Committee approves teacher‑led Iceland trip for spring 2026
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The school committee approved a seven‑day educational trip to Iceland proposed by a science teacher, with the presenter outlining itinerary, enrollment and financing options and the committee approving the trip 7–0.
The Hampden‑Wilbraham School Committee approved a teacher‑led educational trip to Iceland for April 2026 during its Jan. 9 meeting.
Kristen Hicklin, a science teacher, presented the seven‑day EF Tours itinerary emphasizing STEM and ecotourism experiences including visits to geothermal sites, hydropower facilities and glacial features. Hicklin said nine students had signed up and described fundraising and scholarship options for students who could not otherwise afford the trip; she said EF offers a $1,000 scholarship and the company would refund families in full if the committee did not approve the trip.
Committee members asked about eligible grades, maximum enrollment and equity for students who cannot afford travel. Hicklin said the trip is intended for grades 9–12 with some outreach to rising eighth graders, that EF had guaranteed 15 spots but could expand to 45, and that staff would pursue fundraising and the district’s scholarship options, including exploring DCF funding for a student in foster care.
A motion to approve the trip was made and seconded; the committee approved the recommendation on a roll‑call vote of 7–0.