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School committee approves two out‑of‑state student trips: Model UN in Connecticut and Spanish exchange to Spain
Summary
The committee approved a November Model United Nations trip to the University of Connecticut and a student exchange to Leon, Spain in April 2026 after presentations by club advisers and teachers; presenters described educational benefits and estimated participation.
History teacher and Model UN adviser Brian Malone asked the committee for permission to take Nipmuc’s Model United Nations team to the University of Connecticut conference from Nov. 7–9, 2025. "This will be our third year attending," Malone said, noting he expected eight students to attend with two chaperones and that students "would not be missing any kind of schoolwork" beyond possibly the last half hour of a class.
The committee voted to approve the Model UN trip. A committee member seconded the motion; the committee chair called for the vote and members voiced approval.
Spanish teacher Sarah Sotto requested approval for a student exchange visit to Leon, Spain, proposing travel April 2–18, 2026 to host and then visit partner students. "We are lucky enough to have the students from Leon visiting us coming next week on Monday for 2 weeks, and we are hoping to visit them in April," Sotto said. She reported nine students were currently interested; two students conflicted with the music trip and four had DECA conflicts.
After discussion on educational impact and overlaps with other trips, a committee member moved to approve the Spanish exchange as presented; a second followed and the motion carried.
Nut graf: Both trips were described by presenters as curricular or co‑curricular experiences emphasizing student learning and cultural exchange; board members asked about conflicts with other spring activities and how teachers would manage classwork during absences.
Details officials noted
- Model UN: Presentation by Brian Malone said the club works on resolutions with students from New York, Connecticut and New England schools; planned attendance: 8 students, one school bus, two chaperones (adviser plus another). Trip dates: Nov. 7–9, 2025.
- Spanish exchange: Organizer Sarah Sotto said nine students were interested at the time of the meeting, travel dates April 2–18, 2026 (12 school days), and that Sotto planned lesson coverage and remote instruction for students while abroad.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve NIPMUC Model UN team field trip (University of Connecticut, Nov. 7–9, 2025): outcome approved (voice vote).
- Motion to approve Spanish exchange (April 2–18, 2026): outcome approved (voice vote).
Ending: Both presenters stressed educational value; the committee approved both requests and left details such as final student lists, chaperone assignments and travel logistics to school staff to finalize and communicate to families.
