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School committee approves Italy‑Greece field trip for Feb. 2026; teachers and parents discuss equity, cost and refunds
Summary
Watertown High School teachers received approval to run a student trip to Italy and Greece during February break 2026. Committee members and parents expressed support and concerns about the $4,500 price tag, fundraising and refund policies.
The Watertown School Committee approved a student field trip to Italy and Greece during the February break of 2026, following a presentation by Watertown High School staff and discussion of equity and financial accessibility.
Erin McGovern, a social studies teacher at Watertown High School, and Theresa Malone, a school counselor at Watertown High School, presented the proposed itinerary: Sorrento, Rome and Athens, organized through Passports Educational Travel, a Worcester‑area, family‑owned travel company. The presenters said the price per student is approximately $4,500; the company offers payment plans and included services such as airfare, hotel accommodations, many meals, entrance fees, tips and travel insurance covering trip interruption, delay and emergency medical expenses.
Both presenters said the district travel club surveyed student interest and that more than 35 students attended an initial meeting; the trip will cap enrollment at 43 to keep the group controllable. The program would be open to grades 9–12; current 12th graders would not be eligible. Organizers said they plan fundraising (car washes, bake sales, school merchandise) and hoped to identify scholarships, with two $500 scholarships already suggested as an internal plan.
During committee discussion, parent Brian Wynkoop and a committee member identified as Mark raised equity concerns, stressing that a $4,500 price could exclude students from lower‑income households and asking how refunds are handled if families withdraw. Presenters said Passports has a refund policy and that companies have been more flexible since COVID; they also said they would work to secure funds and points to offset costs for students in need and that they had used airline rewards to help students on past trips.
The committee moved to approve the trip; a motion was seconded and the committee voted in favor. The superintendent and presenters said they would continue exploring fundraising and scholarship options and work with community partners to increase affordability.
Organizers also noted program logistics: some excursions and lunches will require students to carry a modest amount of cash for local purchases; the presenters said they will provide language support (a Greek translator) and staff supervision during independent time. The proposed number of seats and the payment plan options were cited as steps intended to improve access for families.
The committee encouraged organizers to continue outreach about fundraising and scholarship opportunities and to coordinate with the district’s outreach channels to ensure families understand costs, payment plans and refund rules.
