Daugherty Middle School plans 2026 Italy trip for seventh and eighth graders

The Andover School Committee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss various topics, including community engagement in the budget process and an upcoming field trip for middle school students.

The meeting began with a focus on enhancing communication with the community regarding the budget. Committee member Emily emphasized the importance of involving residents and ensuring they feel heard throughout the budget process.

Following this, Jaden, a representative from the student government, shared insights from their recent meeting with Dr. Parvie. They adopted a new approach by sending questions in advance, which facilitated a more productive discussion. Jaden also highlighted a recent event where middle school students visited the high school, noting a record number of clubs participated in the fair, fostering connections within the school community.

The committee then moved to public input but found no participants present, leading them to skip this section and proceed to new business. The primary agenda item was a proposed field trip to Italy for seventh and eighth graders at Daugherty Middle School, scheduled for February 12-23, 2026. Principal Perry and Mr. Givens presented details about the trip, which will include visits to Rome, Sicily, and Pompeii, with a total cost of approximately $4,469 per student.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the trip's relatively lower cost compared to previous excursions, acknowledging the financial challenges families face. Questions arose regarding the management of potential waitlists for the trip, with Mr. Givens explaining that they would work with the travel company to prioritize students appropriately.

The meeting concluded without further business, with committee members looking forward to the upcoming trip and continued efforts to engage the community in school matters.