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Westford Academy class officers propose inclusive, lower‑cost senior trip to the Omni
Summary
Class officers at Westford Academy presented a proposal for an inclusive senior retreat at the Omni (Bretton Woods area) designed to keep costs relatively low and provide activity choice and ADA accessibility. The committee heard details; formal approval expected June 9.
Westford Academy class officers presented a proposal on May 27 for a senior class retreat to the Omni resort area (northern New Hampshire) intended to be broadly accessible to the Class of 2026.
The student leaders said the trip dates would be May 26–28, 2026 (senior year) and that they had budgeted a baseline per‑student cost of $610, with out‑of‑pocket totals rising to about $760 depending on paid activities a student selects. The plan includes chartered buses with one ADA‑compliant bus budgeted regardless of need, on‑site meal arrangements that include group breakfasts and a catered final‑night barbecue, and a '1:1 student‑to‑chaperone ratio. Students will select two activity blocks from a menu the class officers described; half of those options are described as ADA accessible (for example, a scenic gondola).
Why it matters: Student presenters framed the retreat as an effort to create an experience that "every single student in our class could attend," citing costs and accessibility as barriers on other trips. They said they would use class funds raised over three years to provide 100% demonstrated‑need subsidies for students who cannot afford the baseline cost.
Details presented: The officers said transportation would be bus roundtrip from Westford Academy, quad hotel occupancy was assumed in the budget, breakfasts and the final banquet are included in the baseline price, and lunches and the first night's dinner would be on students' own. The officers said they had researched multiple sites and chose the Omni because of on‑site shuttles, recreational options (pools, stables, arcades) and staff experience managing high‑school groups.
Process and next steps: Committee members and administrators praised the presentation and encouraged the officers. The school committee noted that the trip is not being voted on May 27; the officers were told the formal field‑trip approvals will appear on the June 9 agenda. Committee members asked about student outreach (officers said they had not broadly promoted the plan yet), financial details, chaperone coverage and accessibility. School staff said they will review the formal proposal in committee on June 9 and ensure required documentation and supervision plans are in place.
Speakers and materials: Kate Kelly, WA class of 2026 president, presented with officers Joanna (secretary), Sai (treasurer) and Peter (vice president), and provided a packet of itinerary and budget details to the committee.
