PLEASE SEE THE SHARED ALBUM FOR THE PHOTOS OR GO TO: FWM 2023 Washington DC
Wow! What a trip! Memories were made, bucket list items were checked off, and blisters were popping. Here’s a brief rundown of our fun.
Tuesday: After a long train ride, everyone was excited to explore! We checked into the hotel and headed out for the National Archives Museum. Afterward, we enjoyed a yummy dinner from District Taco before heading out on our walking tour of monuments and memorials. Everyone was looking forward to this because students acted as our tour guides. In the weeks leading up to the trip, students partnered, researched, and wrote a brief blurb about the monuments: history, architecture, and significance. At each stop, we had the groups read their writing to the group. We saw the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.
Wednesday: A busy day began with breakfast at the hotel buffet and Capitol Hill. It was really busy due to the impending vote on the debt ceiling. First, Congressman Van Orden approached our group and introduced himself. Then he led us to an off-limits location in the front of the Capitol building for a photo op! We then had a tour of the Capitol before heading to the Supreme Court for a lecture about how it functions. We were able to sit right in the courtroom for the lecture. After lunch, we headed to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. That evening we went to Carmine’s Restaurant for an Italian dinner and then off to the Escape Rooms. Half completed a mission as 007 agents, and the other half had to destroy DNA samples of dinosaurs in a Jurassic Park theme. We may not have escaped, but we had fun trying!
Thursday: We had another incredible day at the museums. The first stop was the Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art. The students really enjoyed this, and we were able to cover most of the museum. Next, we were off to the Spy Museum. This was a favorite for many. We were given undercover identities and had a mission to complete as we went through the exhibits. What a great, interactive museum! Finally, we headed to the Smithsonian Museum of Africa American History and Culture. We all wished we had more time here, as there was so much to see, from historical exhibits to music, education, sports, entertainment, etc. It would have taken a full day to see it all! Next, we went back to the hotel, and the students went to the rooftop pool. Then, they enjoyed pizzas until the pool closed for the evening. Next, a small group went with Mrs. Lamb on a 4-mile sunset run around the National Mall and monuments, and the rest of the students went to the National Mall in front of the Capitol for games. They played tag and frisbee until after dark, and the runners joined them.
Friday: Departure day! After a leisurely breakfast, we packed and cleaned, then had time for a quick walk to the National Mall. Some students stopped for souvenirs, then we played games briefly before our departure to Union Station.
Thank you for trusting us with your children. They were well-mannered, respectful of all of the sites’ rules, and made us proud. It was truly a trip to remember.