Buses C/D on 495

Buses C and D are on 495, about 20/25 minutes away from Stony Brook.

9:00 travel update

As of 9:00, Bus A is at the 90/495 interchange in Westborough, MA; Bus B is at the 90/84 interchange in Sturbridge, MA; Bus C/D is at the 91/84 interchange in East Hartford, CT.

See you soon!

8:00 travel update

Good Evening Parents/Guardians!

As of 8:00pm, Bus A is in Hartford at the 84/91 interchange, Bus B is in Southington, CT and Buses C & D are in Milford, CT.

Thursday/Friday

Thursday was an intense day.  We started early: 7am breakfast, and hit the road to get to Arlington National Cemetery for our 9:15 wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The wreath laying takes place during the changing of the guards (see below), in front of the tomb.  As an aside, the three Eighth Grade teams, Victory, Peace and Valor take their names from the side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Students who were interested in the honor of laying the wreath at the tomb were asked to write an essay.  Essays were read by teachers (blindly, without names), and the following four eighth graders were selected (see picture below): McKenna W., Haylee W., Jenn B. and Morgan W.  Our Stony Brook students represented Westford proudly: all were engaged, respectful and attentive.  We were so impressed!  I will post a video soon.

Afterwards, we headed to downtown Washington to make our Holocaust Memorial appointments.  Again, students were respectful, engaged and attentive.  I received multiple complements on our students' behavior from museum security guards and chaperones from other schools!  Unfortunately, pictures are not permitted, so this is a picture of the lobby.  You might ask students about the elevator ride, Anne Frank, the 3-story room of faces of victims, the box car, or the survivors' videos at the end.

After lunch at National Place (an upscale food court with vouchers), we headed to a souvenir shop, a brief photo opp at The White House,and finally to the boat cruise, which disembarked in Southeast DC on the Potomac River.  There was an outstanding DJ and host, a lovely buffet dinner, lots of dancing, and a teacher dance-off between Ms. Campbell, Ms. Donegan and Mr. Maly.

After the exciting boat cruise, we hit several more monuments, including the Jefferson Memorial (Mr. G.'s personal favorite), FDR Memorial, the newly constructed MLK Memorial and the Iwo Jima/US Marine Corps Memorial.

On Friday, we had breakfast at the hotel, roomchecks, and boarded the bus for the Newseum at 8:15 - and arrived promptly for their 9:00am opening.  Ask students about the 4-D (yes, 4-D) movie, the amazing view of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Capitol Building, the six-story glass elevator, making a newscast, the Berlin Wall, Pulitzer-Prize-Winning photos, the 9/11 exhibit, the giant news helicopter in the lobby, and about all the news!  (FYI: the Newseum is dedicated to news and The First Amendment).

At 11:00, we hit the road, bound for Westford!  Here we are traveling over the Tappan Zee Bridge, avoiding the traffic we hit heading south on the George Washington bridge.

Thank you to all the chaperones for their energy, excitement, planning and willingness to leave their families for a week to chaperone the trip.  Thank you to parents and guardians for your support of this trip.  And thank you to our amazing students, for their enthusiasm, willingness to be a lifelong learner and maturity they demonstrated on this trip.  It truly takes a village, and what an amazing example of that fact this trip has been.  I feel fortunate to have shared it with 219 others and this amazing school and community.

Respectfully,

Steve Guditus

Stony Brook School Assistant Principal 

6:45 travel update

We are continuing on, hitting some Friday afternoon/evening get-out-of-town traffic. Bus A is in Fairfield, CT; Bus B is in Danbury, CT; Buses C/D are in Greenwich, CT.

5:00 travel update

Hello! We are having a smooth tide home so far...we've opted to travel via the Tappan Zee Bridge for our ride north. Buses A/B are in Montvale, NJ; Buses C/D are near Union, NJ.

We'll keep you posted!

2:45 travel update

After a lovely lunch at the Delaware House rest stop on I-95, we have continued on our journey home.

Lunch options consisted of a healthy sandwich shop, pizza, Baja Fresh Express and Cinnabon, among others.

Buses A/B are together, heading through Mount Holly, New Jersey. Buses C/D are currently heading over the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

Our next stop will likely be for dinner in Connecticut. We'll keep you posted!

12:30 travel update

Good Afternoon! We had a fabulous time at The Newseum this morning. We arrived at 9:00 (opening time) and students had two hours to explore. Highlights included the 9/11 exhibit, 50 years of Pulitzer-Prize-Winning Photos (and their stories), Make-Your-Own Newscast (complete with a green screen), a piece of the Berlin Wall, and a 4-D (yes, 4-D) movie. For sure, a highlight of the trip for many!

