8th grade students in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. in May 2025.
Howard L. Goff Middle School coordinates an 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C. every spring. The annual trip is a longstanding tradition in the East Greenbush Central School District and provides an opportunity for students to visit the nation’s capital and see historic landmarks and museums during a three-day trip.
All 8th grade students in good standing are invited to attend the trip.
8th grade students in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
2026 Washington Trip
The Washington trip for current 8th grade students is scheduled for April 29-May 1, 2026.
Students visit Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theater, National Archives, Holocaust Museum, National History Museum, Smithsonian Museum, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and national monuments.
Cost/Fundraising
The cost of the trip for each student is $555.00. Fundraising opportunities to help defray the cost of the trip include:
- Annual Pancake Breakfast
- Students have the opportunity to earn money by selling tickets to the event and also working the event (waiter, busser, etc.)
- Hoffman’s Car Wash Helping Hands
- Students can sell Hoffman Car Wash tickets through an online platform. 50% of their total sales will go towards their trip balance.
- Trip Sponsors
- Local businesses and community members have the opportunity to sponsor a student and donate where they will have their name added to the back of our t-shirts that will be worn on the trip to Washington, D.C.
Class trip permission forms and a $100 deposit is due by November 28, 2025. Students who return the permission form or deposit after the above date may be placed on a waiting list.
In accordance with school board policy, no student will be excluded from field trips, including the Washington trip, due to financial need. If you are unable to pay for the class trip or are in need of some assistance, please contact your school counselor, Mrs. Mahoney or Mr. McHugh. Each year, we are able to secure funding from community partners and individual donors so that students in need of financial assistance can attend the trip.
Students in front of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Chaperones
Goff staff and parents/guardians serve as chaperones on the Washington trip to provide adult supervision of students. Chaperones will be responsible for a group of four students. There is a chaperone meeting in spring for those who are interested.
The cost for a chaperone is $555. If you are interested in volunteering as a chaperone on the trip, please contact Mrs. Mahoney.
Hotel Accommodations
All students and chaperones on the trip will stay at the same hotel. Four students to a room and two chaperones to a room. Rooming selections/choices will start in early January.
Parent Information Meeting
An informational meeting for parents/guardians is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025. All parents/guardians of current 8th grade students are encouraged to attend so they can learn more about the upcoming class trip.
Do’s and Don’ts on the Washington Trip
Do
- Have fun & be respectful!!
- Stay with your group & chaperone.
- Pack accordingly (weather, walking shoes, etc.).
- You may bring your phone and spending money.
- Abide by the Code of Conduct leading up to the trip – SEE PACKET for eligibility requirements.
Don’t
- Bring electronics/video game consoles
- Bring weapons, drugs or alcohol
- Bring hair dryers, excessive “products”, clothing that could get ruined in weather, bathing suits
Planning for Future Years
Preparing for the annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. is a huge undertaking. This three-day field trip for students and their chaperones, while it is an incredible learning experience, is expensive and requires a lot of planning and coordination from our school staff.
To improve the process, we’re not only preparing for this year’s trip but also creating a plan for future years. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Contact
Nicole Mahoney
Assistant Principal
mahoneyni@egcsd.org
FAQ: Washington Trip
Q: What is the purpose of the Washington D.C. Class Trip?
A: The trip to Washington, D.C. is an opportunity to visit, analyze and reflect upon what students have read and learned about in the classroom. It provides students with an authentic learning experience where they are able to solidify their own understanding of and appreciation for our nation’s government and rich history. As our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. offers unique landmarks and museums. East Greenbush students often reflect on their time in Washington, D.C. as a very memorable and rewarding opportunity with their friends, parents and teachers, culminating their middle school experience.
Q: What is the date of the trip?
A: Wednesday, April 29 to Friday, May 1, 2026.
Q: Where will students and chaperones stay in Washington, D.C.?
A: Hyatt Regency Bethesda: One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Q: What does the trip cost?
A: $555 per person includes transportation on coach buses, two nights in a hotel, seven meals, tickets to select museums and attractions and a class t-shirt. A $100 deposit is due by November 28, 2025.
Q: What if a family cannot afford to send their child?
A: In accordance with school board policy, no student will be excluded from a field trip due to financial hardship. Goff provides fundraising opportunities for students to defray the overall cost of the trip. The school also solicits donations from community organizations to help pay for students who cannot afford to go on the trip.
Q: Are all 8th grade students allowed to go on the trip?
A: All 8th grade students in good standing (e.g., attendance, behavior) are invited to attend the trip.
Q: What are some of the activities or locations that students visit on the trip?
A: Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theater, National Archives, Holocaust Museum, National History Museum, Smithsonian Museum, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and national monuments.
Q: Who serves as chaperones on the trip?
A: Goff teachers and staff as well as parents of 8th grade students serve as chaperones. We welcome everyone to sign up to become a chaperone. In the event we have large chaperone interest and we cannot take everyone, a lottery will be held to select parents to go on the trip.
The cost for a chaperone is $555. Chaperones are responsible for a group of 4 students for the entire trip (bus, hotel oversight, all tours, money holding, etc.). If there is more than one chaperone for your group, you may have additional students assigned to you. A chaperone meeting will be held in the spring.
Q: What if a student or chaperone gets sick or injured on the trip?
A: A certified nurse will be on the trip to help with any medical needs.
Q: Are there students who choose not to go on the trip?
A: Students who do not attend the Washington, D.C. trip will participate in scheduled classes at Goff with the teachers remaining on campus. While the daily schedule will differ slightly from the regular routine, students will engage in enrichment activities and have opportunities for review. No new instructional material will be introduced during this time.