All scheduled out-of-country field trips for Bedford High School students are ‘on’ for February and April.
The School Committee, which had previously approved the events, chose at its meeting Tuesday not to rescind its consent after evaluating health and safety considerations. Friday is the deadline for participants to withdraw from two February trips without forfeiting a $399 deposit.
All of the destinations are designated by the State Department as “level three,” which means that travelers should reconsider their plans because of the level of Covid-19.
Superintendent of Schools Philip Conrad recommended that the committee continue to allow the travel, “knowing the risks that are there now and that risks may increase or decrease as time goes by.”
The superintendent said students, their parents, and faculty chaperones “all would like to continue to travel. There have been no dropouts.” He said all participants must be vaccinated against Covid.
A “food tour” to Sicily and Greece, planned for February, is being modified by the travel company, Conrad reported to the committee. The itinerary will no longer include Greece, which is a “level four” destination. The State Department says that means, “Do not travel.” The trip now will focus on Italy.
Also in February, students are scheduled to visit the Galapagos Islands, a territory of Ecuador. April destinations are “Ecuador, the Andes and the Amazon,” as well as a South Africa experience for METCO students, in conjunction with programs in neighboring schools.
Committee member Ann Guay asked about contingencies for anyone who becomes ill on a trip, and Conrad said the travel companies have protocols to respond, including an in-country guide. He added that Bedford chaperones are trained in first aid – some in “wilderness” first aid – and are experienced with student trips.
Member Brad Morrison asked, “Should we do anything different because this trip is taking place in a pandemic?” Conrad noted existing protocols, such as masking on flights and local requirements at destinations. All participants will be tested for Covid when they return, he said.
Asked about other districts in the region, Conrad said most have already canceled out-of-country travel.
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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