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Show School Trip in Jeopardy The deadline for the eighth grade trip to Washington D.C. came and went with only seven students turning in the $50 deposit for the $825 trip. The school board had given middle school principal Brian Schiller the go ahead to send letters home to parents in hopes that at least thirty students would take advantage advan-tage of the "educational opportunity." Board members Gary Avise and Susie Williams had expressed deep concern over the impacts on those students stu-dents unable to go on the trip, especially if they couldn't afford it. They agreed, however, to let students and parents respond re-spond to the idea since the board felt unanimously that the trip was a unique opportunity for students. In a memo to the school superintendent, Schiller said the Carl Winters Middle School faculty was disappointed disap-pointed by the poor response "but not discouraged." He listed the cost as the main reason for the response even though the trip was extended for one day and reduced by $75. Other interested students stu-dents listed alternative trips with their families to either Washington D.C. or other places as their reasons for not participating in the program. The board didn't take any specific action on the report . though Schiller indicated the faculty still supports the trip and thinks it should proceed .for the seven students who are willing and able to make the commitment of time and money. He indicated the faculty was concerned that cancelling the trip would affect future trip plans. '"It is the opinion of the middle school faculty that elimination of this year's trip because of the low level of participation would effectively effective-ly preclude opportunities for an eighth grade travel program in future years. We will, however, thoroughly evaluate this year's program before making any decision about whether such a program pro-gram would be offered next year," said Schiller. The faculty had at one time, considered possible trip alternatives al-ternatives at less cost to students as the backup for the Washington trip but apparently no decisions have been made. |