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Date: 11/17/2023
PALMER — The Palmer School Committee approved the 2025 Italy trip for grades 10-12 during its Nov. 15 meeting.
While international trips are typically approved within seven to eight months to departure, organizers Kaylee Hotchkiss and Paula Nash presented the trip proposal to the school committee during this meeting in order to allow families more time to raise funds for the trip.
“We are here a little earlier than usual, but we feel that it’s the smartest decision and the most economically sound decision for our students and our families,” Nash explained. “Italy is expensive.”
For students looking to attend, the trip will cost $4,500, which includes the cost of air travel, meals, activities and accommodations during the trip, Nash stated. With the early approval, families will now have 14 months to raise the needed funds.
“Our goal … is to get as many of our 10th through 12th grade students to travel with us,” Nash said, highlighting the trip’s significant educational benefits. “It’s a great opportunity to not only learn about different cultures but to see a lot of the learning right in front of us.”
The 10-day trip will take place during students’ 2025 April vacation, occurring from April 17 to 26. In this way, students are not expected to miss any school, as there will likely not be classes on April 18 for Good Friday, Nash stated.
In addition, this year students will also have the opportunity to earn scholarships to assist with fundraising. In working with EF Educational Tours, the school will collect loyalty points for every student that attends the trip, Nash explained. These points can then be changed into financial aid for families. However, aid cannot be guaranteed for all students, she said.
On Dec. 7, the school will hold the first interest meeting for the Italy trip, Nash stated. At the meeting, students will be able to sign up and make a deposit. From there, students will work with EF Educational Tours to create a payment plan for the trip. After making a deposit, students will have two and a half weeks to withdraw their spot if desired.