Polka Dot Clay Studio: Living History

Confederate attire, with button count signifying rank...

At my new school, field trips are mandatory. Parents carpool the kids and pay for these activities. It is a huge amount of effort. I am ever so grateful for these learning opportunities. And, each time that I go on a field trip, I notice that there are almost no public school children attending. Every school is a charter school, or a private school. What has happened to public education? Where does all of the money go? Aren't we all paying taxes, so that children can have positive learning experiences? Why are most children only able to attend one or two field trips each year. My school has at least one field trip each month, that includes all grade levels. Is it the exorbitant bus fees? Is the money going towards building projects, or towards hiring more district office employees? It seems like it doesn't trickle down towards the students. For the cost of one Assistant Superintendent, it seems like many field trips could be restored. Trimming the overhead in district offices might mean that more money ends up affecting children.

This field trip was extraordinary. Because of a scheduling conflict, we switched days, and attended the fifth grade Civil War trip, instead of the Gold Rush presentation. The presenters were so polished and everything was so authentic. So much information was presented, in an interesting format. And, after all of the learning, we were able to take a one hour train ride through the mountains.