Day #5 2016 Washington DC trip

Im not quite sure what we did to deserve it but we had yet another beautiful spring day to explore our nations Capitol.   We started out our day at the National Zoo and then visited the museum of Natural History.  Of course the Panda bears were the biggest draw at the zoo,  especially with the girls.

But the highlight of the day was our visit to Arlington National Cemetery.  Four of our students did a wonderful job representing St. Luke's by participating in the changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier. What an impressive ceremony to witness.

After the ceremony we visited the memorial dedicated the loss of the space shuttle's Columbia and Challenger.  We also made a stop and the memorial dedicated the men lost on the US battleship Maine.  The Maine was sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898 and provided the spark that forced the United States to declare war on Spain.  "Remember the Maine" was the rally cry of the day.

Then we walked over to the Arlington house which sets atop the hill overlooking the cemetery.  On the way we stopped at the grave of one particular solider, the " drummer boy from Chickamauga",  that rested near the apex of the hill.  His name was John Clem and Mr. Glanzer told his incredible story.   When you get a chance ask your kids about him.

We spent some time at the Arlington house which before the war was the home of Robert E. Lee.  Then we started walking down the hill and made a brief visit to the Kennedy family grave.

Once again our children were wonderful.   They were respectful, engaged in what was going on around them and truly a pleasure to be around.  As you walk through the cemetery and look out over the uniform rows of gravestones the seem to extend to the horizon.  It helps give some perspective of the incredible sacrifice given by so many for our country.  I think our kids understand that sacrifice as well.

Day #4 2016 Washington DC trip

Wow,  what an incredible day!  Near perfect weather and a unique day for our students and the St. Luke's Lutheran school community!

We started out the day with a visit to the Martin Luther King Memorial.   Several of our 8th grades  did a great job taking turns reading Dr. Kings famous "I Have a Dream" speech to the rest of the students.  Then they spent some time exploring the memorial reading some some of Dr. Kings famous quotes that are engraved along the back wall of the memorial.

Our next stop,  the FDR Memorial, Mr. Glanzer challenged our students to identify the symbolism incorporated into the design of the memorial.   For me it was not the most "awe inspiring" but definitely  the most interesting.  Divided into four sections, or rooms, each was designed to represent the unique challenges our nation faced during each of his four terms in office.  Then on to the Jefferson Memorial.

We had a unique opportunity to visit the Jefferson Memorial on Thomas Jefferson's 273rd birthday!   Mr. Glanzer gathered the students, as he typically does at each stop, to share a his knowledge of the history of the memorial and Thomas Jefferson before they set off to explore on their own.   I look
around at the students each time he gathers them to explain what they are about to experience.  They
truly respect Mr. Glanzer and they hang on every word he has to say.  We are blessed that our children have Mr. Glanzer as one of their teachers and one of their role models.  Next stop was a "whirl wind" visit to the National Gallery of Art.

And now the best part...

The 65th Infantry Regiment,  the  Borinqueneers, were a segregated unit of Puerto Rican Soldiers that severed in World War II and most notably Korea.   After many long years of struggling to be recognized for there heroic involvement in Korea, today (April 13th), was the conclusion to that struggle.  They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our nations highest civilian honor, in a ceremony at the Capitol that was attended personally by eight of our 8th graders.

Im sure most of you know, thanks to Senora Ford,  that the Borinqueneers and their unique history have become part of our students educational experience.  During National Lutheran Schools week
this past year our students raised over $4000 during the "penny wars" to assist each member of the
Borinqueneers to obtain a bronze replica of their Congressional Gold medal.  The original gold medal will reside in the National Archives.  That effort by our St. Luke's students was recognized by Senator Rubio during the ceremony!   Thats right,  St. Luke's Lutheran School,  mentioned not once,  but twice during a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the Capitol building.  And our 8th graders were their to witness that event.

Unfortunately not all of the students were able to attend the actual ceremony.  The remainder of the students watched a live feed of the ceremony along with the others that that could not attend. After the ceremony Senator Rubio made a trip over from the Capitol to visit and speak with our students and the others.  The kids were very excited.

And wait,  theres more!!

