Curtis Middle School
Civics Trip to Washington D.C.
May 12-15, 2026
Family Orientation Part I�Agenda:
Why are we going to Washington D.C.?
In June 2018, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a revised curriculum framework for History and Social Sciences, which puts a greater emphasis on civics across all grade levels. In grade 8, there is a direct focus on government and civics, with topics including:
Eighth grade students from Curtis Middle School will travel to Washington D.C. for the purpose of researching and engaging in civic and government-related activities. Students will visit civic landmarks and view original documents of democracy. They will better understand the history, structure, purpose, and processes of the U.S. government, and important persons in governmental history. They will gain civil and historical perspective by visiting various museums addressing such topics as the Holocaust and African-American history.
The Basics:
Dates: Tuesday May 12th to Friday May 15th, 2026
Who will travel: Approximately 260 students and 33 educator-chaperones
MCAS: ELA, Math, and STE tests will be administered prior to May 12th. The Civics test will be administered the last week in May.
Our values:
#1: We build lasting relationships. We care, it's as simple as that. The level of personalized attention we provide sets us apart, and is why our schools return year after a year.
#2: We are committed to treating everyone with fairness and respect. We believe it is the right thing to do.
#3: Our commitment to value and integrity is the heart of who we are and what we stand for. We design quality experiences - your comfort and safety is our top priority at all times.
#4: Travel is our vehicle for learning and transformation. We create inspiring experiences that last long after you return home.
#5: Cookie cutters are not our style! We apply our expertise and creativity to design tailor-made experiences aligned with your curriculum and as unique as your group.
Since 2003
Activities:
Arlington National Cemetery
FDR Memorial
Library of Congress
Jefferson Memorial
Holocaust Memorial Museum
Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Links
Activities:
MLK Memorial
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Marine Corps War Memorial
National Archives
Pentagon Memorial
Links
Smithsonian Museums
Activities:
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Capitol
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Washington Monument
The White House
World War II Memorial
Links
Registration & Payment Information
Our Trip Details
Sign up at Academic Expeditions or by calling (917)-608-4177
Trip Code: ecms2026�
Trip Dates: May 12-15, 2026
�Student Price: $1,520�This price is all inclusive!
A 10% ($152) deposit is required at the time of registration
Registration is due February 1, 2026
Registration is due February 1, 2026
Final payment is due by March 14, 2026
Academic Expeditions is for PAYMENTS ONLY
Click here to access the registration step-by-step slide deck.
Cancellation Protection
AE offers 2 tiers for cancellation protection:
Tier 1: $17 - Cancellation for qualifying reason which is documented by the proper authority for a full refund.
Tier 2: $75 - Cancel for any reason (CFAR) includes option 1, and any undocumented reason up to 48 hours prior to departure for a 75% refund.
These must be purchased within 30 days of initial registration
Cancellation Policy (NO added insurance)
Cancellation Protection
Travel Protection Plans may allow travelers to receive additional reimbursement of trip payments that were not refunded by Academic Expeditions according to the cancellation terms above.
Insurance claims are filed directly between the traveler/claimant and the plan administrator Trip Mate. Coverage may not be available in all states. For details on the plan, and to view state specific policies from Trip Mate, visit https://www.tripmate.com/wpF533K.
Payment Options:
One-Time Payment
Pay entire fee upon registration by credit card or mailed-in check
Installments
At will from credit card or mailed-in check
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Financial Assistance
AE Direct Donation
SPS Financial Assistance
Frozen Fundraiser
SPS Financial Assistance Program
To get started:
1st: Submit the SPS Financial Assistance Form
2nd: Submit the D.C. Trip Financial Aid Form
�Forms are due December 1, 2025
Students may qualify for a ½ or full scholarship based on the federal poverty level.
If your child is undecided as of Dec. 1, submit the form anyway.
A.E. Fundraising Feature
A.E. Fund My Trip Feature
Click down arrow next to name for account menu
Select ‘Fund My Trip’ to generate a shareable link or post on social media
Frozen Fundraiser
Treats for the Holidays!
Click the logo to view the slides for students.
Click here to open your store!
Safety & Support
Motor Coach Drivers - Most drivers have over 10 years of experience and are experts in working with young people.
Tour Educators - Dynamic and experienced individuals who are specially trained to guide our group and deliver lots of information. Each bus has its own Tour Educator.
Program Director - Erica is our Program Director. She will check rooms prior to arrival, handle check-in, arrange breakfast, and act as our personal aide at the hotel.
Night Security - AE hires “Student Watchers”, private security firm, to act as night security guards. They are staffed on each floor 10pm-5am, monitoring hallways, and keeping watch over all travelers. All security personnel are first aid and CPR certified.
Your child’s health & safety are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all students.
Identification - Each person will have a lanyard with a laser-engraved name tag, and will wear a Curtis T-shirt for the color of the day.
