School committee approves STEM-focused trip to England and Scotland for Oliver Ames students

Victoria Shields, a biology teacher at Oliver Ames High School, presented a proposed STEM-focused educational trip for upperclassmen to London and Edinburgh, scheduled for Feb. 13–20, 2027. Shields described visits to laboratories, universities and companies to expose students to health-science and STEM career pathways and said students are expected to make up missed work and coordinate with teachers in advance.

The superintendent prefaced the presentation by noting these are working trips for staff organizers and thanking teachers for using personal vacation time to supervise students. Committee members voiced support and curiosity about the new itinerary; one member asked whether this is the first time this specific trip has been offered. Shields confirmed it is the first time for this exact trip and welcomed questions about chaperones and logistics.

The committee moved and approved the overnight trip by roll call vote. Shields thanked the committee and said she would confirm chaperone details and follow up with committee members.