The Academy of American Studies provides its students with trips to a variety of places. These trips give students memorable experiences with their peers, and the opportunity to learn in environments other than the classroom.
Special education coordinator and teacher, Anna Mantagas, who manages Academies’ trips said, “I coordinate trips that would then be approved by the principal. I pick the Broadway shows, manage them, and handle the reservation costs.” For the trips to see Broadway shows, they are first offered to art and acting classes before other classes are able to apply.
Her planning lowers the cost, which makes trips easier to afford. “The PTA donates to the trips which takes $25 off of each student’s ticket,” said Mantagas. Currently, she is filling out paperwork for the overnight trip to Washington D.C.
Some of the trips that will soon be available to Academy’s students include:
- Washington DC– Overnight
- “Moulin Rouge”–Broadway Show
- “Water For Elephants” –Broadway Show
International trips have a different process for students to be able to participate, however. Mantagas states, “Students have to be passing all their classes and having had an office meeting. There are also meetings to make sure all the students have their passports.” These trips have less space therefore these international trips are the ones that fill up the quickest.
As school trips allow students to explore new environments, some may feel anxious and hesitant to participate in these trips. Mantagas encourages students not only to go on trips with friends, but to use trips as an opportunity to forge new connections.
These trips also allow students to explore new environments and make learning an interactive experience. “I was able to see how important the civil war was and was able to sympathize with the soldiers who lost their lives during the battle,” said Dylan Raia, a senior who attended the Gettysburg trip. “It was an emotional experience.”