Currently, Bus A is near Fallston, MD; Bus B is near Abington, MD; buses C and D are near Laurel, MD.

We plan to stop soon at a rest area for lunch soon. We will you posted of our driving progress through this blog.

National Cathedral, Capitol and Smithsonians

The National Cathedral

Seats for The President and senators

After our morning excursion to The National Zoo (part of the Smithsonian complex - see below), we made a visit to the beautiful and impressive National Cathedral in Northwest DC.  Built in "only" 83 years (many medieval cathedral took hundreds of years to build), the building is formally an Episcopalian Cathedral, and has an extensive network of mini chapels, ranging from a military chapel to seats reserved for The President and members of The Senate.

The National Mall - Capitol Building

Next, we headed downtown to The National Mall (the green grassy area shown, not a commercial center).  If you know DC, you will recognize the area, and may remember that various Smithsonians line The National Mall.  Our photo opp as a group was much closer than this - and man, was it cooking out there during the photo - at least the low to mid 90s.

Next, we hit up some Smithsonian museums.  We headed to the Air and Space, then Natural History, then The National Sculpture Garden and finally The American History Smithsonian.  Based on the pictures below, can you guess who was an American History  teacher?

Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museum of American History

A picture of "Old Glory" - the original that flew at Fort McHenry in Baltimore

The counter from Woolworth's in Greensboro, NC

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

Kermit The Frog

After our trek down The Mall, we headed to the mall (specifically, the Capitol City Mall) for dinner.

Dinner at the Capitol City Mall

 















Next up, we plan to head back downtown (we are currently eating dinner in Northern Virginia) to see the World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Korean War Memorial.

Zoo and Embassy Row

Orangutangs climbing their tight rope

Veiled Chameleon

Pandas, orangutangs and lizards, oh my!  After having a lovely, hearty breakfast at the Dulles Marriott of all-you-can-eat eggs, homefries, bacon, waffles, fruit, OJ and cereal, we loaded the bus and headed for downtown DC.  We picked up our WorldStrides DC-certified tourguides (one per bus), who are our go-to people as we traverse the city during the day.  Tour guides provided us with some information about the zoo, and then students were permitted to explore the zoo.  Many students immediately headed to see the pandas - and were we in for a treat. 

One of two pandas eating bamboo

Frequently, the pandas are asleep, but because we arrived around 9:30am, the pandas were up, awake and eating bamboo.  Just a heads up: many comments went something like this: "Awwwwww!  He is so adorable!  I want one for home!"  I wish you the best of luck.  Other highlights included the ape house, the elephant colony, the lion den and the lizard lounge.

Embassy of Paraguay

Students had a wonderful time for approximately an hour, seeing a range of animals.  A great time truly was had by all.

Next, we head went on a driving tour of Embassy Row, en route to the National Cathedral.  As we drove down Embassy Row, students were interested to hear about nations purchasing property that serves as a mini "satellite" of their home country, right here in Washington, DC.  Above, you can see a picture of the Embassy of Paraguay.

Ball Game

What a great time we had on Tuesday evening! The game was delayed due to thunderstorms, for 90 minutes. As a result, we headed to the Pentagon City Mall to eat dinner...we headed to Nationals Park for an 8:25 start time. While there, students had a great time, with outstanding seats and a great view. We saw about an hour of the game, and then made the trek west to Dulles Airport Marriott. There, WorldStrides reps met us and got students easily into their room for a good (albeit short) night's sleep. A good, but long, first day!

Vince Lombardi

Unfortunately, we hit a big snag - huge traffic jam in the the Bronx due to an accident on the George Washington Bridge.  We are wrapping up a very late lunch at the Vince Lombardi Rest Stop in Ridgewood, NJ...and are hitting the road once again.  We will likely go directly to Nationals Park...revised ETA of 7:30.  All are in good spirits, albeit a bit soggy from the rain between the bus and the rest area.

Milford

We made it, safe and sound, to Milford, CT for a quick restroom and stretch break.  Students are excited and so well behaved.  We ran into a group from Stoneham Middle School, who are also going to the Nationals game tonight.  We plan to stop again in New Jersey for lunch sometime after Noon.  Off we go!

