A Middle School Spanish teacher is proposing a trip to Central America this summer that will give Cape High School students a chance to practice the skills many have been studying since the third grade. But it won't be a typical tour or foreign-exchange trip.

Susan Dana, who teaches Spanish to seventh- and eighth-graders, is proposing a trip to Guatemala to volunteer for Safe Passage, an organization that provides educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Guatemala City.

"This would be a mission trip for our students," Dana told members of the School Board at their November meeting.

Safe Passage has been a familiar name in Cape Elizabeth, with students locally supporting the non-profit organization dedicated to helping the poorest children in Guatemala City. Last spring students collected school supplies, Dana said, which prompted her to begin thinking about taking a group of students to physically volunteer for Safe Passage.

Cape Elizabeth schools have implemented Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) since 1989, with students beginning their language studies in third grade. "We would like to see us have the students use the language in a really practical use," Dana told members of the board. The trip would be open to students in grades 9-12.

While High School classes traditionally travel to foreign countries for cultural enrichment and language practice, this trip is unique in that focuses on service.

"This is the first time our trips have been service oriented, but we hope it is the first of many," said Community Services Director Sue Weatherbie. The trip is being offered through Community Services because it is a summer trip, and because it fits with existing "CapeAbility Camp" summer offerings, Weatherbie said.

High School students wishing to make the trip must have completed at least one year of Spanish, and submit a written statement, in Spanish, explaining why they want to go. Plans are to begin the 10-day trip in late June. Students will stay in a hotel in Antiqua, Guatemala, that is run by the Safe Passage organization.

Safe Passage was founded by a Maine native, and has offices based in Yarmouth, Dana said in her written proposal for the trip. "Save Passage has experience with service teams, they are well organized, and I've received good recommendations about their program from area Spanish teachers," she said.