HYDE PARK — Bret Harte Elementary School eighth-graders have made it to Washington, D.C., after fears in March the might not make the trip.
Teacher Kristina Lawson said Thursday the class made it after facing the daunting proposition in March of raising $40,000 for the trip.
“Students were able to see history come to life by visiting the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, the Smithsonian museums, George Washington’s estate and many more attractions,” Lawson said. “For some students, this was their first time traveling on an airplane, which was an experience all in itself.”
The school faced $200,000 in budget cuts last year that left teachers scrambling to raise $40,000 in just a few weeks to get the 36 students to Washington.
Lawson said initially things looked grim.
“We are so fortunate and blessed to live in such a caring and compassionate community,” Lawson said. “We are also fortunate that there is a deep understanding of and commitment to empowering the lives our eighth-graders.”
The students are also visiting Howard University during the trip.