Parent/Student Meeting: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

We will hold a mandatory parent/student meeting for any 8th grader attending the Washington DC trip on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 7-8pm.  At this meeting, we will share a finalized itinerary, an overview of the trip, and share packing do's and don'ts. 

If you cannot attend this meeting, please contact Mr. Guditus prior to the meeting at sguditus@westfordk12.us or 978-692-2708 x5014.

Bus B, United #526

An update: Bus B, United Flight #526 has landed and students are en route to Westford!

Fabulous Friday!

We started the day off again at Hambuger Hamlet in Arlington, followed by a trip to the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial. Students discussed the significance of "Semper Fidelis," as well as a primer on the Battle of Iwo Jima. This was followed up with visits to the a World War II Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. Students were excited to see the secret service agents and vehicles, likely getting the area ready and secure for Memorial Day celebrations. Students spent their morning and afternoon checking into the remaining Smithsonians (we went to Air and Space and American History).

Certainly one of the most moving experiences was participating in the permanent exhibit in the Holocaust Museum and Memorial. Students were incredibly respectful, thoughtful and serious. Despite being tired, students took the experience very seriously. All the chaperones (myself included) were very proud of students for their preparation to view the memorial from school, excellent behavior and respect they demonstrated towards survivors and all visitors. At the Air and Space, some students explored airplanes, others Amelia Earhart, and still others the Wright Brothers and planetary systems. Some folks (myself not included) elected to participate in the flight simulator...what fun!

At the American History Museum, highlights included the exhibit on classic cars and the original flag from Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner." It was quite moving! At this point in the trip, buses are splitting up for dinner and to take flights home to Logan and Manchester.

The best way to check on your child's flight is by checking online with Massport (Logan) and Manchester Airports. Please be sure to have the correct flight numbers, as some have changed from original lists. Those flights are as follows: Bus A: US Air #2048, scheduled to depart @9:00, arrive @10:24. Bus B: United #526, scheduled to leave @10:10, arrive @11:50 Bus C: JetBlue #690, scheduled to depart @8:35, arrive @10:07 Bus D: Southwest #215, scheduled to depart @9:15, arrive @10:35 Students will be encouraged to call/text home when they land. Signing off!

Thursday Evening

The Newseum: part of the Twin Towers

Our visit to the Newseum was enjoyed by all!  This museum is based on the study of news (hence Newseum) and the first amendment.  We all began our visit was a trip into the 4D movie theater (ask your child what made it 4D and not just 3D).  The Newseum included many fun, informative, moving and exciting exhibits, including newspapers from the 17th century to present day, a variety of movies on the history of media in America, a "New Media" room - Twitter and Facebook in the media, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a piece of the Twin Towers from Ground Zero in New York City, as well as a working news studio where students could film and record their own news report!  

The new MLK memorial

Next up, students visited the MLK and FDR memorials, both on the Tidal Basis, making for a beautiful walk beneath the cherry blossom trees, a gift from Japan to the United States.  Though we missed the blooming season of the cherry blossom trees, it was nevertheless beautiful!   

Students were next treated to dinner at MaGill's an all-you-can-eat buffet style restaurant.  Students could choose from a variety of foods to their liking, and even end it with soft-serve vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles (like myself).  Within the restaurant was an arcade, so many students had a blast playing arcade games while other students finished up eating dinner and prior to heading back to the hotel.  

Students eagerly awaiting to board the Cherry Blossom!

After a chance to freshen up and change their outfit if needed at the hotel, we all drove to beautiful Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, located directly on the Potomac River.  We boarded the Cherry Blossom Cruise Boat, where students had a fantastic time talking, singing and dancing.  The boat is three levels: the bottom level was dancing, the middle level with tables for talking, and the top level was a deck.  Chaperones spread out to provide supervision, even through the rain up top!  We were lucky enough to escape the day without any showers, so the quick passing ones during the cruise were no problem at all!  For those interested students, a view from the roof deck provided a great view of planes taking off and landing at Reagan National Airport, which is located right on the Potomac River.  

Students are now tuckered out and fast asleep, but I wanted to make sure I caught you all up on our fantastic day!  Until tomorrow, signing off!

- Steve Guditus

Thursday Morning

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Thursday's Washington Area weather forecast called for scattered thunderstorms, and wouldn't you know it, my small old umbrella broke yesterday (I should have brought my nice, new, big YMCA umbrella - I knew it!).  Luck was destined to be on Stony Brook's side today...gorgeous, blue skies, barely a cloud in the sky!

