Dear Mr. Eckrich,

I enjoyed Washington. My favorite part out of everything we did this week would have to be going to the Vietnam Memorial and the World War 2 Memorial. And my most favorite thing we did today is going to the the Holocaust Museum. I liked the Holocaust Museum because I am part Jewish, so all that stuff is interesting to me.  I also liked seeing the pandas, both the red panda and the giant panda. I have never saw a panda, either red or giant panda, in my life until today. The hotel that we stayed was awesome because even though the pool is suppose to close at 9 at night the hotel let it stay open until 10 pm. I really enjoyed this trip. It was worth the money and the time we spent working towards going. I would go again if I could.

 Brett

My favorite part was about the Holocaust. It was really emotional, because it made me cry. It made me feel mad that a person would just kill because Hitler told the Nazi’s to kill other people like the Jews.  People were told they were part of the problems the German people were having. It made me think.

Mauro

The most enjoyable part of Washington D.C was when we went to the Gettysburg battlefield. This was my favorite part because it was the most exciting thing and it made me just connect to it because all those soldiers gave up their lives for us. Also it was exciting to me because we had a great tour guide and it was amazing to see the little mistake that the Union army made that almost caused them losing the battle.

Maydrian

The best part of coming to Washington D.C is when we went to see the Holocaust Museum. When we went inside of the little boy’s house named Daniel, it made me see that times back then were so different from times now. And there was a lot to see about the Concentration Camps and how their clothes looked and what shoes they would wear. But this tells me that people back then were different from people now. And that many people didn’t want to be in these camps, but they were forced to go to them. This trip has been a big influence on me by telling me that everyone can make a difference in life. One question I do have is : Did the President ever know about the Holocaust?

Donshay

The most fun part of coming to Washington D.C is when we went to the Holocaust Museum, because we got to see how different it was back then. We went into the little boy, Daniel’s house. They really put effort into the voices of what the children were saying, what they were making, and what they were doing. I also liked the part when we went to the White House, because we got to see the beautiful and gorgeous backyard with the pretty roses and the fresh water shooting up in the air. Another thing I enjoyed was the memorials, because it really got to me because of seeing how many soldiers died for us to have a beautiful,wonderful, and bright life and future. Thank you so much for bringing me to Washington D.C  Mr.Eckrich.

Shanell

Dear Mr. Eckrich,

I really enjoyed being in Washington D.C., especially because it was the first time I had travelled out of Missouri. So, I thought it was really exciting for me to go to Washington D.C. I also enjoyed going to the Smithsonian and also to the Holocaust Museum. I also thought it was pretty cool going to the top of the Kennedy Center. I also thought it was cool to go in front of the White House. I think going to the zoo to go see the pandas was cool. Especially, because there was a panda who looked like a panda and a raccoon put together, but the rest of them were looking normal like ordinary pandas.  Thanks for taking me on this trip, I really did learn a lot. I learned about the Holocaust and WW2, also about the people who fought in the war for us to have freedom and peace in the world. So once again thank you for taking me on this trip. I really did want to go, I really had fun, and I learned something.

Angel

Our last day in Washington D.C. The trip of a lifetime coming to a close. Yet we still had unfinished business. Our first stop was to the National Archives to see three documents that shaped this country. Those three documents are The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. The line to get into the Archives backs up because of security. The students got there an hour early and we waited out in the cold. By the time it opened, the line was around the block. The students made their way to the rotunda and waited for their turn to enter. I don’t think they knew what they were seeing until they saw the documents with their own eyes. We had talked and learned about the three documents already, but I have the feeling that somewhere in the back of their minds they thought they were only going to see copies. When they realized these were the real deal, they wanted to stand there and read them. And yes I did hear the F’s look like S’s. The students were asking the guards about the security measures (everyone has seen National Treasure). The guards told the students they no longer lower the documents at night. When pressed for more information, the guard told Jaylin, “I could tell you, but I would have to kill you.” Don’t worry, Jaylin laughed. The guard then told him, that he is not allowed to tell about the security measures.

