stupid logistics (2 day trips into PA on non-consecutive days), and because the school is refusing to let parents go as chaperones. Too many kids, not enough guidance.

We will go next summer as a family, crash at my brother's place, have more fun and save some $$.

 

[chell]

Yes, I would let him go. Like others have said, security is very high in that area right now. I'm sure he will have a great time.

Is there any chance that you could chaperone or at least tag along? That would help you to feel better about the whole thing.

 

[Mishetta]

Hi WillR,

Tough decision but I would not let my son go. I guess it depends on the child, as well as your comfort level.

Nor would I let my kids go on a "spring break" trip either!

Yep....I'm a mean, mean mommie!