Dear Academic Expeditions,

Our principal asked me to write down some thoughts about the recent class trip to Washington D.C., which I am delighted to do. I am still reliving moments and experiences from last week, remembering things we saw and things we learned – things you so entertainingly taught us, children and adults alike. What a fantastic time we had!

I am finding it difficult knowing where to start - the hotels perhaps. Accommodation in Williamsburg was great, but topped by the Marriott in DC. The beds were so comfortable (and we needed this after the long days!) and the breakfast buffet to die for – it made the job of getting kids up in the mornings so much easier. They knew they had to get down to breakfast in time for their custom omelets or waffles made to order. The hotel staff was friendly to our large group and it made the beginning of each day very relaxed, setting us up for the days ahead. The swimming pool at the Marriott was a blessing to let the kids go wild for an hour before bedtime a couple of evenings and the security guards in the hotel corridors made life very reassuring for the chaperones.

The food was fabulous from the first evening’s dinner at Sal’s in Williamsburg, when we got off the bus, plane weary and trying to find our bearings, through the new experience of Mongolian barbecue, the delicious Wolfgang Puck and historic Mount Vernon Inn and King’s Arm Tavern in Williamsburg. I was pleasantly surprised not to be eating burgers and pizzas all week, but enjoyed the variety and healthy choices we could make, not to mention that it was all delicious (well, except for the peanut soup, I would have to say, but glad that we got to try it!). We did not have to wait to be seated anywhere. It was obvious in the majority of places that you have a great relationship with the owners of restaurants and we were treated so well everywhere we went. You were generous too, when we were off on our own, so to speak, furnishing us each with $10 for lunch. And much to the kid’s delight they got to keep the change - “pure profit” as someone put it!!

It is hard to choose favorite moments from the week. This was my first visit to Virginia and DC, and I loved every minute. It was wonderful to be in DC the week before the official dedication of the new World War II Memorial. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the other memorials, the controversies over the years, and to learn that this new monument is causing just as much, if not more, debate. I liked to hear your opinions and also liked that you kept asking the students what they would have designed for a memorial, asking them for their opinions.

I loved the trip to Ford’s Theatre. To see a play in the theater where Lincoln was assassinated made more of an impression on me than had we just toured it during the daytime. The whole experience was enhanced by your telling us the story of the assassination, of Lincoln being carried across the street through the crowds. You made history come alive. The musical was good too.

The other evening activities were diverse and entertaining. The Military Tattoo was spectacular and great fun for the kids and adults alike. I enjoyed seeing the soldiers through history in their different uniforms. The evenings in Williamsburg were great. The first evening, when we were tired but excited to be in Virginia, we went on the Lantern Tour. The kids liked the ghost stories. The second evening we were treated to meeting your friend, Sylvia Tabb Lee, at the Baptist Church. It was so lovely to sit and listen to Sylvia sing and talk about the African American heritage in Virginia. We also had great amusement at the volunteer drummers and the chaperones dancing. It was a completely different thing to do and a very important side of Williamsburg’s history.

Your desire to give us a balanced week of learning and experiences was also evident by the inclusion of the visit to the Holocaust Museum. The class has been learning about WWII this year, so were ready to be exposed to the difficult images that were displayed. It was important to remind them of this part of history. This was offset by the more lighthearted visit to the International Spy Museum. You made the trip so much fun for the chaperones as well that I had to keep reminding myself that this trip was for 12-year-old interests not mine!

We loved visiting Pamplin Park and Gettysburg. You spoiled us, I think, with using guides who had impressed you in the past, and they were certainly a highlight of each visit. Their obvious passion about the Civil War was incredible and the enthusiasm rubbed off on us and made the visits so wonderful. It was perfect to march around Pamplin Park with the guide playing the fife to lead us.

It is hard to put into words what a difference it made that we were so fortunate and blessed to have you with us all week. Your rapport with the students was incredible and you obviously enjoyed being with them. You sat with them at mealtimes, were interested in each one of them and got to know them all so fast. Little did they realize how much they were learning at the same time! Their knowledge amazed me, you had taught them so much on the bus between visits and this just enhanced their experience. They had so much fun with you! I loved the way you had riddles for them on the bus, and pointed out certain things to look for at the monuments, for example, searching for the soldier at the Korean War Memorial without the gun. I am sure you noticed the parents just, if not more, determined to solve each puzzle. It made the learning experience more enjoyable.

