Students from Medfield’s Blake Middle School Take Trip to Washington, Learning About U.S. History, Civics and the Federal Government

Eighth-grade students from Thomas Blake Middle School in Medfield took a trip to Washington, D.C., visiting monuments, museums, and other sites, joining together for a group photo on the steps of the United States Capitol. (Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)

MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey J. Marsden and Principal Nat Vaughn are proud to share that 190 eighth-grade students from Thomas Blake Middle School recently embarked on a four-day round-trip to Washington, D.C., providing them with an educational experience focused on U.S. history, civics, and the federal government.

The trip took place from May 20 to 23, with four buses departing from Medfield. The buses first stopped in New York City to visit the 9/11 Memorial, the World Trade Center, and Liberty Island. The group then took a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.

After arriving at a hotel in Washington, the group split up on Day 2, with two buses heading to Arlington National Cemetery and Iwo Jima, while the other two buses visited the National Zoo and the Washington National Cathedral. Following lunch, two buses of Blake students visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, while the other two visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. All the students then toured the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials before having dinner and heading back to the hotel.

On Day 3, two buses of students began the day at Arlington National Cemetery, where they visited gravesites, the Eternal Flame, and observed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, before proceeding to the Iwo Jima Memorial. The other two buses started their day by visiting the National Zoo and National Cathedral and then the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, before making it to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. All the Blake students then visited the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial, as well as the Tidal Basin, to see the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. They then capped the day off with dinner at the Pentagon City Mall.

On the fourth day, the students and their chaperones concluded their Washington experience. They returned home, encouraged to reflect on what they had learned about Washington and its role in American government, history, and society.

Superintendent Marsden and Principal Vaughn congratulated all the participating students, teachers, and chaperones on a successful trip to the nation’s capital, which provided an invaluable learning experience for the eighth graders who made the journey.

“This trip was an authentic learning experience for all of our participating eighth graders, and it’s something they will never forget,” Principal Vaughn said. “The students were wonderful, engaged, and helpful throughout the entire trip. It was truly a special event for our students, and we would like to thank the Medfield Lions and Medfield American Legion Post 110 for their help in making it all possible. I’d also like to thank Superintendent Marsden and our School Committee for their constant support.”

“We’re grateful that this Washington trip provided our students with a unique opportunity to grow, develop, and learn,” Superintendent Marsden said. “Thank you to all the chaperones, all those from the community that supported this, and our amazing students for making this such a great experience for everyone involved.”

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Thomas Blake Middle School made a stop at the Washington Monument during their trip to the nation’s capital in late May. (Medfield Public Schools)

A total of 190 eighth-grade students from Thomas Blake Middle School recently embarked on a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., and back, providing them with an educational experience focused on U.S. history, civics, and the federal government. (Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)

The Washington National Cathedral was among the many sites in the nation’s capital visited by students from Thomas Blake Middle School. (Medfield Public Schools)

 Thomas Blake Middle School students spent time at the Washington National Cathedral during their trip to Washington, posing together for a photograph at the site. (Medfield Public Schools)

 Thomas Blake Middle School students stood amid the statues at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. (Medfield Public Schools)

The Korean War Memorial was among the many sites in the nation’s capital visited by Thomas Blake Middle School students. (Medfield Public Schools)

Thomas Blake Middle School students observed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Medfield Public Schools)

Before arriving in Washington, Thomas Blake Middle School students spent their first day of their trip in New York City, visiting Liberty Island, taking the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. (Medfield Public Schools)