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School committee approves music trip to Orlando and language trips to France and Costa Rica
Summary
The Medfield School Committee approved three overnight student trips for 2027: a music performance/recording trip to Orlando (Feb. 4–7), a world‑language trip to France (Apr. 17–28) and an international trip to Costa Rica (Apr. 17–26). Committees discussed fundraising and financial‑aid support.
The Medfield School Committee voted to approve three overnight student trips for the 2026–27 academic year, authorizing a high‑school music performance trip to Orlando and two international language trips to France and Costa Rica.
Jason, the high school music department leader, described the Orlando itinerary — which includes performances at Universal Studios, a recording‑studio workshop and separate ensemble schedules — and said fundraising and donations have permitted significant financial assistance for students. 'We already have almost $4,000 in financial aid donations from parents who simply want to give more,' he said, and the trip is expected to include more than 100 students across band, chorus and orchestra.
The committee voted to approve the music trip to Orlando (Feb. 4–7, 2027). Members noted the department’s track record with previous trips and that chaperone and nurse arrangements would be made when medically necessary.
For world language, Mon'nique presented a 12‑day France itinerary featuring a 4½‑day family stay and cultural visits (including D‑Day beaches and Paris), saying the program's home‑stay component is central to immersion and typically attracts juniors and seniors; 16–19 students have expressed interest and the trip cost was estimated at about $4,500 per student. The committee approved the France trip for Apr. 17–28, 2027.
Paula Hamilton outlined a Costa Rica itinerary with five‑night family homestays in Monteverde, daily excursions (horseback riding, coffee plantation, night rainforest walk), and extensive cultural immersion; she estimated the cost at about $3,600 and said home‑stays are the 'secret sauce' of the experience. The committee approved the Costa Rica trip for Apr. 17–26, 2027.
Across the approvals, members flagged cost and access concerns and the need to expand fundraising and scholarship support so students who cannot afford the full fee may still participate. Committee discussion repeatedly referenced the departments’ fundraising histories and the district’s practice of offering financial assistance to students who request it.
What’s next: trip organizers will finalize participant lists, complete chaperone and nurse planning where required and proceed with standard trip‑approval logistics and parent communications.
