Overnight Field Trip to Philadelphia

The Real World Math and Applied Academics students, along with several Peer leaders and faculty members attended an overnight field trip to Philadelphia on Friday, March 31st. Millburn High School faculty members Roger Askins, Kelly Brandt, Leora Weiner, Pat Corlett, Robyn Basta, and Rosemary Holland attended the trip, joined by Assistant Superintendent Kyle Arlington, and Special Education Supervisor Brent McGuinness. The field trip was made possible through a grant from The Education Foundation of Millburn-Short Hills. Dr. Miron also generously provided funding for transportation. Students also fundraised for the trip.

Students spent months preparing for the trip, as they fundraised, took part in cost and analysis budgeting, proposed activities and examined survey results, as well as applying and interviewing for jobs and leadership roles to carry out before and during the trip. While in Philadelphia, a trolley transported students and faculty to visit the United States Mint, The Liberty Bell, Dave and Busters, and Reading Market. They also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and gave a donation.

Additional highlights of the trip included karaoke on the bus ride down, playing Guitar Hero at Dave and Busters, running up the steps to see the Rocky statue at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and trying some original Philly Cheesesteaks.

Student comments about the trip detail important life-lessons they learned, "Sometimes you just have to try things that might be hard," said freshman Devon Hampton. Freshman Zach Levine shared, "We will all have challenges and problems in our lives, and we can work together to solve them." The fact that it rained on the trip also taught students that it is important to have a plan in place, but then you must also be flexible.

Students would like to thank Miss Brandt and Mr. Askins for obtaining the grant from the Ed Foundation and diligently planning the trip. They would also like to thank Dr. Miron for providing the bus for the trip. Additionally, students are grateful to the peer leaders for giving up their time to be with the group. Finally, students would like to thank Miss Rosie, Mrs. Basta, Mrs. Corlett, Mrs. Weiner, Mr. Arlington, and Mr. McGuinness for volunteering their time to chaperone the trip.

Overall, it was a fun trip for faculty and students alike, and a great learning opportunity for students.