Resting place of JFK

We began with breakfast at Hamburger Hamlet - a simple but tasty breakfast buffet of eggs, sausage, homefries, french toast, cereal and fruit.  After departing breakfast, we drove past the Pentagon from I-395, and headed to Arlington National Cemetery.  Students were incredibly respectful the whole way through Arlington Cemetery, and man did we get some good exercise!  If you have never been to the Cemetery, it is quite hilly, and the only transportation through is a paid tram for tours and government/approved vehicles.  As a result, students are dropped off in the parking lot, and took quite a hike up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Students witnessed the playing of "Taps" at 9:15am, and then a wreath laying ceremony at 9:30am.  It is here, on the side of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, that the eighth grade teams found their names: Victory, Peace and Valor.  Students continued their tour to the monuments honoring the Challenger Spaceshuttle, and visited the tombs of JFK and RFK, both sitting at the bottom of the hill of the home of General Robert E. Lee.

After our photo-opp at the Capitol Building, students had a variety of lunch choices at National Place.

We're now off to the Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise in downtown Alexandria, Virginia.  More to come soon!

Goodnight, Wednesday

The Natural History Museum's Wooly Mammoth

Wednesday closed out beautifully after a little rain. 

After a wonderful close to our time at a Smithsoanian (some groups visited American History today and will see Natural History later in the trip; other groups saw Natural History today and will see American History later this week), and a meeting at the Wooly Mammoth, students proceeded to Carmine's for a delicious family-style meal.  As we exited the coach buses, the sky began to open up, just as Washington commuters were driving home and running from the Metro stop.  As you can see in the picture, it was a bit wet while we waited for our table, as Washingtonians rushed by! 

Ms. Donegan giving Carmine's the thumbs up!

Dinner was certainly worth the wait.  The menu inclued generous plates of salad, garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs, followed by chicken parmesan and a double-chocolate chip cookie for dessert.  Students were complemented multiple times by both fellow diners and the restaurant staff for their expectational behavior.  Our students are representing Stony Brook and Westford well!

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

Following dinner, students visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Memorial.  With Memorial Day being this weekend, the two war memorials were filled with many keepsakes and messages from loved ones; it was very moving, and students took the experience very seriously.  As luck would have it, the rain stopped for our outdoor visits to these three memorials...and more to come this week.

Students headed back to the hotel, most falling right asleep after catching the season finale of American Idol and/or the Celtics game.  Students are fast asleep at this point, with security guards patrolling the hallways to keep students safe. 

Signing off, until tomorrow!  Goodnight!

Wednesday Afternoon

Stony Brook School at 4:00am!

Live, from the Smithsonian Museums on the Mall in downtown Washington, DC: an update for the Stony Brook Washington Trip!  My apologies for the lack of frequent updates: it is quite difficult to find free wi-fi in this city!

If you were around for the bus departures this morning, you know that our coaches were late arriving to shuttle us to Logan and Manchester Airports, but all four buses made it in time to board all flights.  This made for a bit of an anti-climactic morning, as we were waiting around for about 45 minutes before buses finally arrived.  Boy, it sure is dark at 4:00am! 

Adorable family of gorillas

After landing in a staggered manner for both time and Washington area airports (Dulles, Reagan and BWI), we all successfully rendez-voused at the National Zoo, where students had a fabulous time, seeing many animals, ranging from zebras to cheetas, cobras to pandas (many students were so excited about the pandas that they texted pictures of the pandas home!).  In fact, one highlight was the Reptile House, where several of us witnessed an anaconda consuming a live rabbit!  The Zoo was capped off with a fantastic bagged lunch from PotBelly's (a local sandwich joint) that included fruit, water and a snack.  Students certainly seemed satisfied. 

The pandas send their love home to Massachusetts!

After the Zoo, students were treated to a tour of embassy row, which included pauses from the bus of many embassies, including Uzbekistan, Ireland, Greece and Finland.  Students viewed the National Cathedral as well as the Islamic Center from the exterior and took some pictures of those landmarks as well.  Students were able to walk or drive by Ford's Theater, as well as stop in Lafayette Park to see the White House from the North Side, on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The White House, North Side

Finally students spent time in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where they were wowed with oldies-but-goodies exhibits such as gems and minerals and the Hope Diamond, as well as new exhibits such as X-Ray Vision, Ancient Egypt, and Early Humans. 

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

Soon, we will be departing for dinner and some memorials.  An update will be posted as soon as I can find time and wi-fi!  All is well, and students are having a fabulous time!