On Friday, November 17, some students in History and American Government classes got the chance to experience the new Situation Room at the Ronald Reagan Library. This field trip involved what the government deals with during any natural disaster. Why was this field trip chosen? Well, teacher Alfred Pratt said, “We have a past history of attending field trips to the Ronald Reagan Library and last year we participated in another room activity for the first time and the student solved it. We hope to attend every year.” Teacher Tracy Maisch said, “I wanted to expose my history class to a small part of how the government is working in an emergency situation taken care of.” Another teacher Matthea Tenace said, “I think it is a good experience for the students. The Situation Room helps promote critical thinking and collaboration. This year’s situation especially connects students since we deal with wildfires very often in California.”
Have any students or teachers been at the library before? Para Educator Kristen Roessell said, “Yes, many times. I’ve seen the exhibits, speakers and field trips.” Senior Jose Martinez said, “Yes, I have had many field trips growing up around here.” Another senior, Trenton Shelton said, “Yes, I have gone there my junior year and my fifth grade year. I loved every field trip here.” Once students arrived at the Ronald Reagan Library, students were given name tags of the roles they had to play during the wildfire situation room. What were the roles some students played? Sophomore Riley Bullard said, “The Malibu public safety manager, I liked my role because it was fun and involved me quite a bit.” Senior Dominick Arce said, “Mayor of Oxnard, I went around and made sure everyone was safe during the wildfire and had evacuated.” Senior Wyatt Wiemero said, “Public Health, I tried to save people from the disaster I was dealing with the firefighters and all the safety of the people and animals.” Another student Sophomore Hunter Hatfield said, “Give people the connect information, no lying and double checking information before posting it.” What a challenge the students had to face!
What were the students’ thoughts about the Situation Room and about the field trip in general? Senior Joseph Soto said, “It was a fun field trip and cool experience to experience with my fellow classmates. I wish it was longer.” Senior Jasmine Bravo said, “It was fun because we got to act out and try to help people that were in need of help during the wildfire. Sheriff was my role so I was involved a lot.” Another Senior Brendon Gonzalez said, “I enjoyed the Situation Room that’s in the Ronald Reagan Library. It was very inspiring and I learned so many important skills and lessons.”
Pratt had an additional comment to share, “The students really enjoyed themselves and were challenged in a good way with the Situation Room. We hope to make this an annual field trip.” During lunch time the students either bought lunch from the food court and or received the school provided lunch. What did the students order at the Ronald Reagan Library food court? Senior Jovan Velaquez said, “I got lunch from the Ronald Reagan Library, a grilled cheese with bacon in it with a side of fries.” Senior Bree Spencer said, “I got lunch there, A burger and their delicious fries. It was better than lunch at school.” Another Senior Hector Martinez said, “I got lunch there. A burger was definitely better than the school lunch.” Does our school lunch need to upgrade their menu? What a fun and educational field trip for students, a great memory of high school. On a good note, it seemed like all the students enjoyed their day at the Ronald Reagan Library.
