Remembering the history trip
Some have questioned my sanity. It’s an understandable question, given that I enjoy traveling 1,000 miles in four days on a bus with 36 highly excitable eighth-graders. I have taught seventh and eighth grade Spanish and history for 18 years in Whitefish, and just returned from another eighth-grade Montana history trip — my fifth one. Hence, questions regarding my mental health might be considered valid.
Except for one thing — the questions don’t factor in how incredible my students are while in class and during the history trip. If you could see what I see in my classes, and on the history trip, the whole town would vie for the privilege of chaperoning a history trip.
The truth about our touring eighth graders is best expressed by a letter Whitefish Middle School received yesterday. It’s from the manager of the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery in Anaconda (the hatchery might lack the historical muscle of the Lewis and Clark sites, but hey, maybe Montana really is about the trout).
Dear Mr. Drown of Whitefish Middle School:
I am returning the $50 check you gave me, following your tour of the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery. I really want you to know it is our pleasure to have this wonderful group of kids at our facility.
Every year, Whitefish Middle School kids are extremely well behaved and attentive. Your school, their parents and the community of Whitefish should be extremely proud of these students.
I can’t tell you enough about how well they do here. And I see a lot of schools. Please take the money back, and treat the students.
Whitefish Middle School has been coming to the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery for over 11 years. It is always a treat for our staff when we hear you are on the way, because we have learned we can count on the students from Whitefish.
Mark Sweeney, hatchery manager
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Our staff has learned when we teach students exactly what is expected of them, in school or the public arena, our students step up to the plate in ways that astound us. We’ve learned other things as well. We’ve learned how much our student family benefits from having close relationships with at least one adult at school who “gets” them. These relationships come to fruition on the history trip.
Whether our students are experiencing divorce in their families, relocations, death of friends or relatives, challenges regarding academics, peer issues, drug/alcohol use or sexuality, the pains and trials of adolescents deserve our attention and support. It’s that attention and support from staff that help build relationships with our students.
We’ve seen the outcome for some students when, for whatever reason, there was not an available adult looking out for every child at school, beyond basic academic concerns. That outcome can compromise the health and safety not only of at-risk children, but of every student with whom they come in contact — also known as “your child.”
The “behind the scenes” effort to support each of our students is incredible, yet we still fall short. Presently, students can fall through the cracks. It’s our (as yet) unmet goal to make certain every single student feels he or she is valued beyond measure by at least one designated adult at school.
Student and staff health and safety are enhanced when students feel valued in the school setting. A strictly academic setting does not lend itself well to this. This is why we try to teach to the “whole” child; we see our students as people, not just recipients of academic information.
I’ve taught in seven middle schools and junior high schools throughout my career. All pale in comparison with Whitefish Middle School. While we have tremendous parental support, we do get occasional comments about being strict, our dress code, cell phone policies, etc.
But, when all is said and done, our school is a place where children come for an education, knowing they’ll be cared for and safe. Is Whitefish Middle School perfect? Not even close. Awfully darn good? You bet.
So, call me crazy, I don’t mind. I love the history trip. I love our school. I’ve learned through the years what excellence looks like. It looks a whole lot like the middle school in Whitefish, Montana.
Patti (McIntyre) Faustini is a Whitefish Middle School Spanish and history teacher. She is retiring this year and moving to Prescott, Ariz.