A Capitol Day

Well, it was another exciting day for the Colrain crew. We started off with a tour of the Capitol and Library of Congress. We learned a lot about both buildings and got to see one-of a kind documents like the original Emancipation Proclamation-- written in Lincoln's own  handwriting, the Gutenberg Bible, and the oldest existing map of America.

Then we headed over to the Air and Space Museum for a quick exploration. We got to walk through a space capsule, check out the Wright Brothers original plane, and view Rocks from the moon. The gift shop was fabulous too!

Next, it was off too the Smithsonian National Zoo were we checked out pandas, tigers, monkeys, snakes and all sorts of amazing creatures. We truly enjoyed exploring the many exhibits, both indoors and out.

But the day wasn't over yet. After the zoo, we enjoyed a fabulous pool party. Here we are after our swim.

We plan to get an early start for home tomorrow.

Cemeteries, Celebrities and Spies,

It was a scorcher in Washington DC today, but we persevered. We visited The Spy Museum, Ford's Theater (where Lincoln was shot), The White House, the Renwick Art Gallery, Arlington Cemetery, and Madam Toussant's Wax Museum. Somehow, we also managed to fit in a bit of shopping as well. The kids seemed especially fond of hats and sweatshirts this year. Expect to see some hip new fashions in school next week.

Here are a few pictures from our day

 

Memorials and Museums

What a beautiful and busy day in DC. Today, we headed out to the Tidal Basin to check out the Jefferson, FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. The weather was perfect-- no rain, not too too hot or sunny. Many students remarked upon what they had learned at the memorials, especially the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial.

After that, we headed over to the Holocaust Museum, a sobering experience for all, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where we got to see actual money being printed(!)

Then it was off to the Smithson Museums of Natural History and American History where we saw the skeletons of many different animal, a mummy, the hall of Mammals, gemstones from all over the world, interesting insects , steam engines, automobiles from many different time periods and Dorothy's ruby slippers, among many other wonders. All the kids were engaged and interested and the museums were a great experience.

We took a quick trip to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and then fulfilled a Colrain Tradition by climbing on the the giant statue of Albert Einstein.

A Fantastic First Day

The 5th/6th grade DC trip got off to a great start today. Though it was early in the morning, all of us were awake and excited to be on the road.

 We made record time, arriving in Philadelphia in time for lunch and a quick peek at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Then it was off to DC. The traffic at the capital was kind, and we arrived at the Washington Monument earlier then planned. We ran off a little steam playing tag and had a picnic lunch before touring the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial (where we all took part in the Colrain Central School tradition of reciting the Gettysburg Address) and the Koran War Memorial.


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After a fun and exciting first day, we arrived at our motel ready for an early night. Tomorrow we will visit the Holocaust Museum, The Bureau of Engraving,  and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Why Go?

We are but a few days from our trip and we are excited to be going!  As we engage in last minute preparations for the trip, I’d like to share the words of former teacher and trip co-founder, Susan Todd.  She wrote the following piece explaining why this trip has become a Colrain tradition.

“Why is it so important for a small rural community in Western Massachusetts to raise close to $10,000 to take a group of [students] to Washington, D.C.?

The obvious reasons to travel with children to Washington, D.C. are the vast opportunities for learning that are available in one concentrated area.  To begin with, it is the seat of our federal government.  We can see physical representations of the three branches of government:  the executive branch in the White House, the legislative body in the Capitol building, and the judicial branch in the Supreme Court building. It becomes real.

But there is so much more.  The design of the city by Frenchman Pierre L’Enfant is breathtakingly beautiful.  The placement of the monuments and memorials amidst the museums and parks is always amazing to see and experience – and it is always growing and changing.  It is the repository of our national culture and identity.  Washington displays the most enduring and innovative art and architecture from all over the world.  It’s a Greek city.  The temple-like design of many of the buildings reminds us that the roots of our form of government are found in the democracy of Ancient Athens. The contributions of the great people whose actions directed the course of history are everywhere.  The free museums cover every facet of the natural world and human accomplishment.  It is the crossroad for the international community.  People from all over the world inhabit its streets.  The far reaching explorations in Washington lay a strong foundation for learning that reaps benefits throughout their whole life.

Yet every bit as important are the intense, personal, and character-building experiences.  Children and their families work hard over a long period of time to truly earn the trip.  They travel a long distance and learn that it is possible to expand their horizons to include places far from home.  They bond with their classmates and share an indelible moment in their lives that will connect them forever.  They feel their parents and parents of their friends enjoying this adventure along with them and caring for them and keeping them safe and secure the whole while.”

This year we have children of parents who participated in this trip themselves, back when it first began.  Sharing their experiences with their parents will be a wonderful by-product.  Please check back in and follow our adventures along with us!