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Board hears detailed plan for 2026 French‑language student trip to France and Switzerland
Summary
Staff described a planned 2026 international trip for students who have completed two years of French, with a proposed itinerary (Chartres, D‑Day sites, Loire Valley castles, Paris, Geneva/Chamonix) and an estimated cost of about $4,459 per student based on a 20‑student minimum; fundraising will be student-led and scholarships may be available.
District staff presented a proposed French‑language student trip for summer 2026, saying the trip will be open to students who have completed French II and that the plan centers around a 20‑student minimum that yields an estimated cost of about $4,459 per student.
The presenter described the itinerary: travel from La Crosse to Minneapolis and an overnight flight to Paris; visits to Chartres and Caen (including the Peace Museum and the American Cemetery), D‑Day beaches and Pointe du Hoc, a quick visit to Saint‑Malo, Mont Saint‑Michel, the Loire Valley castles (including Chenonceau and Chambord), and time in Paris (bike tour, Sacré‑Cœur, Arc de Triomphe, a riverboat tour). The trip would include round‑trip transportation, hotels, many meals and museum entrances; the presenter said the passport fee, travel insurance, lunches, tips and personal spending are excluded from the package.
The presenter emphasized logistics: the price quote assumes 20 students and would fall if the group exceeds about 25; staff will promote the trip after board approval with parent meetings in February and further meetings next school year. Chaperones are district staff present at the meeting, and staff said spots are reserved for students before being opened to parents if space remains.
On fundraising and access: staff said fundraising will be student‑led and district staff will coach students on fundraising but not run fundraisers on their behalf; they also noted scholarship opportunities through the tour company and professional organizations to help families with need.
Board members praised the planning and asked about typical turnout; staff said prior trips reached roughly 22 students and expressed confidence they could meet the 20‑student minimum based on current interest. No formal vote on the trip was recorded in the transcript.
The board will consider the trip request at a future agenda item; staff said they will return with materials for parents and next steps if the board approves.
