PB to D.C. 2020
Arrangements are being made by social studies department head, Melinda Moncier of Poplar Bluff Junior High, to host her 15th annual eighth grade class trip to Washington, D.C. following the 2019/20 school year.
An informational meeting for parents will be held in the gymnasium at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, during which a video will be shown detailing the itinerary of the optional field trip, and fundraising activities to help offset travel costs for students will be outlined.
“I try to hit as many places that we study as possible,” said Moncier, who serves as program leader and will be accompanied by chaperones, Jennifer Nicolini, who teaches exploring careers, and math instructor Chris Wheat. “In eighth grade is when we start to learn in-depth about American history, beginning with early Native Americans and we work our way up.”
Historical sightseeing of the metropolitan area has included Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Monticello, Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Washington Monument, Smithsonian, the White House and more.
“We go to the shores of the James River, where our country began. We walk across the lawn at Mount Vernon where George Washington lived,” Moncier explained. “We’ve visited Civil War battle sites. Last year students got to see artifacts from the 1600s and participate in an archeological dig.”
Before Moncier took over organization of the trip in 2005, retired faculty member Kathy Beck was in charge of the PBJHS tradition. Besides serving as the foundation for many history lessons, Moncier said the most rewarding part about visiting the U.S. capital is creating meaningful memories with her students, many of whom have kept in touch long afterward.
The educational tour through WorldStrides travel agency is scheduled to take place from Tuesday through Saturday, May 26-30, prior to summer school. Parents may register their student(s) by attending the voluntary meeting this week, or email [email protected].
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Cutline: (From left) Chris Wheat, Jenn Nicolini and Melinda Moncier of PBJHS pose in front of the D.C. wall, which includes group photos from the past 14 years.