Board approves two student world-language trips and hears student reflections on Montreal visit

The Timberlane board approved two overnight world‑language trips and heard students describe how immersion supports language learning.

Student presentation: Kathleen McGurk, the district’s middle‑school French teacher, introduced two students — Jack Lucreta and Kyle LaFleur — who shared experiences from a three‑day Montreal trip. The students described real‑world practice ordering food, reading French signage, and navigating transit, which they said boosted confidence and classroom engagement.

Travel approvals: The board approved a TRHS cultural-exchange trip to Germany (June 13–July 6, 2026) with two chaperones (Steve Rugletti and Tucker Jenison) and also approved a Quebec City trip (May 15–17, 2026) for middle- and high‑school language students. Administrators clarified both trips are primarily funded by students; host-family stays and other measures were described as cost‑reducing features. Motions to approve both trips passed after board discussion and seconding, with no district funding identified as required for the travel itself.

Why it matters: Board members emphasized the pedagogical value of immersion and raised routine logistical questions about fundraising, chaperones, and academic impacts. Administrators said they will include trip details in packets and continue vetting safety and schedule issues.

Next steps: Logistics, final participant lists, and any fundraising details will be managed through school staff and the district’s approved chaperone processes.