8th Grade Goes to Washington

Today concludes the end University School of Milwaukee Middle School students’ week-long trip to Washington, D.C. The annual trip, a pinnacle experience for 8th graders, is the chance for them to see first-hand many of the city’s memorials, museums, and artifacts, concepts, and historical events they have been studying for the past year in their 8th grade American History class taught by Chuck Taft. The trip, which this year ran from May 6 to 10, also ties in to other subject areas as well, including English and science classes.
 
The week, which served as the 8th grade retreat, was packed with activities and excursions to landmarks specific to Washington, D.C., like the American History Museum, the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Capitol, and Mount Vernon. Some were serious and somber, like visits to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the African American History Museum, and the Arlington National Cemetery, while others were more relaxed, like a Potomac River cruise with dinner and dancing, and a Washington Nationals baseball game. For the students’ tour of the National Mall Monuments, they were joined by USM alumni Will Gordon ’01, Isabella Mortara ’22, Nicole Hobbs ’98, and Stephanie Guy ’20, who live in the city.  

Retreats are an integral part of USM’s Middle School and Upper School experiences. While the locations and activities vary amongst grade levels, all retreats are designed to build community, foster leadership, and provide safe spaces where students can take risks and push themselves.

Many thanks to all who volunteered their time and dedication to making the Washington, D.C. trip a safe and memorable experience for students. This includes the parent volunteer chaperones and USM’s 8th grade team—Sue Beaty, Nicola De Torre, Shannon Peters, Nora Sachs, Jason Strains, and Chuck Taft—who, along with Head of Middle School Elaine Griffin, were part of the trip this year.