Field Trip Day: Grade 9 & 10 Trip to the Freedom Trail & State House
Student Spotlights:
Sofia Monuteaux ‘26: “Senators have their own reading room which is very nice.”
Megan Savage ‘25: “I learned that Massachusetts had its own state bug.”
Omar Ramadan ‘26: “I loved hanging out with my friends.”
Estefania Jimenez Lopez ‘26: “Builds perspective on what Boston used to be.”
Carlo Grabiel Butler ‘26: “The long line gives you the chance to interact with everybody.”
On October 28, grade 9 and 10 students started their day with a pleasant walk through Boston Common to the State House. Soon after the tour, they walked through the freedom trail in a long line, mingling with one another and learning about the historic sites. Surrounded by the busy city energy, students had a chance to learn more about their city and interact with one another in a new way.
Photos by Mia Brillantes.
Once arriving at the State House, small groups made their way through the doors and entered the historical building. A tour throughout the building began, highlighting some key rooms. Grades 9 and 10 had a chance to learn about the history of the Massachusetts government, paintings and glass mosaics, as well as look up their own town flags. Sofia Monuteaux ‘26 favorite new fact was the famous cod's origin, and the importance of its unique presence in the House of Representatives. Carlo Grabiel Butler ‘26 also shared with us his new understanding of this voting room, and was surprised to learn about its beginning stages.
Photos by Mia Brillantes.
After a quick break, a determined walk through the freedom trail began. The freedom trail is a classic Boston experience, and although being done by many of the students before, it had something new to offer this time around. While walking through the crisp fall air, we had a chance to speak with Mr. Ohman, an MYP English and Back Bay History teacher. He expressed the importance of the freedom trail in “understanding the founding of the country” while also being fully immersed in the great cry of freedom. This pushes students to use their imagination as a way to experience history.”
Freedom Trail Stops:
State House - 1798
Granbury Burying Ground - 1660
King’s Chapel - 1686
Old Corner Bookstore - 1718
Old State House - 1713
Boston Massacre Sight - 1770
Faneuil Hall - 1742
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground - 1659
Photos by Mia Brillantes.
An especially enjoyable experience of the field trip was the social interactions between students and teachers. In the trafficked streets of Boston, there was a diverting opportunity to chat and spend time with one another. This even allowed for the formation of a human chain, which many remember as an iconic symbol of the trip! Estefania Jimenez Lopez 26’, who has just recently moved to Boston from Mexico shared the differences from her previous school trips. She shared how “having an educational trip, while also having the chance to socialize was new to her.” A writing activity with a prize was also organized by Ms. Matson, MYP English teacher. Estefania says this also pushes students to focus more on the speakers and truly engage with the experience. Something new for the student council to consider is casting a vote for field trips so the choice comes directly from the student body, suggests Carlo ‘26.
Photo by Mia Brillantes.
While the field trip had its unexpected difficulties of walking through the busy city, and a long line of students, it was the surprising turn of events that made it that much more special. In the peak of fall, students had the chance to walk through history and make unique memories with friends.