Annual 8th Grade Trip to Washington, D.C. - May 2024

This message is from all three Middle School Principals and PTA Presidents from across the Greenwich Public Schools District as a collective with the hope that we can join together to keep this beloved GPS tradition alive of the 8th grade D.C. trip, which was canceled for the past 3 years! 

A GPS Tradition

In eighth grade, GPS students anticipate becoming leaders in their schools and community. The eighth-grade year also traditionally culminates in a multi-night trip to Washington, D.C. Across the district, this time-honored tradition offers each graduating class the opportunity to bond before heading off to high school. This year's 8th graders are looking forward to upholding this GPS tradition and experiencing the unique cultural and educational opportunities provided by our Nation's capital–an experience we hope will last in their hearts and minds for years to come.

Sample Highlights of the Trip

The Eastern Middle School trip is scheduled for May 17-19, 2023.  The students received an informational packet during AB. During their 2 nights & 3 days in D.C., our 8th graders will hit the ground running. They will explore the Nation's capital and the surrounding area, where they will experience firsthand what they have been studying throughout elementary and middle school. Here are some highlights of the trip:

• Washington Monument
• Holocaust Museum
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Capitol Hill
• The White House
• Ford’s Theater
• National Archives

Fundraising Efforts

Please visit our 8th Grade DC Trip Fundraising Committee's page for information on the various fundraising events.

In prior years, each middle school was separately tasked with organizing and funding this trip, and the cost has been as high as $1200 per student, which was paid directly by GPS families. At every school, there have been students unable to afford the full cost of the trip because of financial hardship. GPS strongly believes that all 8th graders in the district, who want to attend, should have the opportunity. This year, by shortening the trip by one night and by using the bargaining power of having 600 plus 8th graders district-wide, GPS has been able to negotiate a $699 per student cost. Even with the lower cost, there will be families unable to pay for their child to participate in this experience fully. Therefore, to make this trip happen, the three middle schools are challenged to join together to raise funds to provide assistance to families with demonstrated need and who are unable to pay the $699 cost fully.

The students can undertake fundraising endeavors themselves–bake sales, car washes, etc. Fundraising as a class is an amazing opportunity for the children to learn the basics of money management and to learn the value of working together to achieve a goal. While we believe this to be a worthwhile and integral effort, the 8th graders will need support from the wider community to ensure the trip is funded and viable–both for this year and for future years!

We welcome suggestions from the community to help us with large-scale fundraising ideas and events. Do you know a great performer or speaker who would be willing to donate or discount their fee to support this capstone trip for GPS 8th graders? Do you have a contact who might want to partner with GPS to support this tradition? If so, please reach out. We welcome your ideas! Through grants, public-private partnerships, and fundraising efforts, GPS hopes to be able to cover the remaining costs for all interested students to take part in this trip.

The goal is to raise $90,000, or 1/5th of the cost of this trip, to assist 8th graders at all three middle schools who have a financial need!

Help Support the 8th Grade Class!

We are asking for your support in helping this and future 8th classes go to Washington, D.C. We know that with your participation in our fundraising efforts, we will be able to make a huge difference in the lives of our students. We are a 501c(3), so your donation is tax-deductible. Our Tax ID is 06-0994135. These funds will be pooled and distributed by GPS to maintain the financial privacy of families. 

How can I help

• You can sponsor a child for $699. Online or mail or drop off your donation at the main office
• You can donate any amount towards the fundraising account. Online or mail or drop off your donation at the main office
• Can’t attend one of our fundraising events? Consider making a donation to the 8th Grade DC Trip Fund via our partners at the Greenwich Alliance.  Click here and indicate "DC Trip" under "Allocation.”  

EMS PARENTS/STAFF: Please consider sponsoring a student or donating any amount online

or send it to the EMS Office.

GREENWICH COMMUNITY: Please HELP preserve this GPS tradition by donating online

or send it to the EMS Office.

Click here to sponsor a student for the trip or donate any amount.

For Checks, please write Attention: DC Trip Donation in the memo, and checks should be made payable to EMS. Address: 51 Hendrie Ave, Riverside, CT 06878

For any questions regarding the trip or the informational meeting, please contact Ms. Franks at  michelle_franks@greenwich. k12.ct.us

Standing together in support of our schools!

Jason Goldstein, Eastern Middle School Principal

Cristina Broderick and Joanna Willott, EMS PTA Co-Presidents

Gordon Beinstein, Western Middle School Principal

Grace Natale and Beth Acerbo, WMS PTA Co-Presidents

Thomas Healy, Central Middle School Principal

Jen Behette and Dina Urso, CMS PTA Co-Presidents

Street map of central Washington D.C. showing parklands and all government buildings