After the Archives we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students wanted to see this museum. They had read several books dealing with the Holocaust. Those books included “The Boy in Striped Pajamas,” “Number the Stars,” and “Hana’s Suitcase.” I really don’t believe any amount of preparing could truly prepare the students for what they were going to see. The students received passports in the beginning with a Holocaust victim’s name. They had to wait till the end to find out if their person survived or perished. The students really like “Daniel’s Story” which is the Holocaust told through a child’s eyes. At the end of the exhibit the students could write postcards to Daniel. Watching them sit and carefully plan thier words and seeing them struggle with what could they say, told me they got it.

I wanted the students to take away not the goryiness of the Holocaust but the fact that horrible things can happen when you do not stand up for what is right. There was a quote near the end that I made the students read. It talked about how the Nazis came for all these different groups of people and this person did not speak up. Then when they came for him, there was no one left to speak up for him. I still have the memory of the shoes in my mind. Thousands of pairs that survived because “they were not flesh and blood.”

After that emotional time, we had to end on a happier note. So we went to the National Zoo and saw the pandas. The pandas were inside that day and they truly are amazing creatures. The students thought they looked so cuddly and had to be reminded they are wild creatures. Everyone had a smile after seeing the pandas.

Soon it was time to board the bus and head home. The students asked if we could stay through the weekend, but I need my rest. All in all it was a great trip and I was very proud of the students. Sure sometimes excitment took over and they had to be calmed down. They made me proud of not only their behavior, but also their eagerness to learn and explore. That will be what carries them to college and beyond.

It is late and the sounds of sleeping students are taking over the bus. A video is still playing, but I am still focused on the memories this trip has made for the students and for me. Next year, let’s go to a beach.

Today started like any other day. Wake up, eat, and board a bus. We started off with a trip to Ford’s Theater. On the way, we learned that all roads lead to the Capitol.  The famous theater was the site of the assination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Students sat in the theater and listened to the step-by-step description of Booth’s actions that fateful night. It is something to look to your right and see the rocking chair that President Lincoln sat in that night. Students appreciated that history was coming alive.

After Ford’s, we travelled by the National Archives but the wait was too long. So we decided to switch some events around and we headed to the White House. Donshay bought me a Lincoln hat, and insisted that I wear it. So I stood in front of the White House with a top hat on. You are never too old to get into history. The students were all hoping to get a glimpse of the President, but they were happy just standing outside of the house.

For lunch we headed to Union Station. The students all wanted McDonald’s. Some things never change. Union Station is a busy place, but then again everything in D.C. is busy. The students were great about staying together and never wondering off.

After lunch we headed to the Air and Space Museum. The students were amazed at the many artifacts and exhibits on display. They were able to see and explore the Wright Brothers’ plane, The Spirit of Saint Louis, and Amelia Earhart’s plane. They also enjoyed the exhibit on the Apollo Space Missions. We were also sure to catch Apollo 11, before catching our bus.

Click here to see what the students saw at the Air and Space Museum

Next we took a bus ride down Embassy row. The students learned that Embassy’s are technically not American soil. Several students were excited to see the Mexican Embassy. The students were also able to catch a glimpse of the Vice President’s home.

We made our way up to the Washington National Cathedral.  Students were able to learn that George Washington originally wanted a church built, but because of the idea of separation of church and state, there were no funds available. It took a long time for it to be built and was only finished recently. It is built in the Gothic style and is one of the largest churches in the world. As they were finishing it up they held a contest to design a gargoyle. Local school children all submitted their sketches and ideas. The students were amazed that the winning idea was a gargoyle of Darth Vader. So there is a gargoyle of Darth Vader on the Cathedral. May the force be with you.

We made a stop for dinner and then we headed to the Kennedy Center. We went to rooftop terrace and got to walk around and see a beuatiful view of D.C. The Kennedy Center has many free shows as a way to honor President Kennedy.

The final stop of the night was at the Jefferson Monument. I highly recommend seeing the monuments and memorials lit up at night. They are truly breathtaking.  The words that surround our third President stood out to students. “All men are created equal.”

Tomorrow is another busy day before we leave for home. I hope you have enjoyed reading about this trip. This trip was truly a labor of love for those involved. I can tell you that I don’t regret it at all.

