The fourth- and fifth-graders at St. Ambrose School in
Annandale were all ready to explore the National Air and
Space Museum Nov. 17 when Catholic schools were advised not
to travel into the capital city.
“In light of the recent happenings and the increased security
in some areas, you are urged to not have your students take
field trips to D.C.,” Sister Bernadette McManigal, the
diocesan superintendent of schools, emailed the principals.
“I realize this is an inconvenience, but it seems necessary
at this time.”
After the terrorist attacks on Nov. 13 that left 130 dead and
more than 350 wounded in Paris, a video was released,
purportedly by the Islamic State group, saying Vatican City
and Washington would be the next targets. As of Nov. 19,
Italy was on high alert, looking into possible terrorist
attacks on St. Peter’s Basilica and Italian cities.
The students’ study of outer space was not lost, however,
said Angela Rowley, principal of St. Ambrose School in
Annandale. The field trip was relocated to the Steven F.
Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Chantilly. “They were able
to stay on curriculum and line up with everything they were
going downtown to see,” said Rowley. Parents, she said, felt
relieved and were happy to go with the flow.
Many local college students studying abroad in Europe have
had to adjust plans. Colleen McCrum, a junior from
Christendom College in Front Royal studying in Rome, said
major group events have been canceled, though students are
still encouraged to do things in smaller numbers.
Students were reminded to keep their emergency contact cards
always on them and to be able to travel from school to their
residence on foot, in case public transportation shuts down.
They also can sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,
a service through the State Department which allows travelers
to register their travel plans and receive security updates
from the nearest U.S. embassy.
Though the changes are disruptive, safety is the number one
responsibility of school administrators, said Austin Poole,
principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Vienna. The
OLGC sixth-grade class had scheduled a trip to the U.S.
Capitol in early December, but the trip has been postponed
until the situation stabilizes, said Poole. Though the
students and many of the parents were excited for the tour,
he said, “We have to make sure safety is our number one
goal.”
