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School committee approves three student travel programs including Galapagos and France-Spain; teachers, students describe learning gains
Summary
After presentations on recent and proposed trips, the Westborough School Committee unanimously approved three travel programs — Galapagos 2027, France–Spain 2027 and a Best Buddies leadership trip to Indiana — citing curriculum links, cultural immersion and student leadership development.
The Westborough School Committee on May 1 approved three student travel programs after teachers and students described hands-on learning and cultural immersion benefits.
Committee members voted 4–0 to approve a Galapagos trip proposed for February 2027, a combined France–Spain itinerary proposed to launch in September 2027 (with a first payment deadline in October), and a short Best Buddies leadership trip to Indiana University in July for a student ambassador.
The vote followed presentations from world-language staff and first‑hand student accounts. Bobby Sullivan, director of world languages, introduced the proposals and guests. Teacher Chaves summarized a February 2025 STEM trip to Belize that involved 10 Westborough students and joint activities with Wellesley High School. She said students took scientific measurements — including bat monitoring — snorkeled, helped plant more than 75 trees in a reforestation project and dissected invasive lionfish as part of field research.
One student who could not attend because of illness, identified as Willow in the presentation, texted the board: “It made me realize that I might want to pursue something environmental or animal related in the future,” texted Willow, describing the Belize experience as a formative, hands‑on encounter.
Teacher Ginny Laplatny reviewed an April‑vacation Spain trip that carried nine Westborough students and included five cities, museum visits and language practice. Laplatny said the Westborough group was consolidated with schools from Canada during the tour; students and teachers described that consolidation as a chance to practice language skills and build new peer relationships.
Kate Shaw, a Spanish teacher and co‑leader on the proposed France–Spain trip, said the itinerary would start in Barcelona and highlight Antoni Gaudí’s architecture and the Sagrada Familia before moving through northern Spain and southern France, and ending in Paris. Shaw said the program includes the Salvador Dalí museum in Figueres, medieval towns such as Carcassonne, Avignon’s Palais des Papes and a final riverboat ride and Eiffel Tower visit in Paris. She said leaders plan a mix of cultural and linguistic discovery with pockets of immersive language practice for students preparing for AP exams and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Dr. Mayer and two students who led a recent Quebec City and Montreal trip recounted cultural and linguistic activities — a Cirque du Soleil workshop, visits to a biodome and historical sites, and maple‑syrup demonstrations — and described improved student cohesion after the travel.
The committee also approved a short Best Buddies leadership trip to Indiana University for one rising senior and an advisor. Superintendent Allison Borchers described the Best Buddies travel as a “train‑the‑trainer” opportunity for a student ambassador to return and lead local inclusion efforts.
After the presentations, a member moved to approve all three trips in a consolidated vote; another member seconded the motion and the committee approved it, 4–0.
The approved itineraries include a nine‑day Galapagos tour during February break (described by presenters as focused on endemic species, island geology and low‑impact tourism), a multi‑city France–Spain trip proposed to begin in September 2027 with payment deadlines in October, and the short Indiana leadership trip tentatively scheduled for mid‑July. Organizers said they would return to the committee if any material changes to itineraries, dates or costs are required.
Why it matters: Trustees and teachers said the trips connect classroom curricula to real‑world experiences — biology students can study Darwin’s sites in the Galapagos, language students can practice target languages in situ, and leadership programs provide skill development that supports inclusive school activities.
The district will now move forward with registration and payment schedules for families and will return to the committee if substantive changes are required.