After the ceremony we boarded the buses for a short trip to the National Cathedral for the Evensong.     For me,  it was literally jaw dropping when you first walk into the cathedral.  What an amazing and majestic place.  We attended the evening service along with another school group then we headed of to dinner.


Our last stop of the day was the Marine Corp War Memorial.  Its a sculpture depicting that iconic image of six US Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima.    Unfortunately, at the time of the photograph the battle for the Island was not over and three of the six flag raisers were killed during subsequent battles over the coming days and weeks.   What an impressive monument.

As alway,  our children represented St. Luke's well on day #3 of our trip.  What a great group of kids.  We have allot to be thankful for.

Day#3 2016 Washington DC trip

Click this Link to see more pictures.

The day started off a little rainy as we loaded the busses to head over to the Newseum.  The Newseum is a museum dedicated to the history of reporting and news events.   A whole lot to see in the very short time we had to visit.   The highlights included a exhibit dedicated to 911 and a section of the actual Berlin wall.  The kids seemed to really enjoy the visit.

After lunch the weather started to clear as we "Glansercised" from the Newseum up to the Capitol building.   For those that don't know,  Glanzercising is a term the kids coined to refer to the abnormally brisk pace one must maintain in order to keep up with Mr. Glanzer along the streets of DC (see photo below).  The artwork and architecture of the Capitol building was  truly impressive.  Our tour guide made it a point to comment on how well behaved and engaged our kids were during the tour.

Next up was the Library of Congress.  This is where the chaperons got a little break and the 8th grade teachers took the students for a tour of the Library of Congress.  The chaperons were able to take a "self guided" tour as they searched for coffee and tried to avoid getting in trouble.  The below photo was pulled from a Capitol police security camera.   (Just kidding of course)

When we left the Library of Congress the sun was shinning bright and the weather and scenery were beautiful as we walked to the National Archives and then to the Museum of American History.  At the National Archives we were able to see two of our nations most treasured documents,  the Declaration of Independence and Constitution (I heard Mrs. Collins took some really good pictures of each,  be sure to ask her about them next time you see her).  The highlight of the Museum of American History was the actual flag that inspired the poem written by Francis Scott Key that later became our national anthem.

After our pizza party at Armando's it was time to visit some of the memorials.  The first stop was the Vietnam Memorial where the kids searched the wall for the name of the soldier they chose to research. They etched the soldiers name with a pencil onto a piece of paper and left the personal thank you letters they wrote to them a few weeks earlier in Mrs. Hakimipours class.

Then we visited the Lincoln and Korean War memorials.  With everyone truly exhausted we boarded the busses and headed back to the Hotel.

All in all it was a great day with great kids, teachers, parents and one great pastor.

Day#2 2016 Washington DC Trip

Having breakfast and getting ready for a full day at the Udvar Hazy Center, American History Museum and Holocaust Museum.  We will finish the day at Ford's Theater where we will see 110 in the Shade.

Just leaving the Udvar Hazy Aviation musuem.   The kids were able to see the Enola Gay, space shuttle Discovery as well as a lot of other amazing aircraft.   Amazing mueseum and awesome experience.

Next we visited the World War II memorial.  Mr. Glanzer shared some very interesting facts and history about WWII and the memorial.  Ask you kid about the phrase "Kilroy was here" when they
get home.

 

Then a brisk walk past the White House and on to the Holocaust Memorial.

The kids had the privilege to listen to a powerful introduction by one of the staff before entering the memorial.   They learned how it's their responsibility to insure something as awful as the Holocaust never happens again.

We finished the day at Fords Theater where we saw  "110 in the Shade".  It's a surreal experience to be in the same theater and sit across from the actual spot where President Lincoln was assassinated.

We thank God for a safe and fun Day#1

Day #1 2016 Washington DC trip

Starting off the 2016 8th grade Washington DC trip with a blessing and prayer from Pastor Schuschke.  Everyone is excited and looking forward to a good time.

Just finished lunch and we are back on the road.

Just finished dinner in North Carolina.  Back on the road.   Next stop Washington DC!

Link to photo album

Less than three days...

The trip is upon us!  Tune in next week for blog posts and pictures of the 8th Grade trip to Washington, DC!

