Westchester Day School’s seventh and eighth graders recently returned from their respective class trips—one to the nation’s capital and the other to historic Boston—each journey filled with meaningful experiences, fun explorations and memories that will last a lifetime.
Eighth grade students spent three packed and purposeful days in Washington, D.C., where their curiosity and middot shone throughout. They began their trip at the Holocaust Museum, approaching the powerful exhibits with maturity, compassion and deep reflection. Later that afternoon, students enjoyed a scenic boat cruise along the Potomac River, davened mincha by the water and had time to relax—visiting Tesla or doing some shopping—before enjoying dinner at CharBar. As the sun set, the students walked among the monuments, learning about key chapters in American history and davening maariv after the final stop.
The second day brought more opportunities to learn and explore. The morning began at the Smithsonian National Zoo, where the highlight for many was watching playful three-year-old pandas snacking on bamboo. A tour of the Capitol Building followed, connecting directly to lessons from Ms. Roode’s social studies class. Later, at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, students tackled a scavenger hunt tied to their sixth through eighth grade curriculum, searching for iconic items such as the Star-Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s hat and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. After a delicious dinner at Oh Mama Grille, the group enjoyed an exciting evening at Nationals Park, cheering on the Washington Nationals against the Atlanta Braves and building friendships along the way.
The final day included a special tour of the White House—a memorable highlight—before heading back north for one last adventure: rides and shopping at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. The trip concluded with mincha and dinner at Chickies before returning to WDS, full of stories, souvenirs and pride.
While the eighth graders explored Washington, the seventh grade embarked on an unforgettable journey through Boston, filled with historic landmarks, cultural experiences and plenty of fun. Their first day began at the National Basketball Hall of Fame, followed by a stunning view of the city from the Custom House observation deck. Students then davened in the historic Vilna Shul, shopped at the bustling Faneuil Hall, and ended the day cheering at Fenway Park during Jewish Pride Night as the Red Sox faced off against the Mets.
Day two kicked off with a classic Boston Duck Tour—on land and water—giving students a fresh perspective of the city. At the New England Aquarium, excitement peaked when they unexpectedly ran into Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso! Before heading home, the group tried their hand at candlepin bowling, a New England classic, capping off the trip with laughter and friendly competition.
These enriching trips were more than just travel—they were opportunities for hands-on learning, spiritual connection and the strengthening of friendships. Whether walking the halls of government, navigating museum clues or riding Duck Boats through Boston, the middle schoolers represented WDS with enthusiasm, respect and pride.
