Arlington Interviews

Some of our students stepped up to be interviewed about their experiences in Washington D.C. The radio broadcast was played Friday morning on 680am and 104.7fm.  Students were interviewed by Jim Cook - the owner of our local radio stations who currently lives in D.C.

I was able to video record the interviews taking place just outside the Tomb on the Unknown Soldier after our students watched the changing of the guards.  Enjoy!

Thank You!

We would like to thank the following people, businesses, and local organizations for generously donating to the 2015 Washington, D.C. Trippers from Gladstone:

Michigan State Police

Roy Ness Contracting

Cooper Office Supply

Pro Auto Body

Gladstone Kiwanis

Allen Paquin

Jerrold and Diana Binder

We were able to use their donations for a more comfortable trip to DC and are so incredibly appreciative of our local support.

Thank you!!

Wowsers! It is HOT today!

We all knew that it would be a hot day today but I don't think we knew exactly what to expect. We spent the morning sweating at Arlington National Cemetery where we visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the changing of the guards. Immediately following the ceremony some of the students were interviewed by Jim Cook, owner of two Escanaba area radio stations. 

We made a quick stop at my absolutely favorite memorial - Thomas Jefferson! We were lucky that it wasn't very busy so we really got to enjoy the site even more. 

The kids were just a little hungry so we are now eating at one of the local malls before we head out to the National Cathedral. 

More posts to come!

A Perfect Day in DC

Wednesday was such a fun and beautiful day! The temperature was absolutely perfect for a morning stroll around George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. The kids were able to tour the mansion, visit his farms, see his place of rest, view the salve quarters, and check out his teeth in the Education Center. 

After Mount Vernon we spent some time on Capitol Hill touring the Capitol Buliding  and the Library of Congress followed by a stop at the Pentagon to view the September 11 memorial. 

After dinner we were able to have some fun at Twilight Tatoo where the kids had a blast watching the army parade to music. I think the boys especially loved the cannons and gunfire. The drill team was amazing as well! At the end of the show Dan Benishek, our local congressman, came over to meet the kids and have some photos taken. I think the kids all got back onto the bus smiling and excited about an eventful day!

An Iconic Location

Pre-DC Excitement!

Our Journey Begins!

I have had the opportunity to visit our nations capital once again.  I am joined by some of the best students I have ever had the chance to teach.  Two years ago I knew there was something special about this group.  They LOVE social studies and they love to learn.  I can't wait to see these kids in Washington D.C. and watch their reactions to amazing sites. 

We left last night around 6pm from Gladstone Junior High and I could just see the excitement and anxiousness. The bus ride was great - many laughs! We arrived to the hotel around 10:30 and tucked right into bed. 

Right now I am sitting in the airport with our group of students waiting to board the flight. There are a few nervous students, but mostly they are excited to get to DC!  

I'm sure this will be a memorable trip that each of them will remember forever!