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Sixth-graders and parents ask Rockland board to reinstate Sunsplash field trip after cancellation
Summary
Multiple sixth-grade students and parents told the board they want the Sunsplash water-park field trip reinstated. The district cited student body-image concerns and insurance/liability; students delivered a petition and proposed compromises such as dress-code modifications.
Several sixth-grade students and parents addressed the board during public comment on March 5, urging the district to reinstate the Sunsplash field trip that was canceled this year.
Students said the decision came at short notice and that the event is a long-standing rite of passage for elementary classes. They presented a petition signed by many sixth graders and proposed reasonable compromises (for example, wearing shirts over swimsuits or instituting a uniform dress code for the trip) to reduce body-image exposure while allowing peers who want to attend to do so.
Parents and an adult petitioner emphasized alternatives such as liability waivers and class-based teaching about body image rather than canceling an activity many students had anticipated for years.
District officials acknowledged receipt of the concerns and arranged for an administrator (Dr. McDonald) to meet with students after the meeting to listen and follow up. Trustees praised the students' civility and articulation and said staff would continue conversations with school leadership and families.
The Sunsplash cancellation was raised as an emotional issue for families; board members encouraged continued dialogue and indicated staff-level follow-up would occur.
