Not So Bad After All by Danielle C.
Do you know that feeling when you want something, got it, and then noticed it wasn’t how you thought it would be? Well that is how a lot of people feel about the upcoming Field trip to West Point Military Academy. I know that many people are just going because it is a day out of school, but after learning a little about the place and why we are going, I bet you will have a new perspective on this school excursion. Also, a lot of the things people are complaining about on the trip are really nothing but made-up worries.
No, we will not be forced to do push-ups, pull-ups or anything of this sort. It’s a field trip, not your gym class. We will not get to use any weapons, for the obvious reason that it is way too dangerous. You will however get to see these weapons in some of the museums around the campus. Something I can confirm is that you will be on the bus for a little while. West Point is a while north of New York City.
The sixth grade will be going on June 4th, the seventh grade will be going on June 5th and the eighth grade will be going on June 6th. We are going on separate days, presumably because there are too many children to keep track of on one day. The busses are scheduled to leave at around 8:30 a.m. and return at about 2:30 p.m.
Something people are very confused about is dress code. Only boys need to wear collared shirts, polo shirts, or spirit wear. Girls do not need to wear collared shirts, just appropriate ones, like you would have to wear to school anyways. No short shorts, and if you don’t know when the shorts are too short, then try the arm-length thing that everyone ignores while dressing for school, it will save you a lot of stress. Footwear that is easy to walk in is needed. They are not making you wear a uniform; just what they think is appropriate. Anthony Wayne probably just doesn’t want to be embarrassed by some people’s more… interesting fashion choices, but also because they want to make it easier to keep track of all the students. I suggest you stick to the dress code for your sake, unless you want to go to West Point in your gym clothes.
According to Mr. Ben David, the reason we are going to West Point Military Academy is, “It’s their focus on character development [and] character education. West Point educates you mind, body and spirit. It’s a structure we should seek to emulate in our schools.” Another reason is because of their Cadet Honor Code, which reads, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.” This is a very important lesson which does not only apply to cadets, but also to everyone, children and adults alike.
Students don’t have to go, but I wouldn’t want to stick around an almost empty school. It would be like Take-your-child-to-work day, but about 3 times more vacant. Going to West Point isn’t all that bad. You learn interesting things, get a day out of school, and also you might just make yourself a better person with what you learn here in your short but hopefully memorable visit. There is also a gift shop if you would like something to remember your visit or just see something that catches your eye. So, make sure to carry money.
No, we will not be forced to do push-ups, pull-ups or anything of this sort. It’s a field trip, not your gym class. We will not get to use any weapons, for the obvious reason that it is way too dangerous. You will however get to see these weapons in some of the museums around the campus. Something I can confirm is that you will be on the bus for a little while. West Point is a while north of New York City.
The sixth grade will be going on June 4th, the seventh grade will be going on June 5th and the eighth grade will be going on June 6th. We are going on separate days, presumably because there are too many children to keep track of on one day. The busses are scheduled to leave at around 8:30 a.m. and return at about 2:30 p.m.
Something people are very confused about is dress code. Only boys need to wear collared shirts, polo shirts, or spirit wear. Girls do not need to wear collared shirts, just appropriate ones, like you would have to wear to school anyways. No short shorts, and if you don’t know when the shorts are too short, then try the arm-length thing that everyone ignores while dressing for school, it will save you a lot of stress. Footwear that is easy to walk in is needed. They are not making you wear a uniform; just what they think is appropriate. Anthony Wayne probably just doesn’t want to be embarrassed by some people’s more… interesting fashion choices, but also because they want to make it easier to keep track of all the students. I suggest you stick to the dress code for your sake, unless you want to go to West Point in your gym clothes.
According to Mr. Ben David, the reason we are going to West Point Military Academy is, “It’s their focus on character development [and] character education. West Point educates you mind, body and spirit. It’s a structure we should seek to emulate in our schools.” Another reason is because of their Cadet Honor Code, which reads, “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.” This is a very important lesson which does not only apply to cadets, but also to everyone, children and adults alike.
Students don’t have to go, but I wouldn’t want to stick around an almost empty school. It would be like Take-your-child-to-work day, but about 3 times more vacant. Going to West Point isn’t all that bad. You learn interesting things, get a day out of school, and also you might just make yourself a better person with what you learn here in your short but hopefully memorable visit. There is also a gift shop if you would like something to remember your visit or just see something that catches your eye. So, make sure to carry money.