Safety & Support
AE Tour Central - Staffed 24/7 by AE employees who are trained to handle any situation. All travelers will have the emergency number on their name tag.
Medical Care/Coverage - AE will coordinate medical care on the basis of need. Aside from emergencies, AE will assist with transport to the nearest urgent care center or hospital. The school nurse will coordinate with AE, the chaperone and a resource team member.
Insurance Coverage - Academic Expeditions purchases on-trip benefits via Trip Mate for all travelers. The on-trip benefits include coverages for: Trip Interruption, Accident and Sickness Medical Expense, Medical Evacuation and Repatriation, Baggage and Personal Effects
Nurse - Mrs. Varner, the school nurse, will travel with our group and will manage any and all medication requirements. There will be medicine drop-off days the week before travel. Medical information and requirements are on Arbiter Sports.
Allergies - All SPS staff members are trained to administer Epi-pens. All information pertaining to allergy care is on Arbiter.
Special Considerations - Students who may require accommodations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with the family and the student service or guidance department. This includes but is not limited to: transportation, hotel needs, dietary needs, adult assistance, gender identity, and more. Every child who wishes to attend will be given every accommodation necessary in order to participate. Please contact your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, or service provider for more information.
~ Travel by motorcoach
~ DVD Player and USB Ports
~ Departure and arrival from Curtis
parking lot
~ Experienced Motor Coach Drivers
~ Doubletree by Hilton - Crystal City
~ 4 students per room (2 per double or
queen bed)
~ Roommate process begins in
February with a roommate request form
~ Administrators will finalize roommates
and groups
~ Special accommodations will be
handled on a case-by-case basis
~ Roommates will be announced in April
Other Details:
T-shirts
~ 4 colors - 1 assigned per day
~ Student-designed logo on front
~ Size is selected on Arbiter -
choose 1 size larger to account for growth
Other Details:
~ Breakfast: buffet at the hotel every morning
~ Lunch: at rest area (Tue.), or food courts
with preloaded debit card
~ Dinner: Tues-Thurs. by restaurant reservation;
Friday at rest stop with preloaded debit card
~ Students are responsible for managing
dietary restrictions; some restaurants
take advance notice
~ Restaurant information will be provided
in April for planning purposes (vegetarian /
vegan / gluten free options available)
Student Guidelines:
Students and parents/guardians are required to read the guidebook and sign off on Arbiter.
Link
May 12-15, 2026
To register:
Program Title:�2026 Curtis 8th Grade Civics Trip
Registration is open now!�All forms are due Feb. 1st.
LINK
Links to Academic Expeditions & the D.C. Digest
Registration is open tomorrow!�All forms are due Feb. 1st.
NO payments on�Arbiter Sports
T-shirt size is a drop down menu. Select 1 size larger to allow for growth.
Registration is open now!�All forms are due Feb. 1st.
Medical Authorization includes permission for over-the-counter medications.
Registration is open now!�All forms are due Feb. 1st.
Communication:
Texts from code 60680
(Formerly Blackboard)
Email from Lauren Egizio or Julie Williams
Schoology posts and calendar
Newsletter
Links to D.C. Digest
Timeline
Sept. 17, 2025 | | Family Orientation Part I ~ Registration Opens |
Oct. 1-15, 2025 | | Frozen Fundraiser |
November 13, 2025 | | Frozen Fundraiser Curbside Pickup |
December 1, 2025 | | SPS Financial Aid Forms Due |
February 1, 2026 | | Arbiter Forms Due |
February 1, 2026 | | Registration Due to Academic Expeditions |
February 9-12, 2026 | | Roommate Request Form to students |
March 14, 2026 | | Final Payment Due to Academic Expeditions |
February 23 - March 31, 2026 | | Designate roommates |
April 15, 2026 | | Family Orientation Part II: Itinerary, logistics; packing list |
April 28-30, 2026 | | Communicate bus and roommate assignments to students |
April 27-May 1, 2026 | | Student Orientation Part II |
May 4-8, 2026 | | Organize water and snacks for buses |
May 6-7, 2026 | | Medications Due to Nurse’s Office |
May 7, 2026 | | Chaperone Meet-n-Greet; distribute T-shirts |
May 12-15, 2026 | | Travel |
Note: Dates are subject to change
Volunteers Needed!
Fall:
Winter:
Spring:
If you can help, please email Jenn Spencer.
Parent Orientation Part II Agenda:
Coming next April 15th:
This meeting will be on Zoom.
Tips & Reminders
1st: Academic Expeditions - payments
2nd: Arbiter - permissions & authorizations
Naming Convention:
Thank you for Attending!
Trip Code:ECMS2026
Register on Academic Expeditions:
Register on Arbiter
AND
Program Title:�2026 Curtis 8th Grade Civics Trip
�Email Ms. Egizio at lauren_Egizio@sudbury.k12.ma.us
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