WOODBURY – For many middle schools throughout the east coast, a tradition, a field trip to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., is an annual event. The trip transports students and their teachers to the wonders and historical scenes of D.C., teaching students about the history of their country.
The tradition of going to D.C at Woodbury Middle School has recently come to a stop, with the last trip embarking in 2019 and never returning. From 2020-2024 there were no recorded out of state trips like the D.C trip.
The decision to cancel and not return to the nation’s capital came as a surprise to students and families.
William Nemec Woodbury Middle School’s principal shares his decision on why the trip wasn’t continued.
“The Washington, D.C. trip was initially discontinued due to the impact of COVID-19. As schools began to reinstate travel, we carefully considered whether to return to DC,” says Nemec.
Following the district’s decision, many students were saddened at the fact that the trip’s long legacy would be cut short by the pandemic.
“I think it was pretty unfair that COVID was one of the reasons we didn’t go on the D.C. trip,” says Olivia Penrosa, freshman at Nonnewaug High School. “Everyone was really hoping for it to come back.”
Even though some students were unhappy about missing the chance to visit Washington D.C., others believe a replacement trip would still be enjoyable.
Beginning with last year’s 8th grade class, a replacement for the longstanding trip to D.C. was replaced with a day trip to Boston.
“The Boston trip was a great experience for our students and staff; thanks to its rich history and the many interesting places they could visit in a single day,” says Adam Brutting, WMS English teacher for eighth graders at WMS who also precipitated in going on the trip in April of 2026. “Students and staff really enjoyed Quincy Market, Fenway Park, and the New England Aquarium.”
While the Washington D.C trip may be gone for now, many students and staff members hope the replacement trip will create new memories and traditions for future eighth graders classes at Woodbury Middle School.
Although students enjoy this Boston experience, many students still reminisce about trips to the capital.
Hailey Lavallee, current 9th grader at Nonnewaug High School attended the Washington D.C trip during her eighth grade year at Memorial Middle School in Middlebury.
Lavallee shares her view on the overnight aspect of the trip and how it can be the key factor to the trip being as memorable as it was.
“I feel like we had more opportunities to go places and learn about Washington D.C. throughout the day by staying overnight,” says Lavallee.
The Boston trip is a one day event, transporting students there and back in a day. Students are left wondering: why isn’t the trip overnight?
“Logistically, a one-day trip is more manageable for both students and staff,” says Nemec. “Teachers have told us that shorter trips are better with their family commitments, and families appreciate a more affordable option.”
Even though a tradition has ended, the Boston trip is a great new addition for students to explore new cities and their countries history as well as have fun with their classmates outside of learning.
Woodbury Middle School can not wait to continue this tradition for years to come.
“I really enjoyed the Boston trip when I went last year,” says Collin Humowitz, 9th grader at NHS who participated in last year’s trip. “I would definitely go again and hopefully the people who are in 8th grade like it as well.”