During this trip today I learned about space. I love the rockets, they were the best. Also, I learned about the Washington National Cathedral. Darth Vader sits on top of the Cathedral as a gargoyle,  but for some reason I couldn’t see him. The main thing I liked and didn’t like was how at Ford’s Theatre. All they did was talk about how he died, and I had already read the book about that. Well, at least I got to see where he died. The last thing I liked on this trip was when we went to the Smithsonian Museum. It was very interesting to me and also fun.

- Deion Woodard

While we are in D.C. I want to tell you my favorite parts and one part of it was the Arlington Cemetery. I got to learn lots of different things like how President Kennedy had a daughter who died at birth, and how he  said that he could stay at that spot in the cemetery for eternity. And I also liked Ford’s Theater. I liked that because I got to learn how president Lincoln died. Did you know that President Lincoln died in the Peterson house and the bullet wasn’t shot directly in the head, but it went in the back of his head and through his ear. Sadly he died 16 hours later. I also learned that the chase for Booth lasted 12 days.

- Ananda Clarkson

On this wonderful trip in D.C. I learned that all the streets connect to the beautiful Capitol Building. I learned that the Pentagon was hit with an airplane on September 11,2001. Sadly 168 people died in the tragedy. At the Vietnam War Memorial I learned that there are 7 women who were all nurses and helped serve our country and their names are on the wall as well. I learned that George Washington had the idea to build the Washington National Cathedral. I also learned that the killing of Abraham Lincoln was held at the Ford’s Theater, but he didn’t die until the next day at the Peterson’s house. I have had a great experience and a lot of fun as well.

- Tierney Thomas

We Deliver Excellence

Today I saw something interesting in two museums we visited, one of them was  American History. One thing I saw there was a dress that Michelle Obama wore and it was made by a famous man named Jason Wu. The next museum I saw that was interesting was the Natural History Museum. I saw this necklace (Hope Diamond) that was made with a real diamond. The necklace was pretty and it shined a lot. The color of the diamond was blue and the little diamonds around it were the color white. We also went to Ford’s Theater where Abraham Lincoln was shot. One thing that I was wondering was that if Lincoln was sitting in his chair and the door was kept closed and it was behind the audience how did he get shot?

Then I notice he tried to sneak in and after that they took Lincoln out of the theater and the Peterson family was telling them to bring Lincoln inside of their house so  the doctor could check him, because if they took him to the White House he would not survive.  They knew that he was not going to survive, so they could not do anything about it. Well that was all I saw that was cool. I really enjoy having a cool way to learn.

- Marian

The students made a stop at the Marine Memorial which depicts the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima. They were in luck when a veteran was there and met them. The students enjoyed listening to the story of the flag raising and wanted to stay longer to listen to the real life hero. We made sure we thanked him for his service.

Click here to see Confluence students meet a veteran at the Marine Memorial. This veteran was at Iwo Jima.

After lunch at a food truck, the students tackled their second Smithsonian, The Museum of American History. I have never been to a museum that sported Michael Jackson’s hat and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat one floor apart. The students really enjoyed seeing the flag that was Francis Scott Key’s inspiration for The Star Spangled Banner. They were able to learn what the song means as the exhibit took us line by line until we saw that the flag was still there. The flag used to hang in the museum, but is so frail that it now is under dark light.  The students also enjoyed the exhibit on Lincoln. Many of the students had read “Chasing Lincoln’s Killer,” so they already knew a lot about the death of the great President. I heard “that picture was in the book” and more than one tourist’s head turned when the students started explaining about the conspirators. One tourist even questioned the students, but was left stumped when the students could answer the questions with ease.

The next museum was the Natural History Museum. The students and adults were shocked by how crowded all the museums have been. The guard said that between 40,00 and 50,000 people visit each weekday. The students made their way through the crowd to see the Hope Diamond. The blue color gem stone was truly amazing. The girls’ eyes lit up with the sparkles. We then travelled downstairs to see the dinosaurs. The students made the comments that they wish St. Louis had museums like the Smithsonian.

After dinner, the students went on an evening tour of the monuments. We first went to the Vietnam Wall. The tour guide talked about the war and asked the students to be respectful and quiet. I was again impressed by the students being the tour group that actually showed respect for the fallen or missing soldiers. More than once they gave the eye to other tour groups who could not follow directions. Maydrian was able to find his uncle on the wall. The students were shocked by how many names were on the wall.

