Government shutdown curbs class trip

The government shutdown has reached the classroom level.

For the last nine years, a large part of Russell Hawkins Junior High School in Jackson has looked forward to a trip to Silver Mines Recreation Area. But this year, the trip has been postponed because the recreation area is part of the Mark Twain National Forest.

"We take our entire eighth grade. That's pretty darn close to about 400 [students]. It's nine to 10 busloads," science teacher Jay Spurgeon said. He estimated 40 adults go along.

Science teachers man each station of the mine, and history teachers explain its history. The trip is funded through a Conservation Department grant, but it's a teacher-driven curriculum.

"This is kind of a Jackson original. [Conservation Department] gives us resources for this, but most of the curriculum we designed ourselves," Spurgeon said.

Spurgeon, in his sixth year at the junior high, said planning for the trip began in April or May, and it's timed so it doesn't conflict with sports events or other district happenings.

"That's why it's so frustrating," he said. " ... There's been some disappointed faces."

The alternate date is Oct. 24, Spurgeon said. "So we're hoping the government will reach a deal and be reopened," he said.

One of the school's principals contacted someone in the Forestry Service and was told the forest could be reopened within a day if Congress reached an agreement on reopening the government.

If that doesn't work, the trip will probably be moved to the spring, or the school would come up with an alternative trip. With all the planning and organizing, Spurgeon said a shutdown "wasn't on the radar" as something that could throw a wrench in the trip.

He said Tuesday people at the junior high are "cautiously optimistic" a deal can be reached in the next day or two.

"We would really appreciate that," Spurgeon said. "It's just kind of cosmically funny, unfortunately."

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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