Thursday and Friday

THURSDAY

I apologize for missing Thursday’s and Friday’s posts; we got to the Williamsburg hotel late in the evening, and I forgot to get my laptop off the bus!  Then on Friday I had no Internet connection.

Thursday was a busy, busy day.  We left very early to ensure our on-time arrival at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Prior to our trip, we had around ten students compose essays explaining why they would like to help present the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Our staff had the hardest time ever deciding which four essays were the best.  Ultimately, the staff selected essays by Eli L., Gabrielle S., Paige M., and Rachel C.  These four students ran ahead with Mr. Glanzer to get to the top of the hill for their appointment time.  The rest of us walked up at a more moderate pace.  The Laying of the Wreath was a very reverent ceremony, and I was incredibly proud of how respectful our St. Luke’s kids were once again. 

After watching the changing of the guards and the wreath laying, Mr. Glanzer gave a talk about the cemetery, then led them past the Arlington House and down to Kennedy’s gravesite where they saw the Eternal Flame.  One chaperone took her group to see her father’s marker, so it was a meaningful day, indeed.

Our wonderful bus drivers then took us to the Air and Space Museum.  Students saw the Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Brothers’ plane, and moon rocks, just to name a few of the highlights.  After Air and Space, we made the trek up Capitol Hill once again.  (Our legs were getting sore!)

We had a wonderful tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and were informed that we’re the last group of tourists who will get pictures without scaffolding in the background: the building is about to go under a two-year refurbishment project.

After the tour, we met Congressman John L. Mica on the east steps.  He spent a good deal of time talking with the students about our government, what he does as our representative, and his ties to Oviedo.  (His ancestors emigrated from Slovakia and settled in the area.)  We had a photo with Rep. Mica, walked back down to the Air and Space Museum for some last-minute shopping, and then loaded the bus once again.

Many of the students and chaperones were excited by our impromptu visit to the Marine Corps Memorial—the depiction of six soldiers raising the U.S. flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima.  Afterwards we had supper at the Pentagon City Mall and made the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Williamsburg, VA. 

FRIDAY

After breakfast Friday, we packed up the bus and drove to the Jamestown Settlement.  Students walked through a recreation of the original colony and fort, walked aboard a replica of one of the three boats that brought the first Jamestown colonists ashore, and engaged in some daily activities of the Powhatan Tribe.

We ate lunch at the Visitor Center then boarded the bus for our last destination of historical significance:  Colonial Williamsburg.  Here students visited the Governor’s Mansion, where they learned proper bow and courtesy form.  (Coincidentally, on the way up Capitol Hill the day before, one student quipped, “Hashtag: Jefferson’s Calves!”)  In Colonial Williamsburg, students also sat in the House of Burgesses, conducted a mock vote and mock trial, and saw a variety of other era-specific places and activities—some visited the jail, some went to a gunsmith, and some walked through a landscaped maze.

The ride home entailed some gluttony at the Golden Corral and a whole lot of snoring--it was a great trip!

Wednesday

The weather started off a little overcast as we made our way to the White House, and we were worried when Mrs. Phillips felt a few drops of rain over at the Jefferson Memorial.  The students were still able to stay focused on Mr. Glanzer's history lesson about Thomas Jefferson, and the only problem any of the students really faced was a broken shoe.  (We're still not exactly sure how the shoe broke, but it will undoubtedly make for a great story later.)

After the Jefferson Memorial, we walked to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, where students took photos of their favorite quotes and took some time to appreciate the eloquence of his writing and the nobleness of his cause.

After MLK, it was FDR.  Mr. Glanzer explained to students the symbolism of the four "rooms" of the memorial, each room representing a term of office.  The groups did a great job getting from place to place on time, so we were able to get to lunch at the Pentagon City Mall right on schedule.

After lunch, we went to the National Zoo.  The students saw the famous pandas, heard a lion roar, and some even saw the elusive "Sand Cat."  It was a great, relaxing walk through the zoo.  The best part was that the sky cleared up, and we had beautiful weather for our time there!