From the Vietnam Wall, the students walked towards the Lincoln Memorial. The Larger then life depiction of the great President took my breath away. It is a great moment for a teacher when you can look at a student and see their eyes light up with wonder. I had the moment as the students looked up at the seated giant. The students looked out and stood were Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I have a dream” speech.

Even though the students were getting tired ( and cranky), we walked to Korean War Memorial. The Memorial depicts soldiers as if they were in a battlefield. With the lights shinning on them, you did get the feeling that you were watching them move through a field in real life. After Korea, the students moved to the last memorial for the night. The World War II Memorial is a truly beautiful site. It made me proud of my Grandfather and my Great-Uncles and the service that they gave to our country.

It was a long day, and 6 am will be here before we know it. Good Night!

The phone rang with a 5:00 a.m. wake up call.  Way too early, but so much to do. The students were dressed and down to breakfast by 7:00. Mr. Brown handled the waffle maker with ease as if The Waffle House was a second home to him. The students boarded the bus by 8:00 and we were ready to roll to D.C. Our hotel is in Largo, Maryland, about 20 minutes from D.C.

The first stop today was Arlington National Cemetery. The tour guide explained to the students about the expected behavior at the cemetery and also about the history of this “hallowed ground.” The students made all of their teachers proud as they were respectful and quiet as the approached the grave of President Kennedy. The eternal flame and the surroundings really do give you a feeling of pride and we are here in Washington. The students went on to see Robert and Ted Kennedy’s final resting place as well. The most emotional part of the morning came as the students watched the changing of the guard and the wreath laying at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. As Taps played, students were focused, ignoring the rain, and some even became emotional. I heard more than once how sad it was.

Click here for Hailey’s impression of Arlington Cemetery and it’s significance to her family.

Click here for Ananda’s thoughts after learning more about President Kennedy.

The students woke up to a new bus driver and the historic sites of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Before we travelled back in time through one of the most trying times in American history, we needed a big breakfast. We stopped at the Dobbin House, which was a real home during the time of the Civil War. Breakfast was not the most exciting thing the home offered tired travelers a hundred and fifty years ago. The house was part of the Underground Railroad and students were able to explore and see where slaves spent a day sleeping safely before heading to Canada.  

Next we were headed to Gettysburg Battlefield. Our tour guide boarded the bus and helped the students use their imagination as we journeyed around the battlefield. The students learned why the Union Army was able to push the Confederates away after three days of battle. After the battlefield tour the students went through the Civil War Museum. And what do you do when you have gained all that knowledge in one day? You visit the gift shop.

After loading up on Civil War souvenirs, the group boarded the bus and made the two hour drive in to D.C. Most students fell asleep, but when the tour guide made the announcement that we were in D.C., students started to wake up. The first glimpse of the Washington Monument brought smiles to faces young and old. As we drove through the streets of the capital, students saw the Lincoln Memorial, The Smithsonian Museums, and the Capitol Building.

Our first stop in D.C. was the newest Smithsonian Museum, The Museum of the American Indian. Students first learned that there was a long, hard fought court case of the name of the museum. Some wanted to name it The Museum of Native Americans. Some students were surprised to find information on tribes native to Mexico. Others looked for information on family history. Students gained an appreciation for the struggle of a culture to survive and adopt and the appreciation for the connection that Native Americans share with the Earth. Everyone walked away learning something new.

The students travelled to the mall for dinner, where everyone could find something to eat. After dinner, we headed to the hotel and went swimming for an hour. Then it was time for bed.

Students boarding the bus to D.C.

There was a mixture of excitement and nervousness as the students loaded the bus. This was not your typical school bus nor was it your typical fieldtrip. We were not headed to a local museum or park. Thirty-one students were headed to our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C.  For some it was the first time leaving home, for others it was the first time leaving the state.

The students’ excitement built with every state that we passed through. Voices on the bus could be heard saying Indiana, Ohio, and even a few stayed awake long enough to yell out Pennsylvania. Other roadside attractions that caught students’ attention were cows and horses. The smiles on the faces mashed against the windows could explain every emotion the students were feeling. I even caught the bug, transforming into a 12 year old when they would call my name to tell me what they saw outside.

We Deliver Excellence