Eighth-Graders from Zeta Charter Schools Experience Unique Tour of Capitol Amid Federal Government Shutdown
Washington, D.C. was the buzzworthy destination this past weekend as over 100 eighth-graders from Zeta Charter Schools in the Bronx and Manhattan set off on a three-day adventure from September 30 to October 2. And let’s be real—this wasn’t just any ordinary trip. Despite the looming federal government shutdown, these students aimed to soak up lessons in leadership, democracy, and civic identity.
However, as they arrived, they found themselves amidst an unusual scene. The normally bustling corridors of the Capitol were workably sparse, and their originally scheduled tour was put on hold due to the absence of tour guides, a consequence of the shutdown. But wait! Just as the day seemed to hit a snag, fortune smiled upon them in the form of Bronx native and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In a twist of fate, she stepped up to offer an impromptu tour tailored just for the students. Imagine what it’s like to have a political leader—an inspiring one, no less—take you around a place as iconic as the Capitol! The CEO of Zeta Charter Schools, Emily Kim, expressed that this experience was a powerful one for students to learn firsthand from a leader who shares their roots, making it even more meaningful.
One of the highlights was when the students found themselves standing in the typically crowded Rotunda with just Ocasio-Cortez. With fewer people around, it was a golden opportunity to truly absorb the historical gravitas surrounding them. While catching glimpses of Capitol staffers going about their duties, the building felt unusually quiet yet familiar—a rare moment for these young visitors.
Throughout the tour, Ocasio-Cortez made sure to provide her guests with a rich historical context instead of diving into modern political debates. She even took time to talk about Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a groundbreaking figure in U.S. history. It was a chance for the students to learn not just about the past but also about how challenges faced by influential figures like Chisholm can lead to meaningful changes in society.
While the group didn’t get to enter the Senate chamber, they peered in to witness the inner workings of government in action. They also visited the Women’s Reading Room, a space created specifically for female Congress members following the election of more women into office, symbolizing a shift in representation. Additionally, the students interacted with staff members from Congressmember Ritchie Torres’ office, adding another layer of engagement to their enriching experience.
Despite the shutdown affecting many government functions, the students managed to enjoy their trip to Washington, D.C. by visiting various museums that remained open to the public, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As if that wasn’t fun enough, they even indulged in some retail therapy, purchasing quirky souvenirs like squid hats!
Zeta Charter Schools has been making waves since opening in 2018, now boasting nearly 4,000 students across 11 campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. They made the decision to follow through with this trip even after contemplating a postponement, viewing it as a critical civic lesson that could not be missed.
FAQ
1. How many students from Zeta Charter Schools visited Washington, D.C.?
Over 100 students from Zeta Charter Schools in the Bronx and Manhattan visited Washington, D.C. from September 30 to October 2 despite the federal government shutdown.
2. What was the purpose of the trip to Washington, D.C.?
The trip was designed to focus on leadership, democracy, and civic identity.
3. Who provided the students with a tour of the Capitol?
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered an impromptu tour for the students when guides were unavailable.
4. How did the shutdown affect the students’ experience at the Capitol?
The students experienced a shutdown with sparsely populated corridors and no tour guides available for their originally scheduled Capitol tour.
5. Did the students get to interact with any congressional staff?
Yes, the students interacted with staff members from Congressmember Ritchie Torres’ office during their visit.
6. What other places did the students visit during their trip?
Despite the shutdown, they visited museums that were open, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
7. How many students are currently enrolled in Zeta Charter Schools?
Zeta Charter Schools, which opened in 2018, now has grown to 4,000 students across 11 schools in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.
Key Features of the Trip
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Participants | Over 100 eighth-graders from Zeta Charter Schools. |
| Dates | September 30 to October 2. |
| Purpose | Focus on leadership, democracy, and civic identity. |
| Capitol Tour | Impromptu tour led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. |
| Historical Significance | Discussion of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. |
| Museum Visits | Visited open museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. |
| Current Enrollment | 4,000 students in 11 schools. |
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