We then went to the Evensong Service at the National Cathedral.  The students loved the exquisite stained glass and towering architecture of the building.  Many noted how beautiful the service itself was.  We were lucky to once again sit with the choir for the service, and hearing those lovely trained voices reverberate throughout the space was a truly unique experience.  (Parents, be sure to ask your children about the peculiar gargoyle that perches on one of the corners of the Cathedral.)

After a drive down Embassy Row, we made our way to Bucca di Beppo for a delicious (almost gluttonous) meal!  Bus 2 became "Party Bus 2014," as our driver, Cynthia played some classic songs, such as "Hakuna Matata," (after which one student said he was living his childhood again--imagine that: nostalgia at age 14), to recent jams like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams.  The kids sang all the way back to the hotel!

Tuesday

Phew!  This was a busy day!

Chaperones and students were up bright and early in their Sunday best...on Tuesday.  They really looked nice.  (Thank you, parents, for helping the kids pack such dapper duds!)

The group experienced the famous walk up Capitol Hill and went on a lovely tour of the Library of Congress.  One student even told me that, while he thought it would be boring and "just a bunch of books," he REALLY ENJOYED it!

On our way down the Hill, the final member of our little DC family joined us--Sra. Brinson.  Our group is now complete!  She managed to arrive just in time for our picture in front of the Capitol Building.  (A nice panoramic photo should arrive in a few weeks for each student.)


We were blessed to stay on schedule in the mid-morning, so the students had plenty of time to explore the National Gallery of Art.  Many of them eagerly sought out works by famous Hispanic artists that Sra. Ford had suggested for extra credit.  Ask your kids what they thought of Salvador Dali's The Last Supper.  It is definitely unique.  After a tasty meal at the Gallery's "Cascade Cafe," some of the students indulged in a little gelato before heading over to the Newseum.

The Newseum features a portion of the Berlin Wall, part of the World Trade Center Tower, and a whole slew of exhibits and activities focusing on media coverage of recent American history.  Many of the students enjoyed a 4-D film, imagined themselves as news anchors in front of a green screen, and found themselves moved by a short film about the tragedy on September 11.

From the Newseum, we walked to the Museum of Crime and Punishment where the students participated in a forensics lab while the parents took a much-needed break on some benches.  Then we all went through the museum's exhibits which ran the gamut from 17th century torture devices to current unsolved crimes.

The bus picked us up and took us to dinner at Union Station, and then picked us right back up to take us to the evening memorial visits:  the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Memorial.  As a part of their English curriculum, the students had already researched a soldier whose name appears on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial and wrote a letter of tribute to that soldier.  Tonight, the students were able to find their soldiers on the wall, get a rubbing of the name, and lay their letters at the Memorial.

As always, the view from the Lincoln Memorial was beautiful, with the illuminated Washington Monument mirrored in the reflecting pool.  Another student told me the Lincoln Memorial was definitely his favorite thing so far in D.C.

The students then walked over to the Korean Memorial, where they saw how much thought went into the symbolism of its design.  Chaperones, teachers, and students, all eagerly loaded the bus to head back to the hotel.

It was a tiring, but GREAT day, so I'm confident they will fall asleep quickly tonight.

Until tomorrow...

Monday

Most of the students seemed able to get some sleep the night before, despite arriving to the hotel so late.  They were up and rearing to go right after breakfast, even before the bus drivers were able to take us off the hotel property.

Traffic delayed us a bit on our way to the Museum of Natural History.  This is where our Varsity Basketball Boys and chaperones joined us.  After lunch, we had a chaperone swap, now that our numbers had increased, and walked to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

I think the best word to describe the students' experience is POWERFUL.  Our 8th graders really seemed to "get" the need for the museum, and I was extremely proud of the respect and compassion our kids demonstrated there.

After we were able to collect our thoughts, we left the Holocaust Museum and walked over to the National Archives.  Students were able to see the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and a number of other historical documents on view at the Archives.  Some of the groups managed to work their way through the Archives quickly enough to make time for a treat at an ice cream truck they spotted on the way into the building.

We then had a short visit at the National Museum of American History.  A few of the boys mentioned seeing cool cars, others talked about seeing the flag that inspired our National Anthem, and I'm sure some enjoyed seeing Kermit the Frog.  (I know I felt old when, upon discussing the display of Archie Bunker's chair, a student asked, "Who's Archie Bunker?")


