PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
2020 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip UPDATE

March 25, 2020


Eighth Grade Parents and Students:


Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the temporary closure of schools and CDC recommendations of social distancing, the idea of taking our students to Washington, D.C. in May is simply not reasonable. While this is disappointing for everyone involved, the health of our kids and community must be our top priority. It is for these reasons the trip to D.C. cannot happen this academic year. Therefore, the trip has been officially rescheduled.


The trip has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 30 through Friday, October 2, 2020. High school principal Matt Gallatin has graciously offered to allow anyone who is still eligible for the trip to be excused from these three days of school during their freshman year to attend the trip. These dates (availability was limited) were chosen to avoid a conflict with the Fairfield County Fair. We do understand this could possibly conflict with high school football, cheerleading, volleyball, marching band, soccer, cross country and golf.


We understand this change may present a challenge for some. For this reason, the following is being offered:

  • Students and chaperones who still plan to attend the trip must make this known to Mr. Alford by Friday, April 17, 2020. This provides ample time to make arrangements. 

  • Final payments must be made by Friday, April 24, 2020. Mr. Alford can provide you with your balance if you need it. More information will be provided at a later date on how to get this money to us. 

  • If these dates do not work for you, please let Mr. Alford know as soon as you can that you do not plan to attend.

  • If you do not plan to attend, we cannot refund your $150 deposit. This was required by the bus company to secure transportation, and is non-refundable.

  • If you do not plan to attend, we can offer a refund of money paid over the $150 deposit. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE MONEY YOU EARNED THROUGH FUNDRAISING. We can only offer refunds of actual money paid above the $150 deposit.


We appreciate your understanding in this difficult situation, and hope you all understand this change is a better alternative to cancellation. Our kids worked hard to earn money, and did the right things all year to remain eligible. You may contact Mr. Alford at [email protected] or Mr. Robinson at [email protected] with any questions or concerns you have.


Thank you,


Mr. Alford and Mr. Robinson

8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip Coordinators

Liberty Union - Thurston Middle School