surfmom

tc, thank you for the explanation.

I am so saddened to hear of the developments. As a much smaller level, I volunteer in the school system. I always get frustrated when events/parties/field trips have onerous rules because one parent complained. The greatest frustration is that those are the parents who are not willing to step up and lead, they just want to sit back and be critical of everything that is done. I fear we are heading in the direction of lowest common denominator and all these special opportunities will be gone.

As a parent and travel planner, I have stolen a few of your ideas from the past. I find a topic that interests each kid and ask them to do a powerpoint presentation to the family on that topic. It makes it so much more meaningful! (and as bonus, their teachers were very interested). We just returned from Italy and our presentations were on: The Last Supper (me), San Gimignano and The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Venice, and Leonardo da Vinci. It very much added to our trip! thank you for a great idea.

Good luck with any outcomes -

If you ever get to a point that you could share a few paragraphs about highlights, post an update on this one and I'll find it.

thank you for what you do.

nukesafe

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain your silence. We were very concerned that it was health related. While I am glad it not illness, I can see that the petty jabs by evil people can hurt one more deeply than bodily pain.

I hope this works out for you in the long run so you can continue to do the wonderful work you so enjoy with these kids.

We are on your side. Sue their asses off!

cw

Thanks so much for coming back to explain your absence. I am relieved that you are alive and well, but I'm disheartened to hear that there were those in power who caused problems for the trip organizers. I'm happy to hear that the trip was a great success for the students.

And nukesafe couldn't have said it better: "We are on your side."

Take care, tC, and thanks for all your previous reports.

annhig

this is such a shame, not just for us fodorites who are denied the opportunity to share vicariously in tC's joys and trials of guiding this group, but much more for the students who are going to be deprived of the fantastic experiences that tC and his colleagues have been giving students lucky enough to go on these trips.

i have a friend who with her husband has guided many groups from the school at which her husband works, and i know a little of the effort that goes into the planning. it's a tremendous responsibility. i bet the school board wouldn't do it.

Best wishes to tC and her colleagues.

justineparis

Wow this was an interesting thread,, but surprised to hear about 9 chaperones for 40 older teens (16-19). Our school sent 30 kids( aged 14-16) to Cuba with only three, the teacher and two parent chaperones. Seems like 9 is a large number of adults .. perhaps too many cooks spoil the soup?

irishface

I am glad to hear that TC is well physically, but is otherwise under such stress. I hope that right will win out in the end and that the naysayers will get their just desserts (and more!)

Maybe when the dust settles, we can at least hear the highlights. You have shown such care and thoroughness on all of your trips that I cannot believe that anyone could find fault. (However, having been a teacher for over 40 years, I have seen some of the most dedicated professionals go up against some pretty awful stuff due to a misunderstanding.)

Please know, TC, that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

bilboburgler

so sorry, very frustrating but very glad that you are ok

paris1953

So thrilled to see this at the top of the postings today. I, too, had feared for your health and well-being. Sad to read about the problems you have experienced. Know that you have your faithful followers here on Fodors who appreciate your talents, your caring, and your willingness to share.