Good afternoon:

I hope you have all had a wonderful summer. We have had a great start to the school year. Thank you for all your help in this regard.

After several inquiries, I think it beneficial to inform our families of the following information. Since it is difficult to know which ages and grades are involved, I have decided to send it out to all our families, in some cases I’m sure, for future reference. I believe the great majority of students that may be involved, or inclined to be involved, will be in our graduating class.

There is a March Break trip being planned, I believe to the Dominican Republic. This is not a school sponsored trip, nor will it ever become one. For as long as I can remember, students and/or organizers have attempted to “legitimize” the excursion by including the school name in any description of the trip in an attempt to convince parents that it will be the least precarious excursion possible. So, this is not a “peculiar” nor singular habit of Crestwood students. Thousands of students across the city may be involved, although not with the same tour company or program. This trip could be a good thing, or a bad thing. Either way, Crestwood College will not be involved, nor will any of its staff members.

I have included a website link from one of our parents regarding possible health risks that need to be considered should you decide to allow your son or daughter to go on this trip.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2007/mal_dr070524-eng.php

Regards and best wishes to all:

Vince Pagano