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Board authorizes planning for 2027 middle‑school trip to Greece
Summary
After a presentation by a Schmucker Middle School interventionist, the board voted 7‑0 to authorize planning for a nine‑day student trip to Greece (Athens and Naxos) planned for July 6–20, 2027; EF Educational Tours will provide itinerary, safety checks and payment‑plan options.
The Penn‑Harris‑Madison Board of School Trustees voted 7‑0 on Sept. 8 to authorize planning and preparation for a proposed nine‑day middle‑school trip to Greece in July 2027.
Megan Donahue, reading interventionist at Schmucker Middle School, presented the itinerary and educational goals for the trip, saying the experience would connect to middle‑school curriculum and give students exposure to classical sites such as the Acropolis and the Olympic stadiums. "This trip is planned to be 9 days... These 9 days will be within July 6 to 07/20/2027," Donahue said.
Donahue said the trip will include travel to Athens and a ferry to Naxos Island, preparation meetings for chaperones and students during the academic year, and opportunities for academic extension and possible high‑school credit through the travel provider, EF Educational Tours. She noted payment plans will open in October and families who register by Sept. 26 may receive savings; EF also offers a global travel insurance package as part of the price and provides 24/7 tour staff.
Board members expressed support for the trip and raised concerns about access for students who cannot afford travel; members and staff discussed potential ways to help families and noted the two‑year planning horizon allows time for fundraising and payment plans. The authorization approved planning only; any final student participation contracts or expenditures will return for required approvals.
