By Keaton Beltmann, Current Staff
It looks like the weather will cooperate in the Windy City, but that might be the only thing that was easy about Ronald Rieger’s first field trip as a new teacher.
Rieger was hired as part of the German department shakeup that happened this year after the school lost a few teachers, and he is now ready to take his students to Chicago on his first field trip. The event is Friday, with the purpose of experiencing the German Christmas market in Daley Plaza. Part of the afternoon will include a stop at Navy Pier.
But there were challenges organizing what promises to be a worthwhile trip. As a new teacher, Rieger was worried about asking for permission from the school board, especially because it was an out-of-state trip. In the end, it was a positive experience.
“I was happy to meet them, they were very supportive,” he said.
There was also a problem getting all the required chaperones, as he struggled to get the last supervisor.
“I thank one of my students who stepped up and got a family member,“ Rieger said. “That was nice of them and my spouse is going with us as well.”
Rieger originally planned on using a comfortable motor coach, although those plans fell through. He says it’s never easy straightening everything out with the bus company.
“We ended up with a school bus,” he said. “It’s just a tough time of the year with the holidays.”
Promoting the event also proved challenging. In November Rieger considered canceling the trip when there was not sufficient student interest, but the numbers eventually grew. On Dec. 3, Rieger sent a message to families sharing the good news that the trip would go forward.
“I am very excited,” he said in the message. “It means a lot to me to be able to do this as a first-year instructor at WBHS.”
Rieger hopes the students will have a fun day experiencing authentic German culture and good food. He’s also happy the weather forecast looks favorable.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the views I haven’t seen before and eating new things,” East ninth grader Micah Seymer said.
Buses plan to leave WBHS at 8:30 a.m. and return at 6:30 p.m.
(Top image: Ronald Rieger poses with German memorabilia. Photo taken Oct. 27 by Keaton Beltmann, Current Staff.)
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