You picked a fantastic bus driver. Tim would get us right in front of places and be waiting for us when we were done. He was so pleasant and part of the Academic Expeditions “package”. Students have told me about a previous bus driver who was always moaning at them, Tim was completely the opposite!

The week went so smoothly. Your ability to get us to each venue on time and yet not rushing was amazing. Our tours of the Capitol and Arlington were awesome and well planned. You were calm and unflappable and we felt completely in organized hands. I can’t remember one glitch the whole week. From my point of view, to spend a week so full, without having to make decisions about where to go, where to park, where to eat was incredible. I came away feeling we saw everything and also wanting to go back for more.

I have two other children who are looking forward to their own DC sixth grade class trips. I hope that Academic Expeditions will be on hand for them as I am certain their experiences will be as fantastic.

The students will remember this trip forever, what a fabulous experience for them. Many of them have been in class together since Kindergarten and are now preparing to move on to different schools, away from the security of Salem, but they are ready. Their sixth grade trip to Washington was a perfect ending to a perfect Elementary School experience. Thank you for everything!

We miss you, your laugh, your knowledge and your enthusiasm.

Thank you!
Best wishes
J.P.P.
May 26, 2004

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Dear Friends and Family of Saint Norbert School ,

The Eighth grade would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers and support this past year as we prepared for our trip to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. It was an amazing experience for students, teachers and parents who participated, and provided an opportunity for us to grow as individuals and citizens of this great nation and the world. We are grateful to all of you who generously participated in our fundraising efforts. We will never forget the memories and the knowledge that we acquired on this academic expedition!

Thank You!
Mrs. O’Keefe and The Class of 2005

8th Grade Student ~ Lulu
One memorial that touched me the most was the Memorial. After seeing all those names on the wall, it changes your life. I hope to go back there one day and leave a flower at the wall.

8th Grade Student ~ Sarah
Touring the Capitol Building was the most moving experience of my trip. When we sat in the chambers of the House of Representatives, I felt like I knew my government. The architecture of the building was also beautiful.

8th Grade Student ~ Jessica
The Holocaust Memorial moved me to tears. When I saw the video clips and the room filled with shoes, it appalled me that a human being could hate another race for no reason.

8th Grade Student ~ Jenna
The White House was incredible! I loved seeing all the history and talking to the secret service people. I was thrilled to see the portrait of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved.

8th Grade Student ~ Harrison
The Vietnam War Memorial was the most powerful place in Washington D.C. All the names on the walls mystified me because I had no idea that so many people died in war.

8th Grade Student ~ Austin
The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. moved me. My grandfather served in WWII, and although he lived, it still reminded me of him. It is the newest memorial in Washington DC and my favorite.

8th Grade Student ~ Colleen
The World War II Memorial touched me the most in Washington D.C. I thought it was very beautiful. The water feature in the center was very touching. The stars told the story of the many people who died in the war.

8th Grade Student ~ Joseph
Ellis Island was the most memorable part of the trip for me. I found that my great grandparents had come through there and gone through the same halls that I did. I found the ship manifest and a picture of the ship that they sailed on to.

8th Grade Student ~ Ryan
Ground Zero was undoubtedly the most moving experience of the trip. Having been at the top of the World Trade Centers three months before the attacks, and then seeing the spot where they once stood is stunning.

8th Grade Student ~ Erin
Ground Zero and Ellis Island were the two most memorable places we visited. I didn’t really understand the impact 9/11 had on those living in NYC. At Ellis Island , I was able to look up my family name and found two of my ancestors. I learned that they came to during the potato famine in.

8th Grade Student ~ Jenny
The most meaningful thing I saw on the D.C. Trip was the Holocaust Museum Memorial. When I saw the pictures and movies of what people went through it really made me appreciate my freedom and everything we have.

