We, the families of Carpenter Elementary School, disagree with the 5thGrade Teachers and the Administration’s decision to cancel the 5th Grade Field Trip to Washington D.C. We petition the Administration to reinstate the 5th Grade Field Trip to D.C. next year and to continue to include this trip in the fifth grade curriculum taught at Carpenter Elementary School.

The past two years our children have been at Carpenter, the big event was the field trip to Washington, DC. This year students that are now fifth graders at Carpenter Elementary were told that this field trip that was not going to take place. An official reason was not announced but parents that inquired were told it was due to a new Wake County rule for children on medications and the cumbersome job of planning and collecting payment. Yet, several other schools in the county will still be going this year. The principal then stated that overnight field trips would no longer be an option at Carpenter. This information was never formally announced, thus there are parents of children in lower grades that have no idea that this decision has been made.

Students enjoy the sights of far-off cities, get hands-on education and learn a thing or two about independence and receive opportunities for social growth and development. This trip highlights resources in our nation’s capital and surrounding areas. We ask for this trip and our student’s right to experience the same as all others be reinstated. Thank you for your cooperation.