day 9: reflections

Ms. Bailey Filkoski writes our travel journal entry for Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Sunday

Our final day together started at 8:15 when our driver arrived. After loading up our bags and checking out of the hotel, we started the one-hour commute to Charles de Gaulle airport. 

We went through baggage drop-off and security without a hitch and had plenty of time to wait at our gate. The boys went off to find their lunches and we eventually made our way to the other end of the terminal after a gate change.

The flight was long. I always seem to forget that the return from Europe adds at least another hour and a half due to fighting the jet stream. Despite that, we managed to stay entertained and rest. This group of young men has been such a pleasure to chaperone and each one is an excellent traveller. They made my job as easy as it could be during both our travel days and the trip itself.

At Dulles, the customs line seemed unmoving. We eventually made our way to the front of the line and got to baggage claim. Silas, Liam, and Benjamin had gone ahead to drop their bags and pass through security for their next flights. Families were waiting to collect Cole, Kenny, Laurie, and George.

Mr. Mickelberry was waiting to take me to Woodberry. He kept me awake with tales of his former career as a presidential photographer, boasting 138,000+ rolls of film over three presidencies! Some of the most interesting people work at Woodberry.

I drove straight from Woodberry to Fredericksburg, waiting to see Rooney, the Naughtiest Dog Who Ever Lived. Okay, not really, but he ran away after slipping out of his collar, out on the lam for two days. My family kindly agreed not to tell me until I returned or he came home, whichever would happen first, sparing me additional stress while responsible for seven minors abroad. He was captured Friday night around bedtime following many neighborhood sightings downtown. While I sat in the Jardin des Tuileries Saturday afternoon, I heard about his big adventure over a video call. I give my unending thanks to Return 2 Home of Fredericksburg and to my family for their trying and successful efforts in getting him back. Being a classroom dog, the boys know him well and were as surprised as I was by the whole situation, even more so at the fact that my family was able to find him. I see a GPS tracker in his future...

Reflections

I've had the last couple of days to reflect. I accompanied Mr. Mills to the Galapagos last summer, but this was my first time planning and leading a trip. What an experience it was! I am extra grateful for our group. The boys made this seamless in every way they could. I could not have asked for a more helpful co-director. Thanks so much to Ms. Kimball for immediately being willing to accompany boys to the doctor along with everything else she did over the week.

As their French teacher, I loved when the boys excitedly pointed out hearing or seeing things from class units. They made quick progress and became comfortable interacting in French more quickly than I imagined. Ms. Kimball and I really loved getting to know the boys on a deeper level.

We found that Laurie is adventurous, both in trying foods and in speaking French to strangers. He is hereby dubbed the most likely to haggle in French at the market.

George does not love all foods but is willing to try a bite of most to double check--he really likes bacon-wrapped green beans. Unrelated to eating veggies, he wins the superlative of most harmlessly mischievous.

 Silas is curious and has to touch everything (permitted) during a tour. He is most likely to be asleep in the back of the bus.

 John is reserved, but an eager participant in all things. He wins most likely to try answer questions during guided tours.

Cole is as studious in the real world as he is in the classroom, furiously writing down any and all new words. He is most likely to keep the group up until 3:00 a.m. watching TikToks (IYKYK). In all seriousness, he wins most likely to eat a block of cheese by himself.

Kenny is a gifter and found his loved ones so many interesting souvenirs. I name him most likely to take a picture wherever the group goes.

Benjamin is a pure foodie and tried something different at every meal. He wins most improved at ordering food in French. He also wins most likely to believe George and Laurie telling him to be ready at incorrect times.

Liam is an experienced traveller and did well for not having studied French before the trip. He wins most likely to order a UK-based dish at a French restaurant. 

Ms. Kimball wins most likely to win Timeline. She knows too much about statistics.