Today our class went on an exploratory expedition to our nation's capital! First, we went to the African American History and Culture Museum. We were risk takers, and opened our minds to African American cultural identity and sensitive history. Then, we went to the Air and Space Museum (YAY!). We saw airplanes and Nia almost exploded with joy on the ride there. Other students were not as impressed, but still were fascinated by the evolution and engineering that aerospace technology has gone through. 

After making our way through the sweltering heat and tempting Boba trucks, 🧋the class finally made it to the bus. The humid enviroment was evident when you could spot sweat on our peer's brows, also when after driving a few minutes with the AC blasting the bus broke down at the side of the road and could not start up again. (I guess it was over heated too!) Sitting on the heated pavement, we were overjoyed when the guides provided ice cream. The amazing and satisfying ice cream gave us strength to stay calm. All of us were suprisingly "cow like" and our leaders were very proud that we endured without complaints! Finally, after the new buses arrived we made it home for a hearty spaghetti dinner. (❤️ YAY!)

Working on a reasonably full night's sleep today (7 hrs rather than 3.5) everyone was feeling much better and ready to dig into some difficult topics. We spent our day at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and our tour focused on the Abolitionist movement in Maryland. With clear minds and brave hearts our students absolutely "wowed" our guide, Phyllis, with their ability to confront the horrible realities of that time period and discuss difficult topics most people would choose to forget or gloss over. I could not have been more proud of them!!!! One of the focuses was the power of words and how the labels for various people (slave vs enslaved person, owner vs enslaver, fugitive vs freedom seeker) are used to create a system of power and control. I urge you to ask your student about the discussion; there's simply no way I could do it justice here. 

During lunch we sampled the local culture and cuisine with a tasting of crab cakes, then it was off for a boat tour of the historic sites of the Miles river; a very leisurely cruise where we learned about the history of the area and the we all enjoyed refreshingly cold mocktails. Ahoy!

Our last bit of preparation is complete, the pack check. If your student had something they needed to get into their bag please help them get those items packed so they are fully prepared for anything that comes our way out east. I have to say, however, excitement seemed high and there was a feeling of "let's go already!" in the air all day. A very good sign. Have a a great Saturday and we'll see everyone at the airport at 11AM on Sunday!! WooHooo!

It's hard to believe that our trip to East Lake (and what a fantastic trip it was!) was 9 months ago! And in that time this group has shared moments of struggle and moments of triumph. To the benefit of all. So as we near our departure we, the incredible leadership team of Ms. Royes, Ms. Fridae, and Mr O'Brien, have been going over final preparations with the kids in terms of behavior, setting goals, and being emotionally and logistically ready for what we're about to do. As usual, this group has responded with enthusiasm and excitement! I can't wait to see them in action on the east coast!

And as we near Sunday, June 1st be sure you're watching email for any last minute updates or reminders. You've no doubt received some already but feel free to reach out if you still have any questions. With that I bid you, farewell for now. See you at the airport in a couple weeks!