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Nashoba trustees hear plans for Nature’s Classroom and Washington, D.C. trips; chaperone checks and financial support outlined
Summary
Elementary and middle-school leaders presented proposals to resume district-aligned overnight trips: fifth graders to Nature’s Classroom at Oceanwood Camp in Ocean Park, Maine, and middle-school groups to Washington, D.C. Principals said chaperone lists will be finalized 30 days before travel with CORI and fingerprint checks, and the district will provide financial support for families who request it.
Elementary principals and middle-school staff presented requests to begin planning overnight field trips that district leaders say support common student experiences and curriculum connections.
“At this year's planning process ... we continue to be mindful of strategic objective 3, initiative 5, to grow a common noshova identity,” said Scott Blanchard as he introduced a second year of a district-aligned Nature's Classroom trip for fifth graders at Oceanwood Camp in Ocean Park, Maine. The three elementary schools would attend on staggered weeks in October to keep the experience consistent across the district.
Bridging logistical concerns, presenters said chaperones have not been finalized and that the district will resubmit chaperone lists 30 days before each trip with CORI checks and fingerprinting in place. A speaker noted the 2024 permission form fee as a point of reference: “The 2024 permission form was 495 uh per cost to the student.” Principals said they have used PTO support and principal funds to subsidize costs in prior years and that the district offered full financial support to families who requested assistance.
Middle-school principals and staff described the Washington, D.C. trip as a curriculum-aligned, longstanding program that builds community and connects with eighth-grade social studies. Dean Mark Schultz said a fall visit yielded “we've never seen the Vietnam Memorial this up close,” noting that fall travel produced less crowded memorial visits; the group proposed an Oct. 20–23 trip for one cohort, while some schools will continue spring trips.
Committee members asked about costs, equity for students who do not attend, and how nonparticipating students are supported; presenters said last year about nine students stayed behind at one elementary school and that the district offers financial support when families request it. A trustee asked whether homeschool students could be invited; Superintendent Kirk Downing said they could not because they are not Nashoba Regional School District students and therefore are not covered by the district’s student insurance.
Both travel requests will be placed on the consent agenda at the committee’s next meeting for formal consideration. Staff will return with finalized chaperone lists and any updated cost details before the vote.
