“As for New York City, it is a place apart. There is not its match in any other country in the world.” — Pearl S. Buck

Planning is underway for the spring eighth grade trip to New York City. Fundraising will require a greater effort from students this year, as 2015 is a particularly large class, and we want to take in as much culture, history, education, and science as possible during our visit.

Thirty-three students, teachers, and administrators will travel to the New York City area for education and adventure. Past trips have included visits to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the Natural History Museum, Central Park, and tours through Times Square. Other ideas being considered are a Broadway play, touring a sports venue, and a Medieval Times dinner and tournament.

Just immersing our students in the culture and character of the city can be educational. Of course, wherever we go, safety is our first concern. We have found a safe hotel close to the city, and we charter a bus. Students are never without a school chaperone.

Fundraising ideas are being well-planned and will occur throughout the school year. Outreach fundraising efforts extend beyond our community, as we realize we are a small town with lots of clubs and programs that also fundraise.

For our students, the eighth grade trip represents the end of their school years at Andover Elementary/Middle School. Eighth grade students often go in separate directions after their eighth grade graduation. This is the last trip as a class. Friendships and memories will last long after the trip is over.