School Committee approves day trip to Bedford, N.H., and a July 2025 student trip to France

The Walpole School Committee on Dec. 12 approved two out-of-state student trips: a one-day varsity girls basketball game in Bedford, New Hampshire, and a proposed 17-day trip to Vichy and Paris, France, slated for July 5–21, 2025.

Elizabeth Ryan, who identified herself as a coach at Walpole High School, requested permission for the Bedford day trip, telling the committee the bus ride is about “an hour and a half to 2 hours” and that the trip would offer competitive experience and team bonding. The committee moved and approved the trip and also approved a waiver of the 30-day notice requirement.

Separately, a Walpole High teacher organized a 17-day immersion trip through Kavilam, a French-language center in Vichy the presenter described as affiliated with the University of Clermont-Ferrand and with an 80-year history. The organizer said the trip is limited to students enrolled in French classes, will include morning coursework and host-family stays in Vichy followed by several days touring Paris. The organizer said they expect to chaperone “anywhere from 12 to 20 students” and noted the program includes site visits and family vetting on the host side.

Committee members asked about student eligibility, lodging and safety checks for host families. Committee member Mrs. Galvin asked whether families would be subject to U.S.-style criminal-background (CORI) checks; the organizer replied that France has a different system and that Kavilam conducts its own family checks and site visits, and that many host families are repeats used by the program.

The committee moved, seconded and approved the France trip and asked the teacher to return with a post-trip report once the travel is complete. No committee member opposed either request.

The committee’s approvals include a request that the district receive follow-up reporting on student selection, safety protocols and trip outcomes after students return.