8th Grade Student ~ Joshua
The most inspiring sight for me was Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York . From the outside it was big; and from the inside it was even bigger! You look and all you can say is, “Wow!”. It gave me a sense of purpose in my life.

8th Grade Student ~ Joe
Arlington Cemetary had the most impact on me. It was amazing to see all the great heros who died for our country. The new memorial, which showed the people who have died really moved me.

8th Grade Student ~ Matt hew
My favorite place was the White House. It was amazing and beautiful inside. From the outside it looked so small, however, the inside was shockingly BIG! I will always remember this tour!

8th Grade Student ~ Anthony
The most moving thing for me in D.C. was laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

8th Grade Student ~ Brittany
I think that the most memorable and spiritual part of our trip was the Holocaust Memorial. It was very real, and that is what made it moving. The Holocaust Memorial made you appreciate others even if they are diverse.

8th Grade Student ~ Emily
We saw a lot of memorials, museums, and monuments, but the one that really had an effect on me was the Holocaust Memorial. I really had no idea how many people died or suffered at that time until I saw this. There was one room which was filled with shoes…there were millions! After seeing this memorial, it changed my outlook on life and how lucky I am not to be persecuted because of my religion, heritage or culture.

8th Grade Student ~ Jeremy
Old town Alexandria was the most memorable place for me on the trip. I liked it because of its history and that we were able to explore it.

8th Grade Student ~ Mary
Something that definitely changed my view on life was the Holocaust Memorial. During the time of the Holocaust, it seemed as if there were walking skeletons. Those people became so painful to look at by the disgusting minds of some that didn’t have a heart. The experience truly opened my eyes a little wider.

8th Grade Student ~ Kelsey
My favorite place was the White House. It was amazing and beautiful inside. From the outside it looked so small, however, the inside was shockingly BIG! I will always remember this tour!

8th Grade Student ~ Jeff
The most moving thing for me on the trip was visiting Ellis Island . I found my grandfather's name on the wall from 85 years ago.

8th Grade Student ~ Erin
I enjoyed the White House because I felt like it was a once in a lifetime experience. It was smaller than I thought it would be.

8th Grade Student ~ Taylor
The thing I will remember most about D.C. was the Holocaust Memorial. There was a group of Jewish students in the museum, and I was reading a story on one of the walls. One of the boys standing next to me started crying. I didn’t say anything. Knowing that the Holocaust still has such an affect on so many lives really left an impression on me.

8th Grade Student ~ Chris
Standing at the top of the Empire State Building and looking out over New York City was the most memorable experience of the trip. It was breathtaking. I wanted to stay up there the whole night and just take it all in.

8th Grade Student ~ Michael
The most moving thing for me on the trip was Arlington Cemetery . It was a life changing experience to see all the graves of the men and women who have fought for our freedom.

8th Grade Student ~ Stephen
The Empire State Building moved me the most. It is one of the world’s tallest buildings. It took my breath away.
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To the Staff of Academic Expeditions,

“...Our community is mostly made up of hard-working, day to day people, who care deeply about our children. Most of us have limited resources, as far as money is concerned, but money is not our focus.

I just wanted you to know, I’ve talked to other parents about this trip, and they feel fortunate that you have given our children this opportunity that would normally be out of reach. My son is so excited, and what I see, because of this trip, our horizons and dreams have been re-kindled and my son I have become closer. He as thanked me over and over again for my sacrifice, but this could not be possible, if you didn’t do what you do. So I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that we you do, does not go unnoticed. I wanted to say thanks for being people who see the value of nurturing the spirit of young people and showing that things are possible, with a lesson that is much more important than the trip itself."

Thanks,
Mr. Simpson, Parent Traveler
Spring East Coast Expedition 2005

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“I have worked with Academic Expeditions for the past four years now and each year they find new ways to completely surpass all my expectations. Their professionalism, their boundless energy, and their amazing rapport with children all make their trips both rewarding educational experiences and an absolute blast for the students and my chaperones. These are people I not only look forward to working with again and again, year after year, but who I now count amongst my dearest friends.”

Mark Gelineau
Teacher, San Jose, CA