The eighth grade class had an amazing time on their trip to Washington! On the first day, they went kayaking in Maryland. After learning the basics of tandem kayaking they headed onto the Potomac River. There was a lot of splashing, laughing and a ton of fun! They then headed to the Goethe Institute in Washington and learned about an unpublicized protest in Berlin where a group of wives managed to save their husbands from Nazi annihilation. They discussed how to remember historical events and the impact of memorial monuments. Students also learned how Germany deals with its past so that it can move forward and make sure that history is not repeated. After dinner, students enjoyed a yearbook signing party.

On day two, the day was spent in Washington DC. Starting at the Smithsonian, students first explored the National Museum of Air and Space followed by a workshop at the Museum of Natural History. They picnicked near a fountain in the National Museum of Art Sculpture Garden and enjoyed the engaging sculptures. They then took a walking tour of the monuments, starting at the Capitol Building and ending at the Lincoln Memorial. As students looked at the various monuments, they reflected back on their discussions from the day before about how history is remembered. They ended the night at a Nationals baseball game.

On the third day, everyone boarded a Party Bus, which made the ride back to New Jersey a blast. Six Flags was the perfect way to end the trip! A special thank you for the staff who chaperoned. BPY is so proud of the students who showed such derech eretz and made a beautiful Kiddush Hashem wherever they went.