Dear Parent/Guardian,
For the past four years, Rosa Parks’ eighth graders have had the chance to travel with their peers and
families to Europe. These trips have provided students with invaluable opportunities for social, emotional, and
academic growth, and it is finally your child’s turn to benefit from this experience. I am pleased to announce
that during spring break 2017, your child will have the opportunity to travel to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and
Lichtenstein. The group will experience the culture, learn the history and witness the iconic landmarks of these
beautiful countries.
From Rothenburg to Munich to Lucerne to Salzburg, we will explore the folkloric countryside while also
seeing architectural marvels of central Europe. The picturesque Alps, an exploration of 450-year old salt mines,
and an expedition to Neuschwanstein castle are some of the things awaiting us on this tour.
Imagine the opportunity for your child to see what they have been studying in the classroom come to life.
Travel encourages students to step out of their comfort zones. They return home with a broader view of the
world, an appreciation for other cultures, and a new sense of maturity and independence. As a teacher and a
parent, I can think of no other experience that provides such great potential for personal growth. That stamp in
their passport is only the beginning!
EF Tours, the company with whom I have been partnering, has been in business for 50 years, has offices
around the world, and guarantees the lowest prices for the highest quality. They provide a professionally-trained
tour director who will meet us at the airport in Frankfurt and will remain with our group 24/7 until we depart for
home. Our tour also includes expert local guides at many of the sites and attractions.
There is limited space on this trip, and enrollments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Last
year, all available spots were taken within 3 days. I am hosting an informational meeting on Wednesday, April
27, at 7:00pm in the Rosa Parks Middle School media center. Students are welcome to attend the meeting with
their parents. I will cover the details of the trip, and time will be taken to answer all of your questions. I
sincerely hope you will come and learn more.
Please RSVP by emailing me at the address below so that I am sure that I have enough materials for
everyone in attendance.
Warm Regards,
Debbie Overly
Group Leader
Germany and the Alps 2017
[email protected]
Comments from those who have traveled with me in the past:
“I'd like to thank you for such a wonderful trip. I had an amazing time and loved experiencing the
different cultures. The trip was one of the best experiences I have ever had. The trip introduced me to so
many different cultures and activities that my family and I would never think of doing on our own. The trip
really allowed me to rekindle my friendship with many of the other students that came along and made me
become more independent, even though both my parents accompanied me on the trip. When I saw the
Eiffel Tower, it was so surreal. When I was younger my dream was always to go to Paris, and because of you
planning this trip, I was able to make that happen. Thank you so much for all you did to make this trip
happen. I can safely say this was a trip I will never forget and will always be on my mind. “
“Thank you for a wonderful U.K. trip! It was a whirlwind of adventure that [we] will remember always. If
I had not done it myself, I wouldn’t have thought seeing so much in such a short amount of time was
possible. The time, energy, and planning you put into the trip was obvious. All of your work paid off in a
fabulous experience. Your patience, thoughtfulness and genuine care for the students and their experience
made a beautiful memory. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Thank you to everyone who took such good care of my son…he truly had an amazing time and this
experience will forever be etched in his memory. The stories are still making me chuckle. What a great
group of kids, parents and teachers and I truly can't imagine anything being better than this! I hope,
Debbie, you will be doing these trips for years to come so when my little one gets to 8th grade she will also
have this wonderful experience.”
“[My daughter} has not stopped talking about all the fun she had on the trip. Thank you to all the adults
involved who kept their eyes and ears on our babies that didn't have parents with them. This was a trip of
a lifetime for her and she will treasure these memories forever!”
“THANK YOU Debbie and all the chaperones! [My daughter] had a great time and has definitely caught the
travel bug! She said the tour director was great! Debbie, as many mentioned, the logistics of getting the
trip planned and making it a wonderful experience had to have taken a lot of time and is much appreciated
by all! Thank you for making this wonderful opportunity available to our our kids. The experience will be
with them forever!
“This was a great trip! Fantastic chaperones and Group Leader, good kids and fun parents...you
really couldn't ask for anything more. Good luck to all this week as we dig out and recover from
the fun!”