Stepping off a plane, the stunning view of Paris emerges, the painted sunset shining behind the romantic city. The scent of croissants wafts from a little bakery on the street and the top of the Eiffel Tower stands proudly above the City of Love, glittering as night falls. Bonjour! Visiting history-rich museums, palace tours and practicing French make up the field trip dubbed “Paris et Province”, guided by Redwood’s very own, Nicole Plescia.
Plescia has taught history, French and Social Issues for twenty–five years and has led four field trips to Paris with many Giants thus far. But where did it all begin?
In 1993, she bought a one-way ticket to France and worked as a waitress at The Mustang Cafe for two years.
“Paris was eye-opening,” Plescia said.
She found the city unlike any other she had ever laid eyes on. After spending time in France, Plescia moved back to Marin and started teaching, where she began the famous field trip.
“I wanted to share my love for traveling and inspire my students.” Nicole Plescia said.
The trip is approximately a week long and involves twelve to fifteen students from various grades. Plescia doesn’t take students on these trips without assistance, though. She is accompanied by her husband, David, who teaches Leadership, Social Issues and AP World History.
“The whole trip creates confidence for kids who are afraid to be away from home,” David Plescia said.
The adventure to Paris gives students the chance to experience a foreign country in an exciting way while also being educated about its history and culture. These school trips would not be possible without Nicole Plescia’s creativity and determination. She has always been motivated to share her love for the breathtaking city and inspire students beyond the classroom.
“Mrs. Plescia is fearless in different situations. She is able to navigate a foreign country, she is smart, savvy and she loves meeting new people,” David Plescia said.
These trips help students build up more practice for independence and taking risks.
“It gives kids [new] experiences, and being able to see [students] outside of their comfort zone is so special to me,” David Plescia said. “[The field trips] are so meaningful and really get the students excited for traveling.”
Every time she is in Paris, Nicole Plescia loves discovering new places and learning new things with her students.
“It is so fulfilling to me. I’ve been [to Paris] so many times, but I still see new things every time,” Nicole Plescia said.
Many students, including freshman Maya Sebt, are eager to learn about and experience the beautiful city.
“I saw a flyer about [the trip] in the hallway and [Mrs. Plescia] also made an announcement about it through class,” Sebt said.
Sebt has Nicole Plescia for her Social Issues class and has been inspired by her outgoing personality and drive to teach kids.
“Mrs. Plescia is very energetic, enthusiastic and passionate,” Sebt said. “She has gotten me so excited to explore Paris and improve my French.”
With the sign-ups for the trip just opening, Nicole Plescia has been hoping to get other students to join her and get involved with the program.
“These trips help kids implement their French, appreciate culture, eat real food, see relics and gain independence,” Nicole Plescia said.
