Today, the sixth graders are embarking upon a journey unlike any they have ever taken. It is not a an excursion to the Everglades or a trip to Orlando. It is instead a day trip to America’s oldest settlement: St. Augustine. Founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés of Spain in 1565, St. Augustine has become a famous tourist attraction that draws people from all over the world who are interested in the history, architecture, and sightseeing opportunities the city offers.Juan Ponce de Leon was a spanish explorer, and he lead the European explorers to Florida. Once he got to St. Augustine he stumbles upon a place soon called St. Augustine.

The sixth-grade’s trip will be for one full day, as the students left this morning at 6:00 a.m. and are set to return at 10:00 tonight. Not only is it an opportunity to experience some of Florida’s history, but it ties in with the sixth-grade’s history curriculum which focuses on the discovery, early exploration, and colonization of America.

“This trip ties in greatly with the history and English curriculum, and it is also a great team-building and socialization opportunity for the sixth grade,” said Head of Middle School Mr. Charles Hagy.

The middle school administration and faculty decided on this trip to make the history curriculum more hands on and enriching for the students. Traditionally, the sixth-grade spends three days in the Everglades during the spring as part of a science-based study of Florida’s ecosystem. However, the St. Augustine trip is more focused on history and the humanities, and may give students a greater appreciation of American history and the role Florida played in early colonization.

“I’m looking forward to be going on this trip, and I feel privileged to be going, because no other sixth grade class has ever [done it],” said sixth grader Darian Salehi. Fellow sixth grader Matthew Postman, said, “I’m very happy to be going on this trip, because I really like to get away, and it is good because we are learning at the same time.”

The sixth grade will be visiting some of St. Augustine’s most famous attractions, including the fountain of youth, the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the Castillo de San Marcos Fort, the Colonial Spanish Quarter Living History Museum, old time trolley, and many more.

“I am very excited to be taking the sixth graders to the nation’s oldest permanent settlement,” said sixth-grade history teacher Mrs. Pamela Quigley. “I truly think that they will love the trip, and I am very excited to be spending time with the kids.”

So while yesterday may have been “Back to the Future Day” for many fans of the sci-fi film trilogy, today the sixth grade will have an opportunity to travel back in time themselves. They will learn first-hand the history of Florida’s oldest settlement while exploring the very land that Menéndez and his men explored more than 400 years ago. It should be an exciting and enjoyable field trip, a real blast…from the past!