MRHS In DC!
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DescriptionAn article overviewing the MRHS's trip to DC.
MessageCivics in action!
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Monomoy WritesIntroductionFrom December 10th to 13th, thirteen students from Monomoy Regional High School’s AP US Government class, accompanied by chaperones John Dickson and Emily Milan, embarked on an immersive four-day field trip to Washington, D.C. The expedition offered firsthand experiences with national landmarks, institutions, and government operations, bringing their studies to life.
Day 1The journey began bright and early on Sunday, November 10th, with a 4 a.m. meeting at MRHS. After a JetBlue flight from Logan Airport, the group arrived in D.C. and checked into the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol, located just steps from the National Mall.
Their first stop was the National Air & Space Museum, where students explored exhibits on aviation and space exploration. There, beautiful murals and real artifacts, ranging from burnt-up engines to Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, laid out for millions to shuffle through and see, all the images below—except the Sounds Of Earth disc, which was in the Library Of Congress—capturing these timeless pieces of history.
Their first stop was the National Air & Space Museum, where students explored exhibits on aviation and space exploration. There, beautiful murals and real artifacts, ranging from burnt-up engines to Neil Armstrong's spacesuit, laid out for millions to shuffle through and see, all the images below—except the Sounds Of Earth disc, which was in the Library Of Congress—capturing these timeless pieces of history.
After, they visited the National Museum Of African American History & Culture, gaining a deep appreciation for the profound stories and contributions of African Americans throughout history. The museum delves into almost 500 years of history, starting from the moment the first slaves were brought to the New World, and leading all the way up to the presidency of Barack Obama and the Black Lives Matter movement. It was quite a powerful experience, and paired with the prior museum, the MRHS students truly became immersed in both the beauty and pitfalls of humanity.
With such a packed day coming to a close, they wrapped up with dinner and quickly settled into their hotel for some well-earned rest.
With such a packed day coming to a close, they wrapped up with dinner and quickly settled into their hotel for some well-earned rest.
Day 2Monday began with breakfast, followed by a trip to Arlington National Cemetery for the Veterans Day Ceremony. Witnessing the solemn event offered students a unique opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served the nation, while also getting the unique experience of hearing President Biden speak.
Following the event, they went through the cemetery, visiting important graves like those of the Kennedys. The group then grabbed lunch from food trucks on the National Mall, some deciding to also explore more Smithsonian museums during the afternoon.
As night fell, they enjoyed a walking tour of D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials, illuminated beautifully against the night sky. Dinner at Busboys & Poets, a popular restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, followed after a miles-long walk, the group arriving just a mere hour before closing.
Following the event, they went through the cemetery, visiting important graves like those of the Kennedys. The group then grabbed lunch from food trucks on the National Mall, some deciding to also explore more Smithsonian museums during the afternoon.
As night fell, they enjoyed a walking tour of D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials, illuminated beautifully against the night sky. Dinner at Busboys & Poets, a popular restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, followed after a miles-long walk, the group arriving just a mere hour before closing.
Day 3Tuesday was all about the inner workings of government. At noon, a tour of The White House was set upon, offering a rare glimpse into the executive branch.
Lunch at the Senate cafeteria and a visit to a Senate session gave students insight into the legislative process. They also toured The Capitol and met with Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, rounding out a day rich in civic engagement.
A short Metro ride from Union Station led to the chance to watch a George Washington University basketball game, adding a fun twist to their educational adventures.
Lunch at the Senate cafeteria and a visit to a Senate session gave students insight into the legislative process. They also toured The Capitol and met with Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, rounding out a day rich in civic engagement.
A short Metro ride from Union Station led to the chance to watch a George Washington University basketball game, adding a fun twist to their educational adventures.
Day 4On their final day, the group delved into a variety of potential activities, including a listen-in on a Supreme Court oral argument. After checking out of the hotel, students embarked on a tour of the Pentagon, learning about its vital role in national defense. A super late lunch at Crystal City Mall provided a last taste of D.C. before heading to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for their return flight, arriving back in Harwich at 10:00 p.m.
ConclusionAP Gov.'s D.C. field trip was a resounding success, offering students an unforgettable experience that brought their classroom learning to life. From engaging with history at museums to witnessing government in action, the trip deepened students’ understanding of American institutions and inspired them to think critically about civic life. They returned home with new perspectives, with new ways of seeing the bureaucracy and beauty of democracy, the class carrying the excitement and lessons from their journey back to Monomoy!
Thank you so much to chaperones Mr. Dickson and Mrs. Milan, alongside Monomoy Regional High School and the district's school committee, for allowing such an important trip to happen.
ConclusionAP Gov.'s D.C. field trip was a resounding success, offering students an unforgettable experience that brought their classroom learning to life. From engaging with history at museums to witnessing government in action, the trip deepened students’ understanding of American institutions and inspired them to think critically about civic life. They returned home with new perspectives, with new ways of seeing the bureaucracy and beauty of democracy, the class carrying the excitement and lessons from their journey back to Monomoy!
Thank you so much to chaperones Mr. Dickson and Mrs. Milan, alongside Monomoy Regional High School and the district's school committee, for allowing such an important trip to happen.
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