Wilson students present on summer trip to France; board approves summer England course and other field trips
October 20, 2025 | Wilson SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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A French teacher and three students recounted a summer educational trip to France at the Wilson School Board meeting on Oct. 20, and trustees approved two field trips on the consent agenda: a June 2026 two‑week summer course in England offering 1 full English credit, and an Oct. 27, 2025 class trip to the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville.
Presentation from the classroom
Teacher Jamie Pearsall introduced three students who described visits to Paris and surrounding towns, including Notre-Dame de Chartres, Versailles, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré‑Cœur in Montmartre. The students said class preparation helped them use French while traveling and that seeing artwork and historic sites reinforced classroom learning.
Board response
Board member Mr. Schneider thanked the students and said he had received photo updates during the trip. Superintendent Dr. Trickett thanked the chaperones and staff who accompanied the students.
Field trips approved
The board approved two field trips as part of the ratification items (item 5.1). The proposals included a June 2026 two-week travel-abroad English-literature course in England that would offer 1 full English credit; the district noted the projected participant cost is about $4,000 per student (including flights, tours and two meals per day) and that the district covers 0.5 credit with no additional cost to students. The board also approved a visit by 11th- and 12th-grade English students to the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville on Oct. 27, 2025 to screen The Sixth Sense; the per-student cost is $12 and the district cost is $730 from the high school English department budget plus two substitute teachers and bus transportation.
Discussion
Trustee Mrs. Denny and others noted concerns about equity and access because the England trip’s projected cost may be prohibitive for some families. Dr. Kennedy and other trustees said the district continually considers fundraising and cross-school participation to reduce per-student costs.
Votes and motion
The motion to approve the two field trips was moved by Mister McCree and seconded by Mister Schneider; the item passed by voice vote.
Ending
Board members commended the students and chaperones for the educational outcomes of international travel and asked staff to continue to explore ways to make trips more affordable and inclusive.
Presentation from the classroom
Teacher Jamie Pearsall introduced three students who described visits to Paris and surrounding towns, including Notre-Dame de Chartres, Versailles, the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré‑Cœur in Montmartre. The students said class preparation helped them use French while traveling and that seeing artwork and historic sites reinforced classroom learning.
Board response
Board member Mr. Schneider thanked the students and said he had received photo updates during the trip. Superintendent Dr. Trickett thanked the chaperones and staff who accompanied the students.
Field trips approved
The board approved two field trips as part of the ratification items (item 5.1). The proposals included a June 2026 two-week travel-abroad English-literature course in England that would offer 1 full English credit; the district noted the projected participant cost is about $4,000 per student (including flights, tours and two meals per day) and that the district covers 0.5 credit with no additional cost to students. The board also approved a visit by 11th- and 12th-grade English students to the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville on Oct. 27, 2025 to screen The Sixth Sense; the per-student cost is $12 and the district cost is $730 from the high school English department budget plus two substitute teachers and bus transportation.
Discussion
Trustee Mrs. Denny and others noted concerns about equity and access because the England trip’s projected cost may be prohibitive for some families. Dr. Kennedy and other trustees said the district continually considers fundraising and cross-school participation to reduce per-student costs.
Votes and motion
The motion to approve the two field trips was moved by Mister McCree and seconded by Mister Schneider; the item passed by voice vote.
Ending
Board members commended the students and chaperones for the educational outcomes of international travel and asked staff to continue to explore ways to make trips more affordable and inclusive.
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