About that Dana Hills Science Trip...

Capistrano Unified trustees refused to intervene on behalf of more than 25 Dana Hills High School students who appeared at Monday’s board meeting, upset that an annual science trip to Baja Californiawas cancelled because of safety concerns.

Every year for the past 39 years, Dana Hills’ students took a college-level marine-ecology class that culminated with fieldwork in Mexico and 100-page reports. Senior Amy Fraze told trustees Monday that she got an “A” in AP Physics, but managed only a B in the marine-ecology course. The cancellation of the trip, which was to run from May 17 through May 25, left her “heartbroken,” she said.

In all, more than 20 students addressed trustees. School and district officials cancelled the trip after the State Department issued an advisory about the dangers of traveling to Mexico. But travel-ndustry expert Thom Nulty of Dana Point told trustees that country’s troubles are in specific areas far from the isolated coastline students head for. The students, parents and others—including graduates who come back to help—travel in a caravan to ensure safety.

 

“My dad wouldn’t let us go down there if he knew it was unsafe,” said Meggan Weinell, who was slated to go on the trip with her twin brother Rory and more than 60 other students. “This is our final test…this is what we’ve been working hard for.”

 

Trustees said they supported staff’s decision, but couldn’t act formally because the item wasn’t on the agenda. “The [Mexican] government is not in control of what’s going on,” Trustee Larry Christensen said. “The world had changed. I believe staff made the right decision.”

The trip has been moved to Catalina Island and shortened by two days, May 17-23.

 

Here's a letter to the board by one of the DHHS teachers involved in the program.