This winter break, Mr. Tim Needles, SCSD district technology integration specialist and HS art teacher, along with chaperone Kim Williams, High School West science teacher, led a trip with 15 students from Smithtown High School East and West to experience Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!
This educational journey allowed students to immerse themselves in rich history and diverse cultures, starting with a tour of Quito, where they visited iconic sites such as Independence Plaza and the Church of the Society of Jesus. The adventure continued in the Galapagos, where students snorkeled with sea turtles and sea lions, explored the unique ecosystems, and learned about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect the islands' endemic species. They closed the trip with cultural experiences in Octavio and Cotacachi, including visits to open markets and hikes to breathtaking waterfalls, further enriched their understanding of this vibrant region.
"It was a trip of a lifetime which blended learning with adventure over 9 days," Needles said. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that Mr. Needles will be leading another educational trip to South Korea and Japan in February 2026. This new adventure is now open for enrollment.
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