About Mrs. Stella

Student Travel Program Leader

I have taught American history at Doty Middle School since 1988 and have served as the History Department Chairperson for more than 30 years. I currently share the department chair position with my colleague, Mrs. Kathleen Carter.

American History is my passion!  Teaching 8th-grade American history is my calling. Back in the day when I was an 8th grader, I did not find the subject of history interesting or relevant to my life.  That all changed through teaching 8th graders that history is alive; it’s a STORY of our lives! “History, when done right, is good entertainment.”  From the beginning of my career, I longed to be able to take my students to the places they had learned about in the classroom – to see where history actually happened!  I wanted them to learn about history beyond the classroom. The opportunity to become Doty's next program leader was presented to me in 2000.  How could I resist?  With that said, Doty Middle School has been coordinating trips to Washington D.C. with World Strides since 1984 and I am grateful to carry on the tradition.  What I thought would be a one-time, one-trip opportunity, has turned out to be a 20+ year mission of leading this historical adventure! 

A Brief Introduction to the Trip . . .

This is a trip for 8th graders only, who are currently enrolled at Doty Middle School.  The trip price includes airfare, hotels, meals, admission to all sites, a course leader (tour guide), and chartered bus service to and from LAX and in Washington D.C.  Other costs, not included (i.e. tip, spending money…) will be discussed at the parent meeting on September 5 @ 8:10 p.m. in the cafeteria.  

Safety is our #1 priority!  World Strides provides hotel security on our hotel floor(s) from 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.  As an extra safety measure, we provide a 1:10 adult/student ratio.

You may register online at worldstrides.org (use trip i.d. #215451) or you may call World Strides' customer service at (800) 468-5899.  The cost of the trip may be paid in full at the time of registration, or in payments that World Strides’ customer service will arrange with you.  The balance must be paid, in full, no later than March 26, 2025.

If you have any questions, please email me at astella@dusd.net.

There will be a parent meeting on Thursday, September 5  

@ 8:10 p.m. in the school cafeteria.