Windsor students have countless opportunities for learning and fun in the district. Soon, some will have the same thousands of miles away.
Groups from Windsor Central High School and Windsor Central Middle school will each take international trips during Spring Break 2024.
“It’s great exposure for them. It’s places they’ve learned about in school and art, so to see everything in real-life is a great opportunity for the students. Hopefully, it gives them a future passion. They’ll be looking forward to visiting different parts of the world on their own,” said WCHS art teacher Kristin Oliver.
The travelers from the middle school will have an eight-day trip to Costa Rica. Students will tour a coffee plantation, zipline through the rainforest, whitewater raft, snorkel, have a chocolate tasting, hike, and more.
Teachers see several benefits for those taking the trip.
“It broadens your horizons and allows you to connect with other people in a way that isn’t possible if you stay in your hometown. My life wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t traveled. I think it makes you a better person,” said WCMS principal Patricia Llaguno.
“When I first heard about it, I thought who wouldn’t want to have this opportunity. I wanted to jump on board to help the kids have this opportunity. Windsor is tiny and rural. If they don’t have these opportunities now, they may never,” said WCMS art teacher Nicole Cappello.
The high school students are taking a nine-day trip to England, France, and Italy to visit London, Paris, Rome, and more.
“We’re focused on students being future-ready. Part of them being future-ready is knowing about the world they live in. Having that opportunity to experience other cultures will make them a more future-ready, globally minded citizen,” said WCHS teacher Kateri Sibley. “For me, it’s the empathy piece. When you see someone where they live and in the context of their culture, you’re going to be more open minded and understanding.”