The day ended with a very entertaining and interactive mystery dinner theatre.  Parents, the next time you speak to your children on the phone, be sure to ask them "Whodunnit?"  While you're on the phone, please also encourage them to DRINK WATER!  We've already had a couple of kids become a little dehydrated on this trip.  We quickly supplied water, pain medication, snack, and TLC.  However, they really need to try to prevent dehydration by drinking water.  We keep reminding them this, but if you could encourage them individually, it would help us out a lot!

We have another busy day tomorrow, so this little blogger will say good night!

Sunday, March 30-EARLY Monday, March 31:

All the students and parents seemed excited to pack up the bus this morning, and Mr. Hoffschneider led us in an appropriate devotion entitled “Are We There Yet?”  The driver of Bus 2 joked that he had an auto-eject button for any passenger who uttered that fateful question.  HA!

After watching a few movies, we stopped for a quick lunch at the Georgia Welcome Center, and some of the kids realized that it is a bit chilly—perhaps shorts were not the best wardrobe choice…

Dinner in North Carolina was even colder!  Our Florida kids are getting a taste of the Great North.  Then again, depending on where they’re seated on Bus 1, they may feel like they’re in the tropics.  (There’s been a bit of an issue with regulating temperature.)  Regardless, the kids all seem to be in good spirits and the chaperones good sports!

We arrived at the Fairfield Inn around 1:30, and everyone was eager to get to their room and get to bed.

We’ll have breakfast at 8:45 and then load the bus to head into D.C.  Our day will begin with the Museum of Natural History!

Posting Photos to Picasa

Chaperones,

If you'd like to send pictures you take throughout the day to our Picasa album, just attach them to an e-mail to the following address:  stlukesoviedo.photos@picasaweb.com

We will then sort through what's been uploaded and post the best pics to the public album.

Thanks!

Allergies

Parents, please be sure to read the e-mail the 8th grade teachers sent out regarding snacks on the bus.

Thanks!

We can't wait!

Hello!  This is Mrs. Hakimipour, 8th grade English and literature teacher.  Sra. Brinson and I will be updating the log for the 8th graders' trip to Washington, D.C.  So I'm just testing things out.

We are looking forward to loading the bus Sunday morning and heading north!

Friday at Sea Camp

We were able to get on the boats for a little while. We ate a quick breakfast and headed out to snorkel. After about 2 hours we headed in to camp just in time before a little storm. We are now headed home and will return tonight between 9-10. I will try to post more photos but I am have issues. We will be compiling all the photos taken by all the chaperons and sending a DVD home before the end if the year.

Thursday con't

Well, we were not able to go on the boat trip we had planned. We had to stay safe inside away from the storm that came our way. The children played a simulation type game about coral reefs. After that it kept raining so we stayed busy dancing, doing skits , watching crabs race , and doing the limbo!!! It was a very entertaining afternoon. The good news is that it stopped raining around 5pm so the kids were able to explore and have free time. After dinner we had an algae party!!! Any creatures were found in the algae like brittle stars, crabs, worms and fish. We are tucked in for the night and hope we can get on the boats in the morning. Hope all is well back home

Update on Sea Camp

We enjoyed our trip to the tide pools at Bahia Honda. The students found vase sponges, crabs, small fish, Portuguese man o' war, mermaid wine glass, brain coral and more!!! After our trip we returned to camp for a swim with the sharks!!!! That was followed by a little shopping at the camp store and then lunch. We are now in the dining hall enjoying an island simulation while we wait out a storm. We are praying the skies will clear so we can go snorkeling. All us well and the kids are having fun!!!

Good morning

Day 2. All is well. We had quite the storm last night but it was good sleeping music!! Breakfast is done and we are headed to the tide pools. We will be making the very best of our day until the storms come. The children are having a great time and already have stories to tell. The boys have been fishing and a few have made the biggest catch 'ever'.

Squid Lab

We arrived safely and have already started our first class. The kids are dissecting the squids now. It's lightly raining so we will be doing snorkel lab later on.

Lunch time

We just finished lunch at Jacob's Aquatic Center in Key Largo. Almost there. We should arrive at camp around 1:15