On a drizzly Thursday morning, a group of excited 4th graders embarked on a memorable field trip to Madison, Wisconsin with Mrs. Waack and Ms. Etter. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the young students had an unforgettable day full of adventures, new experiences, and unexpected surprises.
The journey to Madison was a big adventure itself, as it was the first time many of the students had ridden a coach bus. The bus ride was filled with laughter and songs, turning the trip into a bonding experience for the young travelers. “The coach bus was so much fun!” exclaimed Mason, a 4th grader. “I sat with my best friend, and we played games the whole way there.”
The first stop of the day was a visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo, where the students had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Armed with colorful umbrellas and raincoats, the children explored the zoo, learning about exotic creatures from around the world. The giggles and expressions of awe as they saw the majestic lions, playful meerkats, and curious orangutans warmed the hearts of their teachers and chaperones. Students enjoyed visiting the gift shop and eating their lunches there as well.
After the zoo visit, the group of eager young explorers headed to the magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol building. The students enjoyed an educational tour through the stunning building, marveling at its grand architecture, beautiful marble floors, and the remarkable art throughout. For many, it was their first time inside such an iconic and historic structure. “Students are always impressed with how large the capital is. They especially enjoyed looking at the fossils in the marble walls and learning where the different types of marble came from in the world,” said Mrs. Terri Waack.
As the students roamed the grand halls of the Capitol, they had the opportunity to meet with Senator Eric Wimberger. The senator warmly welcomed the young visitors and took the time to chat with them. The 4th graders were thrilled to meet a real-life senator and even more thrilled when he offered to sign autographs for each of them. Each student received a copy of the Wisconsin Blue Book as a keepsake of their time in Madison. “I’ve never met a senator before!” exclaimed Armani, a student with a beaming smile. “He was really nice, and I’m going to keep his autograph forever.”
“Senator Wimberger invited us into the assembly parlor which is a room that is used for caucus meetings. The only way you can enter is by invitation only, so this was a really special opportunity for our students,” said Ms. Jennifer Etter.
As the day came to an end, and the rain continued to pour outside, the students boarded the coach bus for their journey back to St. Bernard School. Tired but happy, they chatted about their favorite moments of the day and the new things they had learned.
The field trip to Madison, despite the rain, will undoubtedly be a cherished memory for these 4th graders. It was a day filled with adventure, learning, and the kind of unexpected moments that make school trips truly magical. The young students returned home with hearts full of inspiration and dreams of future adventures, perhaps even a career in politics for some, thanks to their special meeting with Senator Eric Wimberger.
St. Bernard Catholic School (PK3-8) is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school with open enrollment serving preschool students and elementary students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. St. Bernard provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.
