Friday, May 30, 2014
Looking Back
The visit to the memorial brings you back in time and allows you to reflect on those who served and what they went through for us. - Rachael, Molly, Ty, Cat
Rain Will Not Stop Our Fun
Despite a somewhat rainy day in D.C., the kids from Parker continued to make memories on day 2 of the trip. Our visit to the Newseum was easily a favorite by all. There were so many interesting artifacts and exhibits that Ms. Brehaut never even left the sixth floor! From the Ron Burgundy interactive newsroom to the authentic news helicopter hanging from the ceiling and the 9/11 photo journalism exhibit, there was so much for the kids to see and do. Along one entire wall, the museum displays the front page of newspapers from around the country and the world. Many students were surprised that so many newspapers even existed!
The drizzle held off during our group photo opportunity outside of the Capitol building long enough for the souvenir to come out picture perfect. It was then on to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where students explored the exhibits on human evolution, insects, geology and oceans. A few even bought "squid" hat souvenirs. We have no idea why. The day turned more reflective at the Holocaust Museum before an early evening visit to the White House where many photographs were taken. Although there were no sightings of President Obama or even his dog Bo, the kids really enjoyed relaxing for a bit along Pennsylvania Avenue and taking in the views.
The drizzle held off during our group photo opportunity outside of the Capitol building long enough for the souvenir to come out picture perfect. It was then on to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where students explored the exhibits on human evolution, insects, geology and oceans. A few even bought "squid" hat souvenirs. We have no idea why. The day turned more reflective at the Holocaust Museum before an early evening visit to the White House where many photographs were taken. Although there were no sightings of President Obama or even his dog Bo, the kids really enjoyed relaxing for a bit along Pennsylvania Avenue and taking in the views.
Dinner featured a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Ms. Anderson by as many patrons of the Ronald Reagan food court as we could muster. To end the evening in style, we traveled to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and took part in Sheer Madness. The blend of improv comedy and theater was catered to the mostly middle school audience and was very, very funny. The kids laughed, interacted with the actors, and voted to craft the ending. We had such a good time that the character "Tony" added Parker alum to his fictious history.
Goodnight!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
WWII memorial
We enjoyed a three minute rain shower to cool us down, so we could continue on with our tour of the monuments.
Holocaust Museum
"Eisenhower's description of the beastiality and cruelty of the Holocaust really stuck with me." - Declan S.
Remembering September 12th
Students browse the newspaper front pages from September 12th's coverage of 9/11. The antenna from the Twin Towers stands in the background.
Good Morning from D.C.
"D.C. is so fun and all students in America should go there." - Victoria, Maeve & Maddy
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Day 1 is History. Get It?
The longest day of the trip is done! Luckily, the weather was in our favor, especially if you enjoy sunny, hot and humid. The students powered through the uphill walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery in order to observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Our tour guide, Bob McRae, is a wealth of knowledge about Washington, D.C. and our nation's history.
We had a very nice lunch at the Capitol building and then went on a guided tour. Although we didn't spot any living politicians, we made sure to stop by the statues of former Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop and Mr. Cormier's favorite, William Jennings Bryan. Despite a brief 30 second downpour, we toured the World War II, Martin Luther King Jr., and FDR Memorials. The view of Washington from along the water is absolutely beautiful in May. There are some great pictures of the students visiting these spots posted on the blog.
After dinner, we traveled to the Pentagon to visit the 9/11 Memorial at dusk and then lit up after dark. In my opinion, the simple but thoughtful design and lighting make it a stunning site to see at night. While most of the 8th graders were only babies on that tragic day, visiting this memorial certainly makes an impact on us all. In the background, the three spires of the Air Force Memorial can be seen soaring into the air like the aircraft they are meant to symbolize.
There is much more to come tomorrow. Please continue to check the blog to follow our progress. Goodnight from D.C.!
We had a very nice lunch at the Capitol building and then went on a guided tour. Although we didn't spot any living politicians, we made sure to stop by the statues of former Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop and Mr. Cormier's favorite, William Jennings Bryan. Despite a brief 30 second downpour, we toured the World War II, Martin Luther King Jr., and FDR Memorials. The view of Washington from along the water is absolutely beautiful in May. There are some great pictures of the students visiting these spots posted on the blog.
After dinner, we traveled to the Pentagon to visit the 9/11 Memorial at dusk and then lit up after dark. In my opinion, the simple but thoughtful design and lighting make it a stunning site to see at night. While most of the 8th graders were only babies on that tragic day, visiting this memorial certainly makes an impact on us all. In the background, the three spires of the Air Force Memorial can be seen soaring into the air like the aircraft they are meant to symbolize.
There is much more to come tomorrow. Please continue to check the blog to follow our progress. Goodnight from D.C.!
The only thing we have to fear...
...is fear itself. And maybe a rogue thunderstorm. Here we are visiting the FDR Memorial.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Packing for your Trip
As you prepare for your trip to Washington, D.C. tomorrow, be sure to check the weather! There looks like a lot of rain in the forecast.
Washington D.C. Weather
Washington D.C. Weather
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