On October 6, 2023, the students of Blanchard Middle School were informed of some immensely upsetting news by our principal and vice principal. This decision also affects Stony Brook Middle School's 8th graders, and students in the grades below 8th grade, since it is rumored that this tradition will continue onwards. 

The Washington DC trip was one of the most exciting and intriguing things to look forward to in middle school. To hear it was canceled was severely disappointing. We started this petition in order to address this situation, and request a better end of the year school trip. We are all so happy to have a school district that cares so much about our trips, and we truly are grateful for everything that the adults in our community have done for us. We completely understand and acknowledge that this was a difficult decision to for the school committee to make, and we appreciate their time and effort towards this trip.

However, we believe that there is still hope. Parents of students who have been on this trip in prior years claim that this trip has truly changed their child's outlook on the world and how it is run. It really does give students so many unique memories with friends, teachers and an overall unforgettable trip. 

A main issue that was addressed by our principal at the meeting today was the school's budget. Because of the great interest in this trip by both students and parents, we as a community would be more than eager to try and fundraise to make this a reality. From running bake sales, to charity trivia nights, and even fun runs, we would love to help the school out in any way possible.

Please sign this petition to be a part of a movement so that this year’s students and all the years that will come can go on the Washington DC trip and make some memorable memories! We've got this!