8th-Graders Get to Visit Washington D.C.

Councilman at large Joe DeMio and parent volunteers are again organizing the traditional eighth-grade field trip to Washington D.C. so students get the experience despite the school district's financial troubles.

DeMio, who helped after the district cut it, said more than 200 parents of incoming eighth-graders attended an organizational meeting recently.

"We look forward to another great D.C. trip," he said.

This year's trip will be Nov. 5-7. There is no school Nov. 7, so students will not miss class to make the field trip.

Last year, DeMio and parents scrambled to arrange a private excursion to the nation's capital after the district eliminated field trips during budget cuts.

Last year, 265 students -- about half the eighth grade -- signed up to take the trip, which has traditionally been considered a highlight of middle school by many students. 

Because it is being organized privately instead of a school-sponsored event, it will be chaperoned by parents instead of teachers.

Nowak Tour and Travel, which has organized the DC trip for Strongsville and a number of other area school districts, will bus the students and parent chaperones to the nation's capital and arrange tours of landmarks over the three days, including a stop on the way in Gettysburg, Pa. The tour company will also provide nighttime security at the hotel where the students stay.