Day four in Washington, D.C. has left us as breath-taken (and out of breath!).  We split up into several groups throughout the day to accommodate the desired activities of the students.  A few students began their day with Mr. Taylor in the Dirkson Senate Office Building, where we had donuts and coffee with Kay Hagan’s staff, and had the pleasure of meeting Senator Hagan herself.  One group went the Smithsonian Museum of American History with Mrs. Calhoun and Mrs. Thompson.  Another larger group waited outside the Supreme Court building with Mr. Swart in the cold wind and rain for 2 hours (yikes!) but to no avail.  Unfortunately, the cases being presented today were very popular and the group was unable to attend a session.  Sad, tired, wet and miserable, they retired to the National Gallery of Art, where we all met up again for lunch in the cafeteria there.  After lunch, we toured the Art Gallery.  Some students wanted to remain at the National Gallery of Art for a longer period of time with Mrs. Calhoun, so Mr. Taylor took a group of students to the National Archives Gallery, where they were able to view the original documents of freedom: The U.S. Constitution, The Magna Carta, and The Declaration of Independence.  Unfortunately, the main exhibit was not in operation due to technical difficulties, so the group left a bit early and adventured on the streets for a bit.  Mr. Taylor’s group decided to walk to the White House and take a peek at what we would be touring in the morning.  Along the way, some students were able to visit with the “Occupy Wall Street” protestors (who have been camped in the city since October) and ask them questions about why the protestors were there and what they were hoping to accomplish.  Mrs. Thompson took a group of students to the U.S. Botanical Gardens, where students were able to view beautiful horticultural exhibits.  Then, all the groups met up near the White House at the famous Old Ebbit’s Grill, where we all enjoyed fine dining, presidential-style!  Then, we made a quick stop to see The White House lit up at night, then back to the hotel for the evening.  We just made it back to the hotel, and we are exhausted!  The agenda for tomorrow: Old Post Office building, then a tour of The White House, then we will be homeward bound. Expecting to arrive at Oakwood around 7 p.m. tomorrow evening.  Stay tuned for the final post tomorrow night!

Another wonderful day here in Washington!!  Today we began by taking a tour of our nation’s Capitol building, where we learned about how Congress was formed, where they met, and how they operate.  We also were able to observe the Senate in session, where we heard a Texas Senator make a statement in favor of drilling oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.  After lunch, we visited the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the freedom of speech and press, where we learned about the history of the media to the present age.  We were also able to observe a piece of the Berlin Wall, as well as the news antenna that was atop the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  Then we observed the fine arts as we watched the Montgomery County Youth Chorus and the Graham Road Percussion Ensemble at the Kennedy Center.  Lastly, each chaperone took a group of students to their choice of fine dining in Georgetown: Italian, Japanese, French or American.  The kids are abounding with stories of fun during their dinner meal.  Another day wraps up and we are looking forward to a full day tomorrow as we go to the Smithsonian Museum of Art, have coffee with Senator Kay Hagan, observe the Supreme Court in action, view the National Archives and much more.  Be sure to check out our blog tomorrow evening for details of Day 4!

Our second day in Washington proved to be extremely eventful.  We began our day on a somber note as we visited the Holocaust Museum, a world-class museum giving insight to one of history’s greatest tragedies.  Afterward, we ate lunch at the Capitol Visitor Center Cafeteria, where we received a “taste” of what is to come in greater detail tomorrow (we have a full tour planned!).  We also visited Ford’s Theater and viewed up close where President Lincoln was shot.  Then we visited the Peterson House where President Lincoln passed away after the tragedy.  Then we went ice skating in the Sculpture Garden off of Constitution Avenue.  After a few falls and some fancy footwork, we proceeded to The Union Station, ate dinner and shopped.

We are going to bed now, preparing for another busy day tomorrow beginning in the Capitol Building.  More to come tomorrow night!

The adventure began this morning at 8:30 as the bus pulled out of Oakwood School!  We arrived in the Washington, D.C. area around 1:30 p.m. and checked into our hotel.  Then we went strolling on the National Mall, where we visited the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, WWII Memorial, the Washington Monument (and the White House from a distance).  Afterwards, we all went to enjoy some food at Johnny Rocket’s and Five Guys in Georgetown.  After we all filled our bellies with great food, we went shopping in the Georgetown shops.  I think the most memorable moment of the day was when Will Cook and others helped an elderly lady support herself on the Metro when no seats were available.  We were so proud of him!

There sure are a lot of red eyes in the bunch now.  I think the kids will sleep well tonight!  Tomorrow:  Library of Congress, Ice Skating, Holocaust Museum, Union Station, and Ford’s Theater.  Check out some of the pictures we took today! Next update tomorrow night!

The excitement was palpable today at school as the 8th grade students were gearing up for a fantastic trip to Washington, D.C.!  The students will have the opportunity to explore the heart and soul of U.S. government and history firsthand by touring the Capitol Building, The White House, and the Library of Congress, visiting several museums, including the National Gallery of Art and the Holocaust Museum, meeting our Democratic Senator Kay Hagan, Ice skating at the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, Shopping in Georgetown, and numerous other activities!  Be sure to follow our blog each day to see pictures and read descriptions of the students’ experiences throughout our journey.

A few notes of reminder:

We will be meeting by the Lower School on Sunday, February 26 at 8:15 a.m.  The bus will be departing at 8:30 a.m.

Be sure to double check the packing list, and make sure you have packed all the essentials, including medicine, money and warm clothes.  Don’t forget your umbrellas in case it rains!  The adventure will continue regardless of weather.

If you have any concerns during the trip, please feel free to call the chaperones at any time.  We will keep our cellular phones with us and will be happy to give you updates on our progress.  The phone numbers for each chaperone are on the Chaperone phone number lists already provided to you.

We are looking forward to a fun and fantastic learning experience this year!  More information will be posted Sunday evening from Washington, D.C.!