Field trips have been a point of debate among Explore students and staff. Some say that they are not evenly divided among the grades, and others say that the current and previous field trips are enough. But, what do Explore students really think about field trips, and what is the student council doing to represent these thoughts?

While it’s true that each student has different ideas about the field trips, Explore students throughout grades 7 and 8 generally hold a similar belief: field trips could be better. One of the main reasons behind this is that the quality of field trips doesn’t match up with the amount that was advertised and is drastically different among grades. Seventh grader Melody Andes-Phillips says, “I do think that they’re trying, and I understand that there is an entire process in order to get them and whatnot, however, I believe that they can do better.” 

Some 6th graders share these thoughts as well. 6th grader Zoey Cameron concurs, saying “I think seventh grade is getting the least, and eighth. I think sixth graders are getting a lot more.”

The second point of contention is the quality of field trips. Many 8th graders have expressed disappointment in the recent field trip to an indoor mushroom farm. While these thoughts are mostly shared by the 8th grade, 7th-grade students thought somewhat positively about their recent field trip to the Morris Museum on February 9. Contrary to most other grades' opinions, 6th graders have expressed that they are very content with their field trips, namely field trips to iFLY. 

On the part of the student council, many representatives are asking for time. Many say that they have a process that must be followed and have asked for more field trip suggestions. Vice President Michelle Ramnath said, “Students send us suggestions, please help us with suggestions.” 

Others reminded the student body that they are not all-powerful. President Dmitri Sobolev said, “We don’t have much of a say about this.” 

The administration echoes the statements of the student council, adding that students should feel grateful for the field trips they have and that they encourage positivity on the topic of field trips. Ms. Lauren Norcia, Advisor, stated “We have a lot more planned for the rest of the school year.", encouraging students to take on a more positive attitude about the field trip situation.

Field trips seem like quite a polarizing topic here at EMS. But, with the promise of a future full of field trips, students will hopefully have a positive experience with field trips.