A planned field trip to the nation's capital has Sharon school administrators thinking about how the possibility of terrorism and war will affect all future field trips.

Directors were asked Wednesday to approve a Science Club field trip for 40 students in grades 7 through 12 to Washington, D.C., on April 5 and 6.

Middle School Principal John Vannoy said that with the country on orange alert, the administration has some concerns about the trip. Vannoy said people shouldn't live in fear, but the district may want to consider a policy regarding field trips because of the post-Sept. 11 climate of the world.

Director Dominick Russo agreed that people can't live in fear, but said there are many more widespread dangers to worry about -- such as chemical warfare and biological weapons. "I'm very concerned. I think field trips are very worthwhile, but we need to develop a strategy to make certain to safeguard the students."

Russo mentioned the possibility of putting a clause in the contracts with travel companies to reimburse students if the trip should have to be canceled at the last minute because of terrorism or war.

"We live in a different world," Russo said. He said parents don't have to send their kids on field trips and may opt to wait for a safer time to have them travel.