Would you like your child to get the most out of his or her trip, and have a better
understanding of the memorials, monuments, and museums while on their
8th Grade trip to Washington DC? Then sign up for…
The
C L A S S…
“Know Your Nation’s Capital!”
The WASHINGTON DC CLASS is offered to help the student travelers gain a better understanding
of what they will see while on their trip to DC. The students will discuss and learn the stories behind
the city’s location, layout & design, as well as the symbolism and history of the many famous
monuments, museums, & war memorials that adorn the National Mall. The students will also get a
brief history about the famous people and events being memorialized, from Lincoln to JFK & FDR!
The class will be offered in the spring on weekday evenings at S.E. Gross School and will be taught
by 8th grade social studies teacher and DC itinerary planner & chaperone Mr. Soto. The class
itinerary is relevant & specific to both the trip and the 8th grade classroom curriculum. As an 11 year
chaperone, Mr. Soto will also be able to discuss the specific trip itinerary, including our hotel & travel
information, and will be able to answer any questions your children, or you, might have. The class
will also discuss topics such as...
•
A history of the Presidents that are memorialized in Washington D.C. including Thomas
Jefferson, F.D.Roosevelt, & J.F. Kennedy
•
The story of George Washington and his home & life at Mount Vernon.
•
A history of the drafting and preservation of the original Declaration of Independence and
U.S. Constitution.
•
The Civil War as it relates to D.C., including a study on the home and life of General Robert
E. Lee & Lincoln’s tragic assassination in Ford’s Theater, and now Gettysburg!
•
We will take a closer look at the Smithsonian Museum buildings and their famous collections,
including the Museum of American History, the National Air & Space Museum, and the
Museum of the American Indian.

The story behind the design, symbolism, location of the many war memorials that adorn the
National Mall, along with a brief history of the wars that they memorialize.
•
The history of Arlington National Cemetery and its famous gravesites, including the JFK
Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Registration Information On Back!
As a long time chaperone, I will also be discussing our specific trip itinerary, including our hotel &
travel information, and will be able to answer any questions your children, or you, might have.
The students will receive Social Studies Extra Credit for taking the class!
How much will the class cost? The class fee is $65.
When and where will the class be held? The class will consist of six - 90 min. sessions and will be held
at the S.E. Gross School in the 2nd Floor Conference Room and/or Mac Lab from 7:00 to 8:30 on the
following dates:
Tuesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 3rd
Tuesday, April 8th & Thursday, April 10th
Tuesday, April 15th & * Thursday, April 17th
Pizza Party Send Off!
* The last class will be 2 hours to leave time for the party!
Students leave for Washington DC on Friday, April 25th
Students may bring a snack and a drink if they would like.
For class registration please contact me directly at email ssoto@district95.org, or by phone at
(708)485-0600, ext. 8843, to be added to the list.
Thank you